How to Get Rid of Basement Mildew and Mold Smells

Basements that have recently been cleared of mold and mildew can still smell moldy and musty. If your basement has an odor that just won´t dissipate, the tips below will help you rid your basement of mold smells effectively and permanently. These techniques work in all areas of the house, including attics, crawl spaces, and other neglected parts of your home.

First, make certain that the lingering mold smell is not, in fact, coming from lingering mold and mildew. If you missed a spot during the process of basement mold removal, this could be the source of the smell.

Next, keep the basement ventilated for at least 24 hours. If the basement has windows, open them and put window fans on the ledges.

If your basement does not have any windows, then keep the door open and use a large fan to circulate air from the rest of the house. Keep the windows open in the room that leads down to the basement (usually the kitchen).

While the basement is being ventilated, clean the walls, floor, and ceiling with citrus or pine scented cleaning products. Wear a face mask when washing the basement surfaces, and let the products soak into the surfaces for several hours before rinsing.

For carpeting, liberally sprinkle the floor with baking soda, and let it sit for several hours before vacuuming. Do not use a steam cleaner unless absolutely necessary, since moisture invites mold. Avoid spraying the carpet with any liquids.

Next, remove and clean all of the furniture in the basement. Mold odor can absorb into the fabric of chairs and couches, as well as unfinished wood. Wash all the covers, spray them with lysol, and thoroughly clean porous wood surfaces. Odor removing spray can also be used.

Keep the basement ventilated on a regular basis. Either use window fans, or install central air ducts that lead into the basement. This helps keep the basement dry, which discourages mold and mildew growth in the future.

© Had2Know 2010