Musty odors in a house there occur as a result of mold. Mold and it’s spores can be generated and become air born, but it does require certain types of conditions to grow similar to mushrooms. They can include a combination of moisture, warmer temperatures, lack of good clean fresh air & it needs a food source. It’s most common areas of the house to grow are where they can be accumulated are moist, moldy basements, in crawl areas, or even in dark closets. The water moisture also generates a very unpleasant odor, mold and mildew can cause water or moisture damage to various materials. The good news it is not difficult to eliminate bad odors or the mildew from your basement.
Instructions
- First, open your windows & outside doors in the basement area on a good hot dry day. Put a couple of portable floor fans in the doorway, keep some looking inward to cool spots so the atmosphere & the others looking are facing outside to remove the moisture.
- Second, place a good dehumidifier that is on all the time inside your basement area, then with the windows and doors closed. Check out the machines and empty them often when they become full. Also, put silica gel in bottles around the room, because this can absorb moisture from the room and air.
- Third, remove any objects in the areas of the basement and clean them from top to bottom. Take them outdoors into the hot sunshine. Then Remove the mold gently with a brush or whatever you have to use around your home. Then use a soft sponge and a good foaming solution with detergent and hot water. Rinse it all thoroughly with clean water each time and then let dry outside in the sun. If you are trying to clean deep mildew stains, mix two tablespoons of bleach in with about one quart of good warm water. Apply it with a new sponge on the stain or soak it. Let stand and dry for about 5 minutes, rinse it with clean cold water and let it dry.
- Fourth, cleaning the basement floor to eliminate the musty odors. Try sprinkling a thin layer of lime on all floor areas. As the musty bad smells disappear, sweep the lime up. Clean carpet, also you can rent a special machine for carpets to remove all mold and moisture.
Contact Chris with Syracuse Basement Waterproofing at 315-545-5795 for more information.