The Stench Of A Basement Flood Can Sometimes Extend A Half Mile Or More

Every time you go into the basement you inhale the air and it is filled with that nasty musty scent. You are not alone. Basements in many homes have that same smell exuding from them too. If the aroma is something you would prefer to not have, there are ways to eliminate it. This is probably a wonderful notion anyway as the musty smell is a sign that mold and mildew are lurking about someplace in the basement and presents a potential health risk.

Open windows all throughout the basement. This will permit air flow throughout the basement and will help dissipate the musty aroma. If there is furniture in the basement and it is carpeted take out any cushioning and buy new, you should steam clean the carpeting well and dry them totally, using fans to circulate the air for speedier drying. Bring furniture outside and wash them there. Permit them to dry out and air out in the sunshine. Be certain that if your dryer resides in in the basement that it is appropriately vented to the outside so that it doesn't create humidity in the basement.

Mix up a solution of bleach and water with just about a cup of bleach to a gallon of water. Wash down any cement floors and all the walls of the basement. Let the chlorine stay for around 15 minutes then rinse the walls and dry them as well. This will destroy any mold or mildew that began to proliferate thus eliminating the musty aroma.

If these simple fixes aren't enough and the musty smell returns you should check for the cause. Look at the outside of the home. Be certain that the gutters are working properly and are not overflowing onto the surface around the substructure. Be certain the ground around the foundation inclines downward and away leading water to move away from the abode. This helps prevent water from pooling and leaching into the earth around the base resulting in hydrostatic pressure. This pressure results in splits and openings appear in the substructure which allows moisture into the basement. The moisture leads to the musty odor.

Be sure that the windows in the basement are in acceptable condition and are well caulked. This is one more way to lock wetness out, preventing the awful musty smell from taking hold.

If you have cracks, openings, or signs of moisture on the walls be sure to waterproof the walls. Fix any splits and openings. Use hydraulic cement to repair cracks and gaps. Apply a cement sealant that is waterproof to the walls and cement floors of the basement. This should eliminate any moisture from accumulating in the basement and thus also eliminate that musty smell.

If the trouble still continues after you have done everything mentioned above, it is time to think about buying a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier takes out the wetness from the air. This will keep any humidity at a minimum in the basement. This will preclude the musty aroma as there won't be wetness in the basement to accumulate and create mold or mildew. This will also ensure that there are no health risks to your loved ones caused by mold growth in the basement.

About the Author

Evie Parrish researches restoration items for homeowners for Suffolk County NY flooded basement help and New Hyde Park, NY Flooded Basement Service

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