How To Get Rid Of Mold Smell In Your Basement
It can be very distressing to smell a wet dog in your basement. Mold is often the cause of the musty smell coming from your basement. Mold spores can form in the air once a colony has formed. They then permeate the area with a distinct smell. The odor will not disappear no matter how many times you sweep, mop, or spray. You shouldn’t abandon your mold remediation efforts. Although you can eliminate the smell of mold, it is possible to reverse your efforts to remove the mold. This post will explain how to get rid of the bad smells from your basement.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a fungus which feeds on organic matter such as wood, paper and fabric. Mold thrives on oxygen and moisture, so it prefers dark, damp areas to build a house. Mold thrives in basements because of its environment. Although it’s common, it is not a serious problem and should be treated. When moldy conditions are left untreated for a long time, people can experience symptoms such as a runny nose or fatigue, nausea, wheezing and coughing, watery eyes, and other unpleasant effects. Black mold, a fungus can cause more serious health problems. The symptoms include difficulty breathing, tightening in the chest, dizziness and burning sensations in your throat or nose. Although it’s not the most dangerous mold species, you should avoid it growing in your home. Mold can be dangerous for your health. Mold can cause structural damage to your home. To grow, the fungus needs moisture. Water damage due to flooding, leaks, or poor circulation are just a few of the potential problems. Mold can also cause damage to ceiling tiles, boards, and drywall. Mold growth can leave a dark stains, but it can also cause decay in wood, eat away your wallpaper, and severely damage your carpets and flooring. This type of mold growth needs professional mold remediation before you can undertake costly repairs.
What Does Mold Look Like?
If you don’t know what mold looks, consider green, brown, or even black spots growing on walls, window sills, around vents, and on furniture. Also, look out for stains on ceilings, walls, and flooring. Mold growth could be indicated by peeling or bubbling in wallpaper, paint, and drywall. Mold should be investigated in any area where water damage or high levels of moisture are present. You should also inspect the attics, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas, and attics for mold.
How To Get Rid Of Mold Smells In Your Basement
Basements with a musty, wet dog odor are almost always a sign of moisture problems. Mold growth is almost certain to cause a mold problem in a basement. This is because the environment is ideal for fungal colonies. There are many things you can do in order to eliminate the odor. However, you must stop the source of moisture and stop the growth of moldspores to truly solve the problem. These are the three most effective ways to deal with mold problems.
1. Look For Any Leaks In Your Basement
You can start to address the mold problem by removing the moisture and humidity sources. Basement windows are known for being water leakage sources. However, condensation from uninsulated pipes can also cause excess moisture in the atmosphere. There may be exposed pipes in your basement’s ceiling or wall. If they aren’t insulated get foam pipe wrap from your local home improvement store. This can be used to cover the pipe to prevent condensation. Call a plumber if there is an active leak. Your windows could be contributing to the problem if water is pooling below the window or water runs down the glass in a rainstorm. Make sure water is being diverted away from your house’s exterior. To reduce the chance of another clog, fill the hole with gravel. To create a new seal and stop small leaks, replace any weather stripping or caulk. You may have a bigger problem if water seeps up from the foundation or through cracks in your basement wall. To prevent further damage, you may need to install a sump-pump or hire a contractor who specializes in waterproofing and foundation repair.
2. Install A Dehumidifier
The basement, being underground, is often cooler than the upper levels of the home during the warmer months. It creates problems when warm air flows down into the basement. Condensation occurs when the warm air cools quickly and the basement has a colder climate. It forms a thin layer of moisture that covers any basement items and also covers the walls. The foundation can allow moisture from the soil to enter the basement. Indoor humidity should not exceed 30% to 50% A hygrometer can be used to test the humidity in your room. A dehumidifier will be able to remove excess moisture from the air if you notice a musty odor or have located the source of the moisture. This makes it more difficult for mildew growth in basements. A compressor dehumidifier can be used in basements. It works by sucking air from the room and placing it on a chilled coil. The water vapor is condensed into a tank which you can then empty as necessary.
3. Remove The Mold
Mold can only be removed once the source of moisture has been stopped. You can clean up mildew and mold yourself for minor issues or isolated instances with little damage. For a more serious problem, such as mold growth in your basement, call our Mold Removal specialists.
Take out any cardboard, fabric, or wood items that are soaking wet in the basement. These are prime breeding grounds for mold. Pack whatever else you have (checking it is free of mold) into tight-fitting plastic containers. To salvage as much fabric as possible, wash them on the highest setting using color-safe bleach. Spot treatment is possible for nonporous furniture that doesn’t show much damage or smell. However, you will likely have to get rid of stinky and infested furniture. Water and rubbing alcohol, bleach or white vinegar, as well as tea tree oil, can all be used. To remove mold from walls, ceilings and windows, use bleach.
After the mold has been removed, scrub everything with a stiff brush. Then use clean water to wash it down. To dry everything, open the windows and bring in fans. Baking soda in strategically placed bowls can absorb residual smells, and pans of cat litter can absorb moisture. The key to keeping your basement smelling fresh is to remove the source of mold growth. Mold Removal can help you with this, contact 911 Restoration of Central Maryland to get help with mold removal from your basement.
