Unless you’ve converted your basement into a living space, chances are that it is a storage area that often gets neglected. It is therefore not uncommon to find that your basement produces bad odors every now and then.
Musty odors are one of the most common types of odors that occur in basements. A musty smell is often the result of the growth of mold or mildew in the basement. Molds grow in damp and dark areas. You’ll often notice a musty smell coming from your basement in the fall or spring seasons.
Basements lack sunlight and tend to build up a lot of moisture. The combination of moisture and inadequate sunlight makes the basement the perfect environment for the growth of molds and mildew.
Although the musty smell is unpleasant, it isn’t the biggest thing to worry about. The growth of mold may result in the deterioration of your house. Molds and mildew can also result in health problems including allergies and asthma. Getting rid of the musty smell in your basement is therefore more important than simply ensuring that your home is odor free.
Getting rid of the musty smell in your Detroit basement
In order to get rid of the musty smell in your Detroit basement it is important to understand the causes. As mentioned earlier, musty smells are the result of the growth of mold or mildew. These grow well in damp or moist areas. Your first concern will therefore be to determine what is causing dampness in your basement. Here’s how to do that:
- The first step is to ensure that your basement is waterproof. Check the basement for leaks or water stains. It is important to have a professional check your basement to ensure that there are no leaks. A professional will fix your foundation and ensure that your basement remains dry for longer.
- The second step is to ensure that water from outside is flowing away from your foundation. The ground around your foundation should slope away from your foundation to ensure that rain water does not damage your home. Ensure that your gutters are working well and are cleaned regularly. The downspouts should face away from the foundation of the home and into a drain.
- Remove items in the basement that are infected and clean the basement using a simple solution of one cup of borax in a gallon of water.
- Ensure that you keep the basement well ventilated to improve circulation of air.
Jeff’s passion for basement waterproofing can be traced back to his early days at Everdry Waterproofing. He spent significant time working in every department not only to learn and improve but to help those who worked with him advance both personally and professionally.
Jeff has worked in the Waterproofing industry for 35 years, gaining experience in marketing, sales, service, and installations. As a seasoned basement waterproofing professional, he is passionate about advancing his knowledge in waterproofing and developing his team. In addition to basement waterproofing, he is also a board member for a non profit that educates and protects consumers against unethical business practices. Outside of the office, Jeff enjoys travel, music, and time with his wife of 36 years and his two sons.
Curious about the brains behind the great content here? It’s me, Jeff Schleuning, with 35+ years of expertise in the basement waterproofing industry and a rich history of owning a Basement Waterproofing franchise in Michigan.
My journey has equipped my team and I with invaluable insights, enabling to craft content that resonates with the audience using industry-leading online tools. Incorporating tools like SEMRush, Google Keyword Planner, AI technologies like ChatGPT, Claude-2, Google Bard, and Grammarly, we ensure the content is not just engaging but also strategically aligned with market trends.
