Pros share how to eliminate odors from a damp basement, plus surprising sources contributing to the stink.
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Basements are notorious for developing a musty smell.
Start With a Thorough Cleaning
Performing a full clean on your basement is step number one.
Photo:Rick Lew/Getty Images
It also refreshes your space and helps it smell cleaner.
If this scent is present, its a pretty good indicator of a mold problem in the basement.
This minimizes your exposure, reduces the risk of spread, and ensures you truly kill the mold.
The quickest and easiest way to control the humidity is with a dehumidifier, Riley says.
The size of the dehumidifier will depend on the size of the room.
Depending on the environment and the unit, this may be a daily task.
Riley says that adequate ventilation can play a big role in eliminating musty basement odors.
In more serious cases, you may need to discard these items altogether to ensure a fresh start.
you might also deep clean each of these appliances once every month or two.