It can be distressing to detect a damp dog in your basement. The most common reason for the musty smell in your basement is mold. Once a colony is formed, mold spores may begin to grow in the air. The mold spores then spread throughout the air, leaving behind a distinctive odor. No matter how many times you scrub, mop, or spray, the odor will not go away. It is important to continue your mold remediation efforts. It is possible to reverse the mold removal efforts, even if the mold smells gone. This article will show you how to eliminate bad smells from your basement.

What Is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that feeds on organic matter like wood, paper, and fabric. Mold thrives on moisture and oxygen, so it prefers to live in dark, damp places when building a house. Because of the environment, mold thrives in basements. It is common but not serious and should be treated. If moldy conditions go untreated, it can cause symptoms like a runny nose, fatigue, nausea, wheezing, coughing, watery eyes and other unpleasant side effects. Black mold, also known as fungus, can lead to more serious health issues. You may experience difficulty breathing, tightening of the chest, dizziness, and burning sensations in the throat or nose. It is not the most harmful mold species but it should be avoided growing in your home. Mold can pose a threat to your health. Mold can cause structural damage to your house. The fungus requires moisture to grow. Poor circulation, flooding, and leakage can all lead to water damage. Ceiling tiles, boards and drywall can also be damaged by mold. Mold growth can leave dark stains on ceiling tiles, boards, and drywall. It can also lead to decay in wood and eat away at wallpaper. This can cause serious damage to carpets and flooring. This type of mold growth requires professional mold remediation before you can make costly repairs.

What Does Mold Look Like?

If you aren’t sure what mold looks like, look out for green, brown, or black spots on walls, windows sills, around vents and on furniture. You should also be aware of stains on walls, ceilings, and flooring. If wallpaper, paint, or drywall is peeling or bubbling, it could indicate mold growth. Any area with high moisture levels or water damage should be examined for mold. Mold should be checked in attics, attics, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens.

How To Get Rid Of Mold Smells In Your Basement

Basements that smell like a wet dog are usually a sign of moisture issues. A basement with mold growth is almost guaranteed to have a problem. Because the basement environment is perfect for fungal colonies. You can do many things to get rid of the odor. To truly eliminate the problem, however, you need to stop moisture from building up and prevent moldspores from growing. These are the best ways to combat mold problems.

1. Look For Any Leaks In Your Basement


The first step in addressing the mold problem is to eliminate moisture and humidity. Basement windows are well-known for their water leakage potential. Condensation from uninsulated pipes can also lead to excess moisture in your atmosphere. You may have exposed pipes in your basement’s wall or ceiling. Foam pipe wrap can be purchased at your local home improvement shop if they aren’t insulated. To prevent condensation, you can use this to cover the pipe. If there is an active leak, call a plumber. If water pools below your windows or rainwater runs down the glass, it could be a sign that there is a problem. Check that water is not being directed away from the house’s exterior. Fill the hole with gravel to reduce the risk of another clog. Replace any weather stripping and caulk to create a new seal. Water seeping through cracks or from your basement walls can lead to a larger problem. You can prevent further damage by installing a sump pump or hiring a contractor who is skilled in foundation repair and waterproofing.

2. Install A Dehumidifier


Because it is underground, the basement is usually cooler than the upper floors of your home in the summer months. Warm air can flow down into the basement, which causes problems. Condensation happens when warm air cools rapidly and basement temperatures are lower. It forms a thin layer that covers basement items as well as the walls. The foundation may allow moisture from soil to penetrate the basement. A hygrometer is a tool that can measure indoor humidity. It should not exceed 30% to half-way. If you detect a musty smell or find the source of moisture, a dehumidifier can remove it from the air. It is therefore more difficult to grow mildew in basements. Basements can be equipped with a compressor dehumidifier. The compressor dehumidifier works by sucking air out of the room and placing it on a cold coil. You can then empty the tank as needed.

3. Get Rid Of The Mold

Only mold can be removed if the source of moisture is stopped. For minor problems or isolated cases, you can clean up mildew or mold by yourself. Call our mold remediation specialists if you have a more serious issue, like mold growth in your basement.

Remove any cardboard, fabric or wood that is soaking wet from the basement. These are prime breeding areas for mold. You can pack whatever you have, making sure it is not moldy. Wash fabric at the highest setting with color-safe bleach to save as much as possible. Nonporous furniture with minimal damage or smell can be treated by spot treatment. You will need to remove infested or stinky furniture. You can use water, bleach, white vinegar, and tea tree oil. Use bleach to remove mold from windows, walls, and ceilings.

Once the mold is removed, scrub it with a stiff toothbrush. Use clean water to rinse it off. Open the windows and let dry with fans. Baking soda can be used in bowls strategically placed to absorb any residual smells. Cat litter pans can also absorb moisture. Mold growth can be removed from your basement to keep it smelling fresh. To learn more about mold removal, call 911 Restoration of New Orleans.