Now that Summer is Almost Here, Watch for Mold and Mildew in Your Basement...

If you’ve noticed a basement mildew smell in your home it means you have at least mildew, and possibly mold, growing in your basement. Mold and mildew won’t go away on its own, but will only get worse and could spread to other areas of your home. The spores produced by mold and mildew can also contain toxins that can be dangerous to the health of your family. The only way to alleviate the smell is to completely get rid of the mold and mildew.

Step 1 – Find the Source

Do a thorough inspection of your basement to find out where the mildew or mold is growing. Look for areas where the odor is the strongest, as well as dampness and black or green spots or patches. You’ll need to check everything, including walls, carpets, furniture and stored items. If you have a lot of things in your basement, you may want to take everything out to do a more thorough inspection and cleaning.

Step 2 – Clean It up

You will need to do a thorough cleaning of everything that has mildew or mold, as well as everything that has absorbed the smell. This may mean throwing out some items that have been taken over by mildew. If the mildew or mold has got into porous materials such as fabrics, carpets and wood furniture, it may be impossible to completely get rid of it.

To clean the items you are keeping, as well as the walls and floors, you can either use a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water, vinegar and water, bleach, or detergent. Rona or other home stores may also carry mold removal products.  Give everything a good scrub and make sure to dry everything completely. You can put furniture out in the sun to dry or use a fan.

Step 3 – Fix the Problem

Once you've thoroughly cleaned your basement, it's time to take care of the problem that caused the mildew in the first place. You need to determine what is causing the excess moisture in your basement. It may be a water leak from a leaky pipe, a crack in the wall, or lack of proper air circulation.

Regardless of the source of the excess moisture, it’s a good idea to provide better ventilation in your basement to prevent future mold and mildew problems. If your basement doesn’t have good air flow, you could install cross ventilation that connects your basement with the ventilation system in the rest of your house. You should also install a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.

Step 4 – Freshen up

Now that the source of the bad odor is finally gone, it's time to bring in some good odors. Give your basement a generous spray of your favorite air freshener and put in some long term air fresheners, such as plug-ins, potpourri or scented candles. The Air Sponge or other similar product also works well.

Serious issues may require professional remediation as it can effect health and resale value of your home.  Please contact me if you have any questions.