Unfortunately, smelling something musty and unpleasant in your basement is not uncommon. The smell’s root cause can vary widely, from being relatively harmless to indicative of a serious need for mitigation such as foundation repair.

Recognize Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew spores float in our environments, so when conditions in your basement are right, the spores take hold and grow. This results in a musty smell that can also trigger allergies, harm your home’s structure or cause serious health issues.

Find the Water

Mold and mildew can’t grow without water, so the key to successful mitigation is finding and eliminating the water source. Water in basements can come from environmental factors such as humidity, condensation and poor ventilation or maintenance issues such as leaking roofs or pipes. It can also result from behaviors such as leaving damp clothes in piles or more systemic issues such as compromised foundations.

Know When To Get Help

If the water source is easily mitigated, then a DIY approach makes sense. You can insulate pipes that cause condensation, for example, fix a leaky window or stop leaving wet clothes lingering in laundry baskets. However, if you see water seeping through your foundation or identify visible cracks in your basement walls, call a professional who specializes in basement and foundation repair and waterproofing.

Dehumidify and Clean the Mold

If you choose a DIY route, after eliminating the water source, get your humidity to under 60% using a dehumidifier. Then get rid of anything that may contain mold, such as damp boxes and papers or compromised furniture. Wash and dry clothing and other launderable materials on the hottest setting available. Finally, clean any visible mold or mildew spots from surfaces with a 4:1 water-to-bleach solution. Use baking soda or vinegar to get rid of any lingering smells.