Will a dehumidifier get rid of basement smell?

Eliminating those unpleasant odors is one of the top benefits of running a dehumidifier. “Dehumidifiers help make a room feel less damp. Otherwise the humidity can bring on a musty smell that reminds me of an old house,” says Eric Ball, a spokesman for Lowe's.

Will a dehumidifier help with basement smell?

Removing Excess Moisture From The Air

The best way to remove moisture from a damp basement is to keep a dehumidifier down there. A single dehumidifier in the basement will remove quite a bit of the dampness and lessen the smell.

How do I get rid of the basement smell in my basement?

Tackle the Smell

Place bowls of baking soda around the basement. The baking soda will begin to absorb the odors and should make a significant difference over the course of a few days. You can also use bowls of white vinegar or clean cat litter—both will absorb odors as well.

Do dehumidifiers get rid of odors?

Benefits of a Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers help reduce odors that can accompany mold and mildew in your home—getting rid of that “musty” or “rotting” smell.

What are the disadvantages of a dehumidifier?

How to reduce humidity in basement | Wet basement solutions

Should every basement have a dehumidifier?

While dehumidifiers are a great way to remove mold from a basement (opens in new tab), it doesn't necessarily mean that a dehumidifier in a basement will help upstairs (opens in new tab). However, there are still plenty of health benefits for using a dehumidifier in your basement.

Is it normal for basement to smell musty?

Basements are the perfect breeding ground for a mold or mildew problem, creating a musty smell that can be hard to get rid of. As some or all of your basement walls are built underground, the cold, moist soil surrounding the walls leeches moisture into the basement.

Why does my basement stink?

Bad basement smells come from humidity and moisture that comes up from the ground. Since the basement is below ground level, this moisture never really goes away and just keeps accumulating. This causes mold and fungus to grow and spread.

Why does my basement smell so musty?

Underground living spaces can't hold moisture like the upper levels of your home. When the warmer air from above seeps into your basement, the moisture in the air condenses, and ends up on your dark basement walls and cold water pipes. Mold begins to form, and the unpleasant smell you can't seem to shake is born.

Where should dehumidifier be placed in basement?

Placing your dehumidifier near the source of moisture will be more efficient. Your dehumidifier will capture humidity before it has a chance to infiltrate other areas.

When should you use a dehumidifier in the basement?

Your Relative Humidity

If your relative humidity levels stay high, it might be a good idea to run your device. In fact, if your humidity levels remain above 50 percent, your room will benefit from a basement dehumidifier.

Do dehumidifiers clean the air?

Dehumidifiers do not clean the air. These appliances help maintain the humidity levels within your space by removing excess moisture. However, a dehumidifier can indirectly clean the air by preventing mold, bacteria and other particulates from growing, all of which could lead to a variety of health issues.

What gets rid of musty smell?

To get the last of the musty smell out of your house, use a natural odor absorber like activated charcoal or baking soda. These products will absorb the smell, so you'll want to throw them away and replace them every two weeks or so.

How do you get the smell out of a concrete floor?

To get rid of smells on concrete floors, follow up the initial cleaning with an application of OdoBan odor remover solution (mix 8 ounces of OdoBan concentrate per gallon of water). Thoroughly wet the concrete surface, allowing the odor solution to reach all affected areas.

How do you get rid of old house smell?

An open container of baking soda or white vinegar, kept in an unobtrusive place (for example on top of your kitchen cupboards), can help absorb smells and clear the air. Experts also recommend FreshWave or DampRid, two all-natural substances that absorb smells and trap excess moisture in the air.

How do I stop my house from smelling musty?

Why does my basement smell musty in the summer?

When humid air gets trapped in your basement it can cause mold and mildew to appear. Over time, that mold and mildew can begin to grow and cause your basement to smell.

How do I get the musty smell out of my basement from water damage?

Short-term odor removal methods include laying out dishes of vinegar. Leave several bowls of vinegar in the basement for two to three days. The vinegar breaks down the damp smells. Or, sprinkle chlorinated lime on the basement floor; sweep it up after the odor disappears.

Can you have a musty smell without mold?

The musty smell that is harbored within your home's walls can be the cause of several factors residing in the environment and/or conditions that are present in the indoor space. Although most people's initial thought is that musty smells only come from mold development in the environment, this is simply not the case.

What does black mold smell like?

It's often described as musty and earthy, and may even smell like rotting vegetables or plants. You might notice a musty smell, but not be able to see any mold growing. In this case, you should look for areas that might be exposed to water.

How long does it take for a dehumidifier to dry basement?

The key to drying a basement fast is using high-volume fans and dehumidifiers. The fans help water evaporate, while the dehumidifiers pull it out of the air. When used properly, they can dry a wet basement in as little as 12 hours.

Should you run a dehumidifier in the basement in the winter?

You should only run a dehumidifier in your basement in the wintertime if the room maintains a high relative humidity. To monitor the relative humidity in your basement, hang a humidistat (sometimes called a hygrometer) on the wall. It works like a thermometer, constantly measuring the relative humidity in the room.

How long should you run a dehumidifier in the basement?

So to recap, run your dehumidifier unit for at least 12 hours a day. This is a good rule of thumb. Again, it's okay if you don't stick to this schedule every day, but be aware that the more your family runs your dehumidifier unit the fresher and cleaner it will be all year long.

Why does my house smell musty after being away?

When a house is left vacant for extended periods of time, it may begin to smell stale. This scent is caused by lack of air circulation.

How do you remove smells from walls?

Baking soda and vinegar can be used to neutralize many different unwanted scents. For example: Use a spray bottle with warmed vinegar and water to clean stains from your wall that may be causing lingering odors.