How do you get rid of that basement smell?

[Anonymous]

We will eventually do our basement over but it has a musty smell. No Water damage or anything so wondering if it's worth it to renovate if it will always have that smell.

[Anonymous]

There is dampness somewhere. A dehumidifier.should work wonders.

[Anonymous]

Agree that step one is a dehumidifier - run it 24-7 on the highest setting for 2-3 weeks. It should solve most of your problem

[Anonymous]

thanks I will do so

[Anonymous]

Is your basement connected to the HVAC system? The HVAC with circulate and dry the basement air. Also, the basement should be much more water tight after finishing.

[Anonymous]

You have a moisture problem and need to fix that first

[Anonymous]

It is leaking you just don't see it

[Anonymous]

Check your downspouts and drainage outside the house and make sure water is going toward the house. Also agree with dehumidifier.

[Anonymous]

I always run a 70-pint dehumidifier in our unfinished basement during the summer to keep the musty smell away. They can be setup to drain into the sump drain so you don't have to empty the water. Every 3-4 years, the dehumidifier stops working and has to be replaced. They are not made in a way that they can be recharged with coolant or repaired. I've tried several different brands and this is always the case. Currently, we have a Frigidaire and it's working well.

[Anonymous]

Friedrich dehidifier is good. 50/50 water white vinegar solution helps kill mold/mildew.