Basement order is one of the most common issues that homeowners face. Basement order can be caused by a wide variety of factors, and eliminating basement odor takes dedication, patience and knowledge regarding the best methods for managing basement odors. The following guide will help you understand what causes basement odor and how to get rid of it.

What Causes Basement Odor?

There are numerous reasons why there might be lingering odors in your basement. The key to eliminating basement odor is understanding what can cause strange smells in the first place.

The most common causes for basement odor include:

• Mold and mildew

It is very easy for mold and mildew to develop in a basement space. This is because basements are often damp and dark, which creates the perfect setting for mold and mildew growth. Eventually, this mold and mildew growth will create a strong odor which will linger as long as there is still mold and mildew growth in the basement.

• Dampness and standing water

Damp spots and standing water in the basement can also cause odors overtime period dampness can be caused by leaks, such as leaks from plumbing or leaks from basement windows; standing water can also accrue due to leaks. In addition to causing odors, dampness and standing water can encourage mold growth as well as insect infestations, especially gnats and mosquitoes.

• Animal waste

If you have pets that have access to your basement, it is possible that their waste--namely urine and feces--may be causing odors. You should always make sure that pets are not urinating or defecating in the basement; if you have a litter box in the basement, this can also be a potential source of odor. Animal waste may also be caused by the presence of pests, such as mice or raccoons.

• Plumbing and sewage waste

Another common cause of basement odors is plumbing and sewage waste. Sewage backup, or even small leaks from plumbing, can cause sewage and toilet waste odors to build up in a basement.

• Iron ochre

Iron ochre is a slimy substance made from iron and bacteria. It has a jelly-like appearance and a distinct foul odor. Although it is typically slimy, if it does dry, it will have a rust-like flaky appearance.

Getting Rid of Basement Odor: Steps to Take

Now that you know the most common causes of basement odor, you can move on to the steps necessary to eliminate it for good.

Step One: Identify the Odor

The first step to eliminating basement odor is to identify what is causing the smell. Thoroughly examine your basement for animal waste, mold and mildew, damp spots and anything else that might be causing a lingering smell. Once you have done this, you will be able to move on to the step of actually eliminating the odor.

Step Two: Remove or Resolve Source of Odor

Now that you know what is causing the smell, it is time to remove or otherwise resolve the source of the odor. The exact steps to take here will depend on what is causing the smell.

• Mold and mildew

You must kill the mold and mildew using special mold killing chemicals. You must also have the physical mold and mildew removed from the space. Make sure that you examine any area near the developed mold and mildew, because it is common for mold and mildew to grow quickly and expand over a wide area.

• Dampness

Eliminate the source of the dampness first. If it’s being caused by leaking plumbing, you must fix the plumbing; if the dampness is caused by a leaky window that drips water when it rains, you must fix the window. Then, you’ll need to thoroughly dry the formerly damp area.

• Animal waste

Remove all traces of physical animal waste. If the odor is being caused by an infestation, you’ll need to handle the infestation or the waste smell will return. If the odor is caused by a litter box, thoroughly clean the existing box, then implement odor-reducing litter products to help reduce the smell.

• Plumbing or sewage

Repair any plumbing issues first. If you are having sewage problems, you’ll likely need to bring in a professional.

• Iron ochre

Removing iron ochre yourself can be difficult, especially if it’s grown over a large area. High pressure water may remove iron ochre from a small space (such as a corner) but if the iron ochre has grown over a large area, call in a professional

Clean Up Your Basement

Now that you have reduced or removed the source of the odor, it’s time to thoroughly clean your basement. Cleaning your basement well eliminate lingering smells and give you a clean slate to start with as you work to prevent the development of basement odors in the future.

Prevent Future Odors with a Few Tricks

One of the most critical steps to eliminating basement odor is to prevent future odors as much as possible once you have removed the cause of the original smell and cleaned the basement area.

Preventing future odors will not only help to keep your basements falling fresh, it will help prevent problems that can cause serious issues down the line, such as continued mold growth.

The key to preventing future odors is to ensure that your basement is free from dampness (such as leaky plumbing or dripping); free from any animal waste (from pets or pests); and that you regularly clean the basement.

You can also help certain basement odors in the future by regularly circulating air in the basement. Air circulation will not only keep the basement smelling fresher, but will get rid of any potential stale air smells that can linger over time.

Final Thoughts

Basement odors can be frustrating. However, as long as you know the proper steps to eliminating basement order, you can return your basement space to a fresh-smelling area of your home in no time. Remember to first identify the cause of the odor, resolve that issue, and then clean the basement before doing everything you can to prevent future basement odor problems from occurring. Amet venenatis urna cursus eget nunc scelerisque viverra mauris. Sapien faucibus et molestie ac feugiat sed lectus. Sem integer vitae justo eget magna fermentum. Ante metus dictum at tempor commodo. Nec ultrices dui sapien eget mi proin sed. Convallis aenean et tortor at risus viverra. Enim sit amet venenatis urna cursus. Arcu dui vivamus arcu felis bibendum ut tristique. Quis ipsum suspendisse ultrices gravida dictum fusce ut placerat orci. Libero enim sed faucibus turpis. Orci ac auctor augue mauris augue neque gravida in. Donec adipiscing tristique risus nec feugiat in. Donec ac odio tempor orci. Viverra tellus in hac habitasse platea dictumst vestibulum rhoncus. Duis at tellus at urna condimentum mattis pellentesque id.