Basements are great places for home improvement projects.  They can act as a storage space, entertainment area, impromptu room, or serve some other purpose. However, basements are also damp locations that are one of the biggest domestic odor producers. Unpleasant smells are usually the result of mildew and mold growth, so you should aim your efforts at these. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve the conditions and maximize the comfort in your basement.

Root around

Basement remodeling is one of the most exciting upgrades, and it is best handled by professionals. Bruzzese Home Improvements can carry out basement renovation for you and allow you to expand the living area. This gives you a well-designed and clean space. However, the problems could occur later, as the installations deteriorate. Also, not everyone can afford quality services, and many people go DIY when assembling a basement space.

Hence, some uninvited guests come to spoil the party: the incommodious smell and odor. Basements that smell like sewers are one of the most widespread issues homeowners deal with. Some of them decide to utilize perfumed candles or incense, but this brings only the temporary relief. Moreover, these products can give rise to various health issues. If you want to address the root of the problem, you have to take another approach.

The culprit

It is advisable to first check the plumbing system and search for leaks and cracks. Even the tiniest fissures and crevices can cause severe damage over time and damp the walls. Repairing and sealing them should allow you to keep the basement dry, and a waterproof paint coat or sealant usually does the trick. Bear in mind, though, that the orientation of the terrain around the house could also cause rainwater puddles.

Also, if you have a water trap under the floor drain, there is a possibility that water evaporated and sewer gas came up through the drain. To combat this menace, you can pour the cooking oil down the drain. Furthermore, another source of the problem could be the ventilation system. The remedy for this situation is regular maintenance. So, sweep the vents and ducts annually and enjoy air which is odorless and pure.

War on clutter

The foul smells could also originate from the piled-up dirt or malodorous objects. Basements are often used as storages, and spaces that accommodate hoarding habits. Hence, it helps to de-clutter the space and get rid of items you do not really need, those that are only collecting dust and nasty smells. And it goes without saying that objects beyond repair have no place in your environment. Clothes that have been stored for a long time, upholstered furniture, and floor coverings should be washed and dried if you want to keep them.

Remember that it pays off to have tools ready in the store. Find the best air purifier for mold, which should be able to remove the very source of mildew and mold. Or, you can take advantage of homemade solutions, like undiluted vinegar or a mixture of water and bleach. Apply them to the trouble spots and just do a bit of scrubbing. Another DIY option is to use baking soda every few months to soak in the odor. So, choose your weapons and do not stop until the vile stench is dispelled from your home for good.

Home, savory home

It is of the utmost importance to identify the source of the smell and treat it accordingly. Odors and other nuisances thrive in a certain kind of interior climate, predominantly in spaces that have problems with moisture and dust accumulation. So, wash and dry furniture and clothes thoroughly, and do away with the clutter. Conduct maintenance on a regular basis, and check the plumbing installations. Learn how to eradicate the smells and odors and continue using the space without any discomfort.

This article was written by Zoe Clark. Zoe is an environmentalist, home decorator and DIY enthusiast. When not obsessing about designing perfect homes, she is spending time with her family.