Why That Musty Basement Smell Keeps Coming Back

If a musty, damp smell greets you almost every time you head downstairs… you’re not alone. In fact, it’s one of those things almost every homeowner deals with at some point. Basements have a tendency of holding moisture without showing clear warning signs. The air usually feels heavier than the rest of the house, even without any standing water or obvious leaks. Most people, unfortunately, just hope it’ll go away on its own, but here is the spoiler, the smell stays, sometimes fading for a bit only to return after rain or during humid weather. The good news is: our remediation experts have several recommendations for practical things you can do to try to reduce or remove the odor.

Why the Smell Never Really Leaves

That musty smell is basically your basement telling you moisture is sticking around where it shouldn't be. Once water finds a way to get in, it will stick around. Maybe there's a small leak in a pipe you haven't noticed, or maybe the air is just too humid and has nowhere to go. Sometimes it's the concrete itself holding onto dampness, or the space doesn't have enough airflow to dry things out properly. Here are a few things you can try: 

• Fix any obvious leaks in pipes or walls
• Run a dehumidifier every day 
• Storage boxes must not sit flat on the floor (they can slowly absorb moisture)
• Leave some space in between stored items and the wall, instead of stacking them right up against them
• Check and clean out your floor drains
• Get rid of cardboard boxes, old fabric, or anything else that got damp

Sometimes you do all of that and the smell still refuses to leave. When that happens, moisture is probably hiding behind walls or under floors where you can't get to it. That's when the usual fixes stop working and you need professionals to sort things for you. 

Why Calling NewGen Remediation Specialists Makes Perfect Sense

NewGen Remediation Specialists tracks down those hidden moisture sources that keep the problem alive. We use professional equipment and proven remediation methods to identify and tackle the root cause (not just covering it up). When moisture is handled correctly, the smell stops coming back.

Take Action Before It Gets Worse

If your basement still smells musty after cleaning and airing it out, it is time to bring in the professionals. Contact NewGen Remediation Specialists, let us help you breathe easy in your basement again.