How To Get Rid Of Mold, Mildew And That Nasty Musty Basement Smell

When you enter a house or building and detect that nasty musty basement smell, you can be sure there is water damage somewhere. This is a problem that is often neglected for years, to the harm of the family and the structure itself.
The distinctive odor is caused by mold spores, which are floating about in the atmosphere in the room. You are actually inhaling them, and thus it is no wonder that so many people living is such conditions suffer from poor health.
These little spores can cause many uncomfortable symptoms that are flu-like or asthma like. Runny nose, sneezing, aching joints, fatigue, irritability, and coughing are some typical symptoms. In some cases, children suffer for years with these and can even develop asthma and allergies.
To get rid of the musty basement smell, you must do 3 things
Reduce the moisture in the room or building. Mold and mildew require high levels of moisture to grow and flourish, so the first thing you need to do is dry things out. This is sometimes a simple process, other times, you are faced with some very expensive water damage prevention and restoration.
Reduce the temperature. As with moisture, mold needs a warm environment in which to thrive. If you can cool things down, and reduce the moisture, you are well on your way to cleaning things up. One method is to install a thermostatically controlled vent fan. This is somewhat expensive, but well worth the investment.
Clean everything and clean again. This cannot be overstated. Mold is a survivor and will start up again as soon as conditions are ripe. If you keep things very clean, it will just not be able to get started. Everyone has different ideas of what clean is, but what is meant here is clean as if you could eat off the surface.
In the process of performing these three steps, you will discover that you have more things than you need, most likely. it is always a good idea to to through your possessions and throw out or give away the things you really do not need.
Old clothes, boxes, carpeting, and books are common places where mold and mildew like to grow. Chances are, if you have that musty basement smell, you have some of these lying around, doing nothing, but collecting mold spores! Get rid of them and do yourself a big favor.
One very good and inexpensive cleaner is to fill a spray bottle with half vinegar and half borax. For pennies, compared to store-bought cleaners, you will have the best cleaning product around, and it will leave everything squeaky clean and smelling great.
The first time I heard about this cleaner was in a delicatessen. The place was so clean and smelled so good that I asked what was causing it. The owner told me about his cleaner and said he'd never go back to the expensive stuff he had used before.
Once you get you place clean and dry, and the temperature under control, and have eliminated the stuff that provided a place for the mold spores to grow, you will have a clean and fresh environment.