Heavy rains and water leaks can flood a basement within a matter of hours. In the process, knee high waters can dampen possessions, ruin electronics and create an unwelcome mildew smell within the space.
While it can be challenging to restore and freshen this space, there remain several household solutions that can be utilized. By using the following solutions, you will be able to restore this space and leave it smelling fresh.
Smell Removal Solutions for Flooded Basement
1 Step 1: Fix Leak & Drain Basement
As a preliminary step, you will need to fix any water pipe leaks or water passages into the basement and drain the water out. In most cities, professional services can be hired to perform the task of pumping out all of the water level found within the basement’s space.
2 Step 2: Sun Dry Items & Baking Soda
Once you have the water pumped out of the basement, you will need to move out all items that have been affected by the flooding to dry out and deodorize within the sun. While the flooring is still moist, use an entire box of baking soda to sprinkle over the surface area of the basement’s flooring.
3 Step 3: Enzyme Cleaner or White Vinegar Wipedown
Once the entire area has been evacuated of flood affected items, proceed to wipe down all surface areas within the space with enzyme cleaner or white vinegar. Both of these deodorizing solutions will have the effect killing the mold spore that work to cause the dank mildew odor within the space. When using white vinegar, you will need to mix a solution of one part white vinegar with three parts water. You will need to apply either of these solutions while using a rag for the walls and a mop for the walls. Upon completion, it is smart to open the windows within the space and run one or two area fans within the basement to speed the drying process.
4 Step 4: Run Dehumidifier
If you notice that the basement might need something a bit more substantial than area fan to properly dry out the space, you may want to consider buy a dehumidifier. This machines will work to pull all of the available moisture out of the space and make it very difficult for mildew to grow within the space.
5 Optional: Ozone Machine
If a mildew odor remains after everything within the basement has been properly treated and dried out, you may want to consider renting an ozone machine. These machines are highly effective but also require precaution during their use. It is extremely important not to be with the space it is treating as it can be deadly within extreme cases.
Basement clean-up requires more than just odor removal after it has been flooded. For some additional tips on eliminating odors in the home, you can use this flooded basement cleaning guide.
Photo Credit: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
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The first thing you will need to do is access the damage within the room and search out visible mold within the space. Upon your findings, decide whether the mildew odor is associated with a surface are problem or whether it is something deep within the foundation and surrounding walls. In such cases, you the mold’s structural damage may be outside your own grasp and might require the help of a trained professional.
It’s never fun to move all your storage items out of the basement, but it is a necessity in order properly treat the basement and ensure that the mold does not return. All storage items must be moved to a space within the yard where it can receive several hours a day of direct sunlight. It is additionally important to do an assessment of the items for any visible mold. If items are found with mold, they can usually be treated with a white vinegar solution. Either wipe the items down with a one part white vinegar three part water solution or put clothing items within the washing machine with inclusion of a cup of white vinegar within the cycle.
If any visible mold was found on the walls, it is important to follow behind the initial treatment with mold killing and sealing paint. Kilz is a popular brand of paint that can work well in covering up the problem to provide a fresh start within the worst areas. To be safe, make sure that all areas around the affected space are painted.
Once the space have been treated, spend time looking for any wall or floor cracks, moisture leaks, or weeping walls within the space. These problems should be treated immediately if any issues are found. Next you items will be ready to be moved back within the space. Make sure that they have received several days of direct sunlight within the yard and have been appropriately treated with white vinegar. While bringing them back within the space, it is important that they are not placed directly against any of the walls to provide some breathing room.
If you are finding that the mold continually returns, it may be time to seek out a 
Since mildew thrives in environments with high quantities of moisture, it is important that all water leaks within this space are sealed up. This includes everything from a leaky pipe to a runny faucet within this space.
Ventilation is an important for the removal of mildew odors from the basement. Be sure open all windows and leave them open to aerate the space and remove the unwanted aroma. Opening windows during the day, and using some of the below methods at night is effective at bring freshness back within a basement.
As a finishing touch lavender can add a pleasant scent to your basement. Measure 6-8 drops of lavender oil within a bowl and add half a cup of water. Make 2-3 bowls and place them strategically throughout the basement. For full effect, leave bowls within basement until the formula naturally evaporates.
As a quick solution Febreze can be effective at freshening items within the basement which have grown a musty odor. Heavily spray item down from all angles and provide 15-30 minutes for the the item to air dry.