What is the Musty Smell in Your Basement?

If you ever notice a musty smell in your basement, it’s usually a clear sign of water damage. Mold and mildew thrive in damp and dark locations and often give off a foul odor. If left untreated, the musty smell will get worse and can infiltrate your basement.

Water can intrude into a basement in several different ways. It often enters through cracks in your foundation walls and can create musty smells if left untreated. Unfortunately, the musty smells won’t just stay in your basement. A phenomenon known as the stack effect allows any air in your basement to enter the main living areas of your home.

Many homeowners often mistake the musty smell for a dirty trashcan or dirty laundry and don’t realize that it’s actually coming from their basement. The smell can be coming from wet foundation walls, wet carpet, or plumbing leaks.

Not only will the basement smell from mold and mildew, but it will also cause damage and decay to the home. As the mold or mildew sits on walls or any other area of your basement, it can cause wood to rot and cause structural damage to your home.

Having mold and mildew present in the home can also lead to serious health concerns. The musty smells can create allergic reactions for you and your family, as well as other respiratory-related issues. Eliminating mold and mildew will help keep your home healthy and eliminate all musty odors.