Basements, much like attics, can easily be neglected, forgotten about or end up smelling musty or unpleasant especially when lacking ventilation, regular flow of fresh air or light.
What's more, basements can have a slew of problems including water leaks, dampness, mildew and pest issues. But there are some people who always have nice-smelling basements so I spoke to cleaning, basement and home fragrance experts to learn the 11 things people with nice-smelling basements always do.
After implementing these ways to make your home smell nice, we reckon you'll never go back to your old ways.
11 things people with nice-smelling basements always do
1. Seal cracks and leaks
A small crack in the wall of your basement may seem like nothing to worry about, but it could be the culprit behind your basement's bad odor as it can disrupt the space's microbiome – the natural mix of bacteria, good and bad – as a result of fungus, mold, moisture or pests.
Left unresolved, it is likely to only get worse over time with moisture seeping in, freezing over winter and expanding the gap.
Tony Virgilio of VENTS-US (a ventilation company), says, 'Moisture can get in through cracks and leaks in your basement, so it's important to regularly inspect and repair anything under this category to have a good smelling basement.'
Moisture will lead to your basement going damp, and a damp basement never smells good!
2. Add ambient fragrance
Just as a person lights their best candle or introduces an air freshener plug-in the living room to improve the room's fragrance, air freshening products can be applied in basements too.
Do not light candles and leave them unattnded as this is a fire risk. Instead, use a plug-in wall fragrance as a safe way to bring a steady flow of appealing home fragrance into your basement. Even cheap non electric ones such as the Febreze Small Spaces air fresheners available on Amazon are potent and can last up to 180 days.
Alan Van Roemburg, CEO of Air Aroma, says, 'Diffusing an essential oil blend or fragrance composition will introduce pleasant smelling molecules into the air and counteract musty or metallic aromas commonly found in basements.'
Make sure to clean your essential oil diffuser to get rid of oil-build up and dust on a regular basis to have your basement smelling better than ever.
Roemburg recommends the Ecoscent Diffuser for basements of a larger size, and the Aromax Diffuser for smaller basements. Both products are portable, modest, and effortlessly incorporate beautiful smells into the airflow of a space.
We recommend doing this in combination with some of these other suggestions as otherwise you'll only be masking the bad smell in your basement instead of tackling the source of the problem.
3. Elevate items from the floor
Keeping items bunched up together on the floor will reduce airflow and leave you wondering how to get rid of musty basement smells, according to Kimberly Corey, certified professional organizer and owner of Finely Sorted Organizing.
'If you must use your basement as a storage area, elevate things off the floor. Air flow is key.'
The easiest way to elevate your items off of the basement floor is to install shelving. The 9 Cube Organizer by Brightroom at Target is easy to use and comes in many finishes. Due to the cube style of the design, you can also seamlessly place multiple shelving units next to each other.
Keep in mind anti-tip safety measures to stop small children and animals being crushed if they climb or pull on freestanding furniture.
Just be mindful about what you place on the bottom shelves as those will still be reasonably close to the floor.
4. Stay organized with storage containers
A great way to keep your items off of the floor and away from the risk of mold or damp is to use storage containers. This can help to improve the overall air flow of your space, decreasing the chance of basement odors.
Air-tight lids are widely available at Walmart, Target, and The Container Store.
Di Ter Avest, owner of Di Is Organized, says, 'Instead of using cardboard boxes, which can get damp and smelly, people with fresh-smelling basements use airtight plastic bins. These keep items safe from moisture and pests, and they help stop any weird odors from forming.'
The Storage Container WeatherPro Gasket Box 4 Pack from Iris are a best-selling storage solution to protect your possessions from potential basement odors or damages. Plus, they are stackable which is a great way to save space by going vertical.
Be sure to check that your basement isn't filled with items that should never be stored in plastic bins or items you should never store in your basement before tidying up.
5. Take trash out regularly
If your basement has a bin and you're not emptying it regularly because it's out of the way and easy to forget about that could be causing a lingering smell to grow. People with good smelling basements empty their bins out on a regular basis or instate a rule where they can't put anything into a basement bin that will be prone to smelling bad, such as discarded food.
'Don't let trash sit around,' says Ter Avest. 'Make it a habit to take out the trash regularly so odors don't build up and stink up the space.'
It's important to take the time to clean your trash can as well.
6. Use odor-absorbers
Karina Toner, operations manager at cleaning company Spekless says, 'Odor absorbers trap and neutralize bad smells, keeping the basement smelling fresh,' says Toner.
Of course, it's important to tackle the core issues at hand causing bad smells to develop but it's a great idea to add in some odor absorbers afterwards to keep on top of your basement's freshness.
Toner recommends the Moso Natural Air Purifying Bags from Amazon, and encourages the user to place them around various areas of their basement. One isn't usually enough, especially if you're covering a large space.
7. Clean rugs in the space regularly
Rugs or large areas of carpet can often smell bad in a basement as they are made of fabric, absorbing odors, dirt and moisture over time.
If you can't remember the last time you gave yours a refresh, or if you don't know how to clean an area rug, it's time to take action or decide whether it's worth keeping a rug in the space. Your nose will thank you.
'You can combine essential oils with baking soda and sprinkle the mixture onto carpets or rugs,' says Toner. 'Let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up to refresh the space.'
8. Maintain proper ventilation
Homeowners with good smelling basements are mindful about its airflow. This extends beyond just making sure your basement isn't filled with clutter so air can move around, but taking the time to learn the best ways to ventilate a basement properly.
Pavel Abaev of BasementRemodelling.com, says, 'People with pleasant-smelling basements understand the importance of circulating air to prevent stagnation. They install exhaust fans or use portable fans to keep the air moving, which helps in reducing moisture levels and dissipating any musty smells.'
If your basement has one, make sure to open the window at least once a week to refresh stagnant air with fresh.
9. Install a Sump Pump
'A sump pump helps keep the basement dry by automatically pumping out water that accumulates in a sump basin, usually located in the lowest part of the basement,' says Abaev. 'By preventing standing water, a sump pump reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth, which are common causes of musty odors.'
Any homeowner living in a home that struggles with damp or bad leaking pipes will install one of these in their basement if possible. There are many different models available, capable of handling different water capacities, but these are the top three recommended by Abaev (all of which are more powerful than the average dehumidifier):
- Zoeller M53 Mighty-Mate Submersible Sump Pump: A highly reliable sump pump that’s known for its durability and performance. It’s capable of handling high water volumes and is a popular choice for residential basements.
- Wayne CDU980E 3/4 HP Submersible Sump Pump: A powerful sump pump with a cast iron base and stainless steel housing, designed for efficient water removal and long lasting use.
- Liberty Pumps 257 1/3 HP Sump Pump: Known for its efficiency and reliability, this sump pump is perfect for basements prone to flooding, with an automatic switch for easy operation.
10. Clean regularly
It goes without saying that to have a good smelling basement, you must clean it regularly.
'Dust and dirt build-up can lead to musty odors, so weekly cleaning is key,' says Virgilio. 'Adopting this habit will help you enjoy a fresher, more inviting basement.'
Karina Toner, cleaning specialist, recommends using a disinfectant such as the Lysol Clean and Fresh Multi-Surface Cleaner to wipe down surfaces, in combination with sweeping and mopping the floors weekly. Toner also highlights that it's important to 'pay special attention to corners and hidden areas where dust and moisture can accumulate.'
11. Keep an eye on drains and air filters
If residue and dust are clogging your filtration and drainage systems, bad smells will linger and ventilation won't work as efficiently. People with nice smelling basements do all they can to ensure that these key areas remain clog-free and functioning to the best of their ability.
'Regularly inspecting and cleaning basement drains is a habit of those with odor-free basements,' says Abaev. 'Drains, especially floor drains and sump pump pits, can accumulate debris, stagnant water, and even bacteria, which can lead to unpleasant smells. Regular cleaning with a mild bleach solution or a specialized drain cleaner helps keep these areas free of buildup.'
The Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover from Walmart works wonders in breaking down residue in your piping. There are also many cleaning solutions out there for air filters, such as the Air-Care Permanent Washable Air Filter Cleaning Spray.
You can often take off the cover of your air filters for ease of cleaning.
What to shop
This easy-to-use shelf comes in many different wooden finishes and is the perfect addition to any space in need of better storage.
This rustic wooden ottoman is the perfect spot to tuck away your extra items. The safety hinges mean the lid won't fall down and trap or injure your hands whilst open.
This portable tower fan is streamlined in style, making a great way to improve ventilation in your basement without taking up much floor space.
Next, learn how to have a nice smelling kitchen by learning all the things people with nice-smelling kitchens always do.
