No one wants a bad smelling home, and that sentiment extends down into the basement. Whilst it may not be typically visited by guests in the same way as the living room, it's still as much a vital part of your home as the roof over your head.
I asked basement specialists, professional cleaners, organizers and fragrance specialists tfor the seven things people with nice smelling basements never do, which mightdevelop bad smells instantly or over time.
Keeping on top of odors and practices in you basement will help make your home smell nice overall.
1. Ignore leaks or damp patches
A small leak or damp patch in your basement can go a long way in terms of making your basement smell bad. Your sodden carpet and water-logged packing boxes will become home to mold and bacteria. For this reason, people with nice-smelling basements will frequently inspect for leaks or signs of damp, and seek to fix a leaky basement as soon as possible.
Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless, says, 'Regularly inspecting your basement for any signs of water damage, such as discoloration on walls or floors, is a must. Always address moisture issues immediately by fixing leaks, using a dehumidifier, and ensuring proper ventilation going forward.'
Toner recommends the hOmeLabs Small Space Dehumidifier with Auto Shut Off from Amazon to help with the job, as it's compact, portable and is safe to leave unattended in a basement area. Just be sure to check on it regularly to see if it's full and switched off for you to empty out, as forgetting to empty your dehumidifier can also become the cause of bad basement smells.
Make sure to pull out freestanding furniture or stacked storage boxes to check behind them regularly for any hidden slow leaks or damp patches. The areas around windows can also be prone to leaks if their seal has been compromised so learn how to seal windows.
2. Fail to clean areas used by pets
Many pets such as dogs can walk bacteria and mold spores into your house, as well as pests that hitch a ride into your home. So if you keep a dog or cat bed down in the basement, it might be time to ask yourself when it was last cleaned. Often, those areas that are out of sight stay out of mind.
Pavel Abaev of BasementRemodelling.com, says, 'People with nice-smelling basements never leave pet items unattended. They clean and wash pet bedding, toys, and bowls frequently to prevent the buildup of odors. Litter boxes, if kept in the basement, are scooped daily and thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis, and they also ensure that any accidents are cleaned up immediately to avoid lingering smells.'
Sticking to a strict routine like this is the best way to banish pet odors, ensuring owners who allow animals access to their basements are always on top of maintaining high levels of hygiene.
Keep in mind pets like cats seek privacy when they're ill or injured so may retreat to a the cool and quiet of your basement for stomach upsets.
3. Let clutter pile up
People with nice smelling basements tend to have something in common: their spaces are breathable and easy to navigate. A basement filled with clutter will have poor ventilation and become more prone to bad smells. Learning how to organize a basement like a pro will help eliminate objects that block air flow unecessarily.
Di Ter Avest, professional organizer and owner of Di Is Organized, says, 'People who keep their basements smelling good don't use them as a dumping ground. They stay on top of clutter, keeping the space organized and free from unnecessary stuff that can lead to musty odors.'
This can include things like old rugs you can't quite bear to part with, which can become quite dirty over time.
Toner adds, 'Clutter can trap moisture, dust, and dirt, leading to unpleasant odors and providing hiding spots for mold. I recommend storing belongings in airtight plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes, which can absorb moisture, and using shelving units to elevate stored items off the floor, reducing the risk of water damage.'
The Amazon Basics 4-Shelf Adjustable Unit is a great choice for people seeking to get their basement possessions off of the floor. But if storage bins are more your thing, there are plenty on the market including the IRIS USA 72 Quart Pack of 4 Containers which are ideal for stacking.
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 so you don't end up with hazards or ruined items.
4. Skip regular cleaning
Failing to consistently clean your basement is bound to contribute to bad smells in this space. Even if you ventilate the area fabulously, declutter and clean pet beds and spills, failing to disinfect, dust or sweep the floors will leave dirt, making it hard to get rid of musty basement smells.
Tony Virgilio of ventilation company, VENTS-US says, 'Dust and dirt buildup creates musty smells, so consistent cleaning is a non-negotiable if you're hoping to have a nice-smelling basement.'
Toner adds, 'It's vital to establish a cleaning routine that includes sweeping, mopping, and wiping down surfaces with a mild cleaner like Lysol Clean & Fresh Multi-Surface Cleaner.'
5. Neglect ambient scents
Once your basement is sparkling clean, it will either be left smelling of chemicals or nothing. Including ambient scents in a basement space is a low-maintenance way to improve the smell.
Alan Van Roemburg, CEO of Air Aroma, says, 'Our scent receptors pick up on the smell of a space no matter what, don't create opportunities for bad smell to stick around. Diffusing fragrance or using a room spray can help get ahead of the problem.'
Roemburg recommends eucalyptus, cedarwood, and bergamot for basements, adding, 'These will create an elegant, pleasant environment without veering into cleaning chemical territory.'
Air Aroma's fragrances 'Invigorating Eucalyptus', 'Cedar Mood', and 'Illuminate' are perfect matches for these scent profiles. The Pura Home Fragrance Oil Refill from Anthropologie in Fig Tree is a great choice as well, especially for the fall-winter period.
6. Inadequately ventilae the area
People with nice-smelling basements get the air around their basement moving, even if they have no budget to purchase extractor fans or install extra windows.
'Poor airflow traps humidity and odors, making the basement feel stale,' says Virgilio, who knows his stuff as a ventilation expert.
'You can use fans to ventilate a basement, or consider installing a basement ventilation system to ensure continuous airflow,' adds Toner. 'Adding in an air purifier with a HEPA filter, like the LEVOIT Air Purifier, can also help remove airborne particles that contribute to bad smells.'
7. Not cleaning extractor fans or air filters
It's an extractor fan's job to take old stale air out of your rooms, so it will quickly accumulate dust and residue from your home. If you fail to clean out these pieces of debris, your extractor fan or air filter won't be working efficiently. It can also lead to an accumulation of mold and bacteria in the system which will begin to smell bad and potentially make your basement smell bad.
'People with nice-smelling basements know how often to clean and replace extractor fans. They regularly change or clean filters, ensure that ducts are free of debris, and schedule professional cleanings as needed. By keeping their systems in top condition, they ensure that the air circulating in the basement is fresh and clean. This practice not only helps in controlling odors but also contributes to better overall air quality in the home.'
The Vents OV1 200 Axial Fan can be removed easily for quick cleaning.
Shop basement essentials
This easy-to-use and versatile shelving unit comes in many different wooden finishes and is the perfect addition to any space in need of better storage.
This wooden ottoman has hydraulic safety hinges so it won't fall down and injure your whilst you're taking things out, or loading things in. We'd recommend using air tight containers inside to avoid anything becoming musty or affected by pests.
This portable tower fan is streamlined in style, making it easy to store. Its bladeless design additionally makes it super safe to have around children and pets.
Other areas of the home that need close monitoring to avoid bad smells include drains, so delve into the secret to having a nice-smelling shower drain.
