What Sealer Can Be Used to Cover Up Basement Odors?

About Basement Odors

• Basement odors often are a stubborn problem that requires a variety of methods to remove. Not only dampness, but mold and mildew can contribute to basement odor problems. In addition, dampness and rotting can permeate stored items, such as cardboard boxes, clothing and books, resulting in widespread odor problems that must be managed individually. You must tackle all of these issues or attempts to seal the basement from moisture will not eliminate the odors completely.

Cleaning Basements to Remove Odors

• Clean basement areas thoroughly with a solution of 1/2 cup chlorine bleach in one gallon of water to remove mold and mildew odors, according to HousecleaningCentral. Remove damp and damaged items, and place all stored materials in plastic bags to prevent further odor problems. If the basement is carpeted, mold and mildew odors may be trapped in the fibers. It is best to remove the carpeting from basements with odor problems until the area is dried out completely and all odor-causing issues are resolved.

Basement Water Problems

• To eliminate odor problems in basements, you must stop the cause of the odor. Inspect all basement wall and floors surfaces to find any cracks, holes or separations that may allow moisture into the structure. Also, carefully inspect plumbing in the basement area, as well as hot water heaters, for possible leaks. If humidity is helping to cause mold and mildew problems, purchase a dehumidifier and run it for several hours a day to remove moisture from the air in the basement areas.

Repairing Basement Cracks

• Before sealing the surfaces of the basement to prevent moisture seepage, you should clean out cracks carefully of loose material and apply a concrete patch compound. A number of concrete patching products are available at home improvement and hardware stores.

Rubber Sealers

• A variety of rubber sealers are available for painting onto basement floors and walls to seal out moisture, according to the Ames Research website. These products can be effective if sources of water seepage are corrected first, such as cracks or separations, drainage from low points in the soil surrounding the basement foundation or humidity within the basement itself.

Other Types of Basement Sealers

• Acrylic plastic coatings also can help to seal out moisture. Urethane products may be used to seal concrete surfaces. Silicate-containing products can be sprayed onto the surface to eliminate seepage and basement moisture problems. For serious cracks in foundations or ongoing water problems, consult with a concrete foundation contractor.