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Tips for Getting Rid of Musty Odors in the Cellar

Summer or winter clothes stored in the cellar usually also take on a musty smell - what can you do about it?
Summer or winter clothes stored in the cellar usually also take on a musty smell - what can you do about it? Photo: Getty Images

January 19, 2025, 4:10 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

Homeowners or tenants with their own cellar know the haunting smell that creeps into your nose as soon as you are in the cellar. But where does this musty smell come from – and how do you get rid of it?

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Most people do not enjoy spending time in the basement. And not just because of scary stories about creatures that are said to live down there, but also because it doesn’t usually smell particularly good. Boxes of summer or winter clothes and other stored items often absorb the musty smell of the basement. myHOMEBOOK explains how to get rid of musty odors.

Where Do Musty Odors in the Cellar Come From?

There are various sources that can be responsible for the unpleasant odor. A distinction can be made between mobile and stationary causes. Mobile sources, i.e., those that can be removed quickly, include, for example, unwashed laundry lying around. Carcasses of vermin in the cellar, such as mice and other rodents, can also be the cause of unpleasant odors. If you store food in the cellar, you should check whether it has spoiled. Leaking sewer pipes can also emit a musty odor.

Stationary causes, on the other hand, can only be eliminated with structural measures. If the cellar walls are damp, this may be a sign of leaking brickwork, a defective rain gutter, or a leak in the pipework. Similar to windows, it can also be due to warm air condensing on the cool cellar walls. If the damp cellar is not ventilated regularly, mold and fungi feel particularly at home. While you can’t see the spores at first, they are easily recognizable by their smell. Therefore, a musty smell should be taken seriously, as it can indicate the presence of mold, which may pose health risks.

How Do You Get Rid of the Musty Smell in the Cellar?

To get rid of the musty smell in the cellar, you should first clear out. It is essential to check whether old clothes, magazines, or books show signs of mold. These should be removed if necessary. The remaining items should be stored in such a way that no moisture can get in. It is also important to search all corners and niches for dead vermin. Live rodents in the wall or under boxes also cause unpleasant odors.

When checking the walls, it is important to check whether the walls feel damp and whether mold has already been discovered. It is advisable to wear gloves and a face mask. Mold can be effectively removed with the help of alcohol.

Moisture in the cellar should be kept as low as possible. Regular ventilation is crucial. In summer, it is advisable to only ventilate in the cooler evening hours. If the cause of the musty smell is a damp cellar wall, it is necessary to seal the cellar from the outside or inside. Depending on the method used, this can quickly amount to a total cost between 15,000 and 30,000 euros.

Tip: If a cellar has several rooms, you should work your way from room to room. This means cleaning and sealing one room. After 24 hours, you can check whether there is still a smell in the room. If so, the cause is probably to be found on the walls, ceiling, or floor. If not, you should check the items you have removed.

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How Do You Remove the Musty Smell From Clothes and Furniture?

Once you have discovered and eliminated the source, you need to remove the unpleasant odors from your clothes and furniture. Anything that can be washed should be treated in the washing machine straight away – the hotter, the better. Vinegar, a bath in salt water, baking soda, cat litter, and coffee can also help to mask odors. The latter can also be used on wooden furniture. Simply spread coffee, litter, or baking soda on the wooden surface. After the substance has been absorbed, wipe the surface with alcohol or vinegar. Containers with salt, coffee, or bunches of lavender and orange peel can be placed in the drawers.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of MYHOMEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@myhomebook.de.

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