How to Get Smell Out of Hot Water Heater

Upon taking a warm shower, it can be incredibly shocking to be covered in smelly water. When bacteria gets within a water heater, the resulting smell of the hot water can be impossible to ignore and require immediate attention.


Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to restore the water heater and remove the odorous bacteria from your household’s hot water. By using one of the below solutions, you can have the effectively return freshness to hot water and make sure that your water heater remains in good condition.

Smell Removal Solutions for Hot Water Heater

1 Replace Corroded Anode

Initially, you will want to check the anode to see if it has been compromised or become corroded. If it has, you may be required to replace it to cut down on the production of bacteria. While selecting a new anode to replace the corroded one, it is better to buy a aluminum or zinc one that will lead to a lower production of bacterial creation within the water heater. If you can help it, avoid replacing your anode with a magnesium one as these often break down at a faster rate.

2 Bleach Shock Treatment

This solution relies upon shocking the water heater tank with high levels of bleach or chlorine in order to completely kill off the bacteria residing within the tank. As a principle, you will need to pour one gallon of bleach or 1/2 gallon of chlorine for every 30 gallons of water within the heater. For complete instructions on sterilizing your water heater with bleach, click here.

3 Increase Temperature

As a final solution, the temperature of the water heater can be raise to a level in which hot water will not be able to survive. To perform this task, the water heater must reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit or 71 degrees Celsius for 3-6 hours. Doing this on a regular basis should have the effect of keeping bacteria levels down and maintaining fresh smelling water.

As a precaution, raising the heat to this level can be dangerous with some water heaters. It is highly recommended that you first contact your water heater dealer to consult on whether your heater can sustain this temperature of heat or whether it is beyond the model’s limitations. If you receive positive confirmation from your dealer, be sure that they outline how to operate the pressure relief valve before trying this method.

If all else fails, you might be in the market to buy an entirely new water heater. If this is the case, you can use the following guide to purchase and install a brand new water heater.



Photo Credit: Scott Akerman

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How to Get Paint Smell Out of Furniture

The chemical stench of fresh paint can remain within a piece of furniture days or even weeks after it has been initially applied. Often this sharp stink can take over the room and cause much discomfort to spend much time around it.


 

Although industrial smells are never easy to treat, there exist a range of household solutions to that can help to remove the paint related odor. By applying one of the below solutions, you can be sure that your furniture will be smelling fresh and paint-free in no time.

 
paint-room
 

Paint Smell Removal Solutions for Furniture

 

1 Cut Onions in Bowl of Water

This method may sound strange, but it has successfully been used for generations to remove the effects of paint odor. Begin by cutting a full onion into four parts and placing each piece within a bowl. Next, fill these bowls with a cup of water and place the bowls around the piece of furniture that smells of paint. Allow the bowls to sit for 2-3 days surrounding the object while it works to absorb all unwanted odors. Once this time has passed, perform a smell test to ensure that the smell has passed and then remove the bowls.

 

2 Bowls of White Vinegar

This household acid works well at deodorizing a number of challenging odors within the home. Similarly, you will want to prepare four bowls and pour a half cup of white vinegar within each of them. Surround the piece of furniture that has been affected by paint odor making sure to place the bowl within key locations where they can best surround the item. Allow the bowls to sit for 2-3 days before return to do a sniff test of the furniture in question and remove the bowls.

 

3 Move Furniture Within Sun

Once of the most effective ways to eliminate the paint odor is to move the piece of furniture outside within the sun. The ultra violet rays will go to work in neutralizing the stench of the paint odor, while the fresh air and open space will gently lift any residual chemical scent. You will need to place the piece of furniture within a location of the yard where it will be sure to receive a minimum of 8 hours of direct sunlight. If any odor remains after the first day, you can try putting the furniture outside within the sun for a second or third day until no paint scent remains within it.

 

4 Bowl of Orange with Peelings

Similar to onions, oranges do very well at absorbing paint odors within furniture. Unpeel two oranges and take apart all of the wedges within each of them. Place the detached remains of each within two separate bowls and then place these bowls on either side of the piece of furniture. Allow the orange filled bowls to sit for 48 hours before returning to the piece of furniture to smell it and remove the bowls.

 

5 Vanilla Dipped Newspaper

If the furniture is a desk or chest of drawers, this solution can be very effective at removing difficult odors from enclosed spaces. Begin by filling a small saucer with vanilla extract and crumpling up several balls of newspaper. Take each ball and lightly dip the edged with the solution before proceeding to place these balls within the draws and enclosed spaces. After closing the drawers and spaces, allow the newspaper wads to sit for 24-48 before returning to remove them from the freshened space. The newspaper works to absorb the paint odor while the vanilla will have masked any remaining smell with its own subtle scent.

 

6 Use Clear Sealer

If nothing has been worked, you can try applying another coat of clear sealing paint over the piece of furniture that is emitting the paint smell. This will help to lock any smell from the original paint within and prevent it from smelling up the room. Because this option can be rather time consuming, it is recommended that you only use this as a last resort.

 
 

Prevention of Paint Smell

 

1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract in Paint

If you anticipate that a paint will smell, you can take one small but effective step to ensure that it does not smell. Simply measure one teaspoon of vanilla extract for each gallon of paint and thoroughly mix the ingredient in before use. The vanilla extract will work to neutralize the paint related odor and ensure that it does not contain an odor.



Photo Credit: Esteban Maringolo

 
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How to Get Smell Out of Denim

This clothing material often takes a beating and develops a subsequent stench in the process. Besides adaptive odors during use, it can also come with a chemical dye odor in recently manufactured denim products.


 

Despite the cause of the odor, there remain several household solutions for lifting any unpleasant aroma to bring freshness to the fiber. By adhering the the following principles, you can be sure that your denim will be smelling its best and will be ready for use.

 
jeans
 

Denim Smell Removal Solutions

 

1 Heat Principle

Hot water is essential of opening the denim fiber to allow cleaning and deodorizing detergent in. When washing the denim within the washing machine or even in the sink, you will have much better results by using the hottest water setting available.

 
 

2 Rewash It

Washing the denim a single time is often not enough to lift out difficult body odors and chemical stenches. If at first you were not successful in lifting these odors from a single washing machine cycle, you may be have better luck by putting it through a second detergent wash cycle.

 

3 White Vinegar Addition

As a simple and cheap household acid, white vinegar can do much to cut through embedded denim odors. This can be applied to a normal detergent wash by measuring a cup full of white vinegar and adding it within the cycle. Using this solution will often replace odors with a subtile aroma of white vinegar. It is important to know that the vinegar smell will go away once the denim fiber has dried.

 

4 Baking Soda Boost

Baking soda is another additive that can add a beneficial deodorizing element within a normal detergent wash cycle. After placing the denim and detergent within the washing machine shut the door to alllow for the machine to begin. Once water has entered into the machine pour in a full cup of baking soda. Allowing for the water to fill the washing machine before adding the baking soda will help to ensure that it properly disburses and does not clump and attach to the clothing.

 

5 Denim Enzyme Soak

If the above solutions have not been effective, an activated enzyme cleaning solution can work well at literally eating through the personal or chemical odor within the denim. Fill an appropriate sized bucket with water and enzyme cleaning solution in equal parts and and proceed to submerge you smelly denim items within the formula. provide 2-3 hours for the denim to soak in this solution before removing it to place through a normal detergent wash cycle.

 

6 OxiClean

Similar to the enzyme solution, Oxiclean can have a powerful effect on the denim fiber prior to running the stinky fabric through a detergent wash. Mix a solution of Oxiclean within a large bucket, add the denim and provide 3-4 hours for the solution to have a deodorizing effect. Once complete, you will want to finalize the treatment of the denim by running t through a normal detergent wash.

 

7 Hang Dry in Sun

Upon completion of the above solutions, you can add one final freshening effect by choosing to air dry the denim outside rather than placing the fabric through the dryer. The fresh air, open space and UV rays of the sun will work to lift any additional odors within the denim and give the fabric fiber on final freshening boost.



Photo Credit: Kazuhiro Keino

 
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How to Get Smell Out of Cowboy Boots

Many follow the close tradition of any real cowboy in choosing not to wear socks while wearing cowboy boots. This can often have the negative effect of transmitting extra sweat and dead skin cells within the interior walls of the rustic footwear. The resulting bacteria can feed off of the residues and cause an undesirable stench to emit from the interior.


Fortunately, much can be done to lift foot-related odors from the interior of cowboy boots. By following the below solutions, you can be sure that any unwelcome odors will be eliminated to return freshness within the cowboy boot’s interiors.

Cowboy Boots Smell Removal Solutions

1 Baking Soda Absorption

Using baking soda to absorb foot stench within the cowboy boots is a tried and true method for odor removal. Measure a quarter cup of baking soda and pour within the interior of each of the cowboy boots. Upon pouring, lightly shuffle each of the cowboy boots to spread the deodorizing powder across the interior of the boot. Perform this task nightly until the interior of the cowboy boots are smelling fresh.

2 Half Scoop of Cat Litter

In a similar methodology to baking soda, using cat litter for deodorizing the interior of the boots can work great for absorption. Measure a quarter cup of cat litter for each boot and pour within each boot nightly. In the morning the cat litter can be poured out of the boots and back into a cup for reuse on a nightly basis until the smell has been fully absorbed and eliminated.

3 Activated Charcoal Inserts

If you have the time, activated charcoal inserts can work in absorbing difficult odors from the cowboy boot interiors over the course of of weeks. To construct homemade inserts, find a old pair of nylons and cut the leggings into two. Fill each legging with 3-4 briquettes of activated charcoal and proceed to tie knots to enclose them within the socking. Place these nylon enclosed charcoal briquettes within the interior of the cowboy boots and apply them nightly until they have effectively freshened the boots.

4 Enzyme Spray & Newspaper

Use of leather-safe enzyme cleaner can work wonders on eliminating odors within the interior of cowboy boots. Spray this deodorizing solution within the interior and proceed to stuff wadded newspaper deep down within them. Allow the contents to sit for 24-48 hours as the newspaper draws in the stench and the enzyme cleaner eats through the odorous organic content within them. Upon completion, remove the newspaper wads and place them within the sun for the day to air dry.

5 Leather Soap

As a final solution, specialty leather soap can have a fantastic deodorizing effect on the cowboy boot’s surface and interiors. Apply it to the affected surfaces and provide the need time for the leather soap to naturally air dry. For best result, combine this cleaner with one of the other solutions outlined above.



Photo Credit: Emily Hildebrand

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How to Get Smell Out of Fur Hat

When you realize that your favorite wolf-devouring-face fur hat has developed an odor, it can be an extremely distressing event. Many recount this tragedy as one of life’s most difficult challenges that requires trial and perseverance to overcome.


Fortunately, there exist simple freshening steps for removing odor from any fur hat to return it to its former glory and prestige. By following the below solutions, you can return things to normal, and be back to wearing your freshened fur hat on a daily basis.

Smell Removal Solutions for Fur Hats

1 Outside in Sun

Placing the fur hat out in the sun can have a safe and chemical-free deodorizing effect. Wait for a sunny day and find a location within the yard where the fur hat can receive a minimum of 8 direct hours of sunlight. During this time, the open space, fresh air and ultraviolet rays will work to lift any odors away. If any odor remains within the fur hat after the first day within the sun consider a second or even third day for it to have a full effect.

2 Activated Charcoal Absorption

If there is enough time, activated charcoal can work well at slowly pulling in any activated charcoal from a fur hat. Find an appropriate sized cardboard box and place 10-12 activated charcoal briquettes along the bottom of the box. Next, put the fur hat within the box and close the lid to seal the content inside. Once completed, place the sealed box and its contents aside for 5-7 days. During this time the activated charcoal will slowly work its magic in sucking up available odors to freshen the fur hat.

3 Freeze It

Development of sweat and skin cells can often cause bacteria to develop within the interior of a fur hat. This is problematic because this bacteria can often develop the odor that causes much discomfort during the fur hat’s use. Fortunately, freezing the fur hat will have the effect of killing the bacteria that resides within the hat. Place the hat within a sealed trash bag and put within the freezer for 24-48 hours for best results. Upon completion, it is a good idea to remove the hat from the trash bag and freezer and place it within the sun for 8 hours for a final freshening effect.

4 Lemon Juice Spritz

The citric acid within this solution can have the positive effect of cutting through difficult odors within a fur hat. Mix a solution of one part lemon juice with ten parts water within a generic spray bottle and proceed to mist down the fur hat. Upon spraying it down, proceed to place the fur hat outside within the shade until dry. It is important not to sun dry the hat after using lemon juice because the combination could lead to minor bleaching of the fur.

5 Baking Soda Box

As a final solution, baking soda can have an extremely powerful effect on absorbing odors from the hat. Fill the bottom of an appropriate sized cardboard box with baking soda and place the hat on top of the powder before sealing it. After the box has been closed, allow the box and it’s contents to sit for seven days until it has absorbed all of the odor from the fur hat.



Photo Credit: Frank Kovalchek

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How to Get Smell Out of Flooded Basement

Heavy rains and water leaks can flood a basement within a matter of hours. In the process, knee high waters can dampen possessions, ruin electronics and create an unwelcome mildew smell within the space.


While it can be challenging to restore and freshen this space, there remain several household solutions that can be utilized. By using the following solutions, you will be able to restore this space and leave it smelling fresh.

Smell Removal Solutions for Flooded Basement

1 Step 1: Fix Leak & Drain Basement

As a preliminary step, you will need to fix any water pipe leaks or water passages into the basement and drain the water out. In most cities, professional services can be hired to perform the task of pumping out all of the water level found within the basement’s space.

2 Step 2: Sun Dry Items & Baking Soda

Once you have the water pumped out of the basement, you will need to move out all items that have been affected by the flooding to dry out and deodorize within the sun. While the flooring is still moist, use an entire box of baking soda to sprinkle over the surface area of the basement’s flooring.

3 Step 3: Enzyme Cleaner or White Vinegar Wipedown

Once the entire area has been evacuated of flood affected items, proceed to wipe down all surface areas within the space with enzyme cleaner or white vinegar. Both of these deodorizing solutions will have the effect killing the mold spore that work to cause the dank mildew odor within the space. When using white vinegar, you will need to mix a solution of one part white vinegar with three parts water. You will need to apply either of these solutions while using a rag for the walls and a mop for the walls. Upon completion, it is smart to open the windows within the space and run one or two area fans within the basement to speed the drying process.

4 Step 4: Run Dehumidifier

If you notice that the basement might need something a bit more substantial than area fan to properly dry out the space, you may want to consider buy a dehumidifier. This machines will work to pull all of the available moisture out of the space and make it very difficult for mildew to grow within the space.

5 Optional: Ozone Machine

If a mildew odor remains after everything within the basement has been properly treated and dried out, you may want to consider renting an ozone machine. These machines are highly effective but also require precaution during their use. It is extremely important not to be with the space it is treating as it can be deadly within extreme cases.

Basement clean-up requires more than just odor removal after it has been flooded. For some additional tips on eliminating odors in the home, you can use this flooded basement cleaning guide.



Photo Credit: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)

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How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Carpet

Mildew odors within carpeting are often the direct result of water unknowingly leaking within the room. After only 24-48 hours of first settling within the carpeting, the stench of mildew can develop and take hold of the fiber and underlying fiber.



A range of household solutions exist for killing the mildew infestation and lifting the musty odor from the flooring. By using the following solutions, you can take control of your mildew problem and return freshness within the affected room.

Mildew Smell Removal Solutions For Carpeting

1 Dry & Treat Carpet Quickly

Although there may already exist some level of mildew within the carpeting, it is important to treat it quickly before it becomes much worse. Mildew has a way of continually growing with time if given the proper environment to grow. This is why it is very important to quickly remove the moisture within the carpeting in order to eliminate the source that mildew relies upon.

2 Blot & Fan Dry

In order to dry the carpeting, you will first need to blot dry the carpeting with a clean dry towel. For best results, place your full body weight being the towel to draw out as much moisture as physically possible. Once no additional moisture is being pulled from the carpeting or underlying padding by towel, it will be time to setup an area fan that will be set to be aimed at the mildew area of the carpeting. Drying the carpeting before treatment is important because smells often can go away once it has become completely dry.

3 Sprinkle Baking Soda

If drying the location has been nearly successful in eliminating the mildew odor, you can often use baking soda to get absorb any remaining odors within the carpeting fiber. Sprinkle heavy quantities of baking soda over the mildew affected area of the carpeting and provide 2-3 days for this deodorizing powder to work its magic. After this time period, return to do a smell test. If no odor remains, a vacuum cleaner can be used to suck up any and all remaining baking soda from the fiber.

4 White Vinegar

As far as household kitchen ingredients go, white vinegar can provide the best hope of killing difficult odors within carpeting and underlying padding. Mix a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts warm water and pour it over the affected location. Once you have made sure that the affected areas of the carpeting are thoroughly soaked with this solution, you can leave it be for the 24-48 hours. Once completed, blot dry any remaining deodorizing mixture from the carpeting and underlying padding and run an area fan pointed at it for 24 hours.

5 Enzyme Cleaner

If white vinegar has not been effective in removing the mildew stink, enzyme cleaning solution can have an even more powerful effect. Pour enough of this product solution onto the carpeting until it has sufficiently soaked the the fiber and underlying padding. Allow the product to sit for 24-48 hours while the active enzymes within the solution literally go to work in eating it’s way though the mildew. After this time period have passed, return to blot dry any remaining enzyme moisture and proceed to run an area fan at the location until it has dried.

6 Run Dehumidifier

In rare cases where blot drying and running a fan next to the moistened carpeting is not successful at drying the carpeting and underlying fiber, a dehumidifier can be used to pull any remaining moisture from the location. This will also help to ensure that all mildew within this dies out for lack of viable carpet moisture to propagate from.



Photo Credit: Tommi Virtanen

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How to Get Mold Smell Out of Towels

Once mold makes it’s way within towels, it can have the effect of making them musty and unusable. Though running the mold smelling towels through a washing machine can have a powerful effect, it usually is insufficient to provide a full freshening effect.


Fortunately, you there remain several ingredients within a normal household that can ensure that eradication of mold and the stench that it emits. The below formula tips and methods can ensure that the towels are mold free and smelling great.

Mold Smell Removal Solutions for Towels

1 White Vinegar Soak

As a preliminary step, you must work to scrub out any visible mold of the towels out under a running facet within the sink. Once completed, create a solution of one part white vinegar to fiver part white vinegar. This household acid has natural mold fighting chemistry that can help to eliminate the growth within the towel fiber. Once the solution has been mixed within a large bucket, proceed to submerge the mold affected towels within the solution. Allow these towels to sit for 5-8 hours as the white vinegar kills the mold. Once completed, the towels can be placed through a detergent wash with the extra addition of 1/2 cup of baking soda.

2 Enzyme Soak

If white vinegar has been ineffective at eliminating the mold odor, soaking the towels within a solution of enzymes can yield positive results. Fill a bucket with enzyme cleaning solution and water measured in equal parts. Next, submerge the affected towels within the solution and allow them to sit for 4-6 hours while the active enzymes literally eat their way through mold infestations. Upon completion, the towels can be removed and placed through a wash cycle with the addition of 1/2 cup of baking soda.

3 Bleach (White Towels)

If all of towels that have been affected are white, bleach can be considered to remove the unwanted aroma. Mix a solution of one part bleach to eight parts water within a large bucket. Once mixed, dunk the mold affected towels within the mixture and allow them to be fully saturated within the solution. Leave the towels within the mixture for a minimum of 2-3 hours before removing them to place the towels through a detergent wash.

4 OxiClean

This product solution can have a powerful effect in killing the mold and freshening the towels. Again, you will want to mix a solution of Oxiclean within a large bucket and submerge the mold affected towels within the solution. Once completed, place them within a detergent wash that contains the extra addition of a full cup of white vinegar within the cycle.

5 Sun Dry

Although it may seem that these solutions have been completed restored the affected towels, it is always a good idea to hang items recovering from mold or mildew odor outside within direct sunlight. These open space, fresh air and ultra violet rays of the sun will go to work in eliminating any remaining mold spore to freshen the towel.


Photo Credit: lvalue

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How to Get Coffee Smell Out of Mug

After much use of our trusted coffee carriers, these ceramic cups can adapt an unworldly awful stink within them. This is often very off-putting, as most people enjoy waking up to the subtle therapeutic aroma of coffee beans rather than an unknown odor within their trusted morning mug.


Fortunately, much can be done to remove this unwelcome smell from the interior of one’s favorite mug. The following tips and solutions can help ensure that the mug will be smelling fresh and ready for use in no time.

Coffee Smell Removal Solutions for Mug

1 Use Hot Water

Using hot water to remove coffee odor from the interior of a coffee mug is a must to properly deodorize it. Filling the mug with hot water will work to expand the creases and grooves where much of the coffee related residues are resting. Opening these microscopic spaces will allow easier access for deodorizing solutions to get at these areas and freshen the mug.

2 Hot Water + Dish Detergent

Often, all that is needed is to submerge the mug within extreme hot water and simply mix in dish detergent. After the water has cooled to the point that it can be handled, proceed to give the interior of the mug a great internal scrub. Finish by allowing the mug to be resubmerged within the bath of dish detergent and warm water for 1-2 hours before rinsing off and putting back into use.

3 Baking Soda Mixture

This tried and true solution can work wonders at absorbing odors and even help in removing any coffee stains that may be residing within the mug. As a preliminary step, place hot water within the mug for five minutes. Next pour out 80 percent of the water and add in 2 teaspoons of baking soda within the mix. Quickly proceed to mix the two ingredients and rub it into the interior walls of the mug. After doing this for 60 second, you can proceed to fill the mug with warm water and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Upon completion, you can pour and wash out the ingredients of the mug and put it back into use.

4 White Vinegar Solution

This household acid can have a very powerful effect on coffee odor within the mug. First, fill the mug with very hot water and allow the mug to sit for 5 minutes on it’s own. Mix one part white vinegar with two parts warm warm to fill the mug. Allow this mixture to work it’s magic over the course of 3-4 hours. Upon completion, pour the contents out and rinse the interior of the mug.

5 Let Rubbing Alcohol Set In

The use of rubbing alcohol can work well in cutting through the stale coffee residues within the interior of the mug. Fill the mug with hot water for 5 minutes before wiping down the interior of the mug with a dish cloth that has been soaked within rubbing alcohol. Allow Perform this task for 1-2 minutes to ensure that the alcohol has a fighting chance against this built up odor. Upon completion, rinse out the rubbing alcohol and put the mug back within use.

6 Efferdent Tablet

Many in older generations know this brand because they use this product to clean and deodrize dentures. Despite the different use, it can have a powerful effect on removing unwelcome coffee odors that may exist within the confines of a daily mug. Simply drop an efferdent tablet within a filled mug of water and provide several hours for it to provide deodorizing results.



Photo Credit: Chris Applegate

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How to Get Mold Smell Out of Basement

If your basement is suffering from a mold based odor, there are never an entirely easy solution for combating the harmful growth. The stale and musty odor can cause much discomfort upon entry to this space and can even spread to other areas within the home.



Despite this challenge, there remain several things that can be done to treat the problem and eliminate the mold issue within the basement. By following the below steps, you will be one step closer to eliminating the mold growth and resulting odor.

Mold Smell Removal Solutions for Basement

1 Step 1: Access Damage

The first thing you will need to do is access the damage within the room and search out visible mold within the space. Upon your findings, decide whether the mildew odor is associated with a surface are problem or whether it is something deep within the foundation and surrounding walls. In such cases, you the mold’s structural damage may be outside your own grasp and might require the help of a trained professional.

2 Step 2: Remove Items & Place in Sun

It’s never fun to move all your storage items out of the basement, but it is a necessity in order properly treat the basement and ensure that the mold does not return. All storage items must be moved to a space within the yard where it can receive several hours a day of direct sunlight. It is additionally important to do an assessment of the items for any visible mold. If items are found with mold, they can usually be treated with a white vinegar solution. Either wipe the items down with a one part white vinegar three part water solution or put clothing items within the washing machine with inclusion of a cup of white vinegar within the cycle.

3 Step 3: White Vinegar or Enzyme Wall & Floor Scrub

Both White vinegar and enzyme cleaning solution work well at killing mold spore from surface areas. If you find that surface areas have been mildly effected by mold within specific basement locations, it is likely that either of these compounds will be effective in treating the mildew. When using white vinegar, you will want to mix a solution of one part white vinegar to five parts water. Regardless of the solution, the floors will need to be moped and all the walls will need to be scrubbed. While scrubbing, make sure that all surface areas have been touched and that visible areas of mold have been scrubbed until it is no longer visible.

4 Step 4: Immediately Improve Ventilation or Run Dehumidifier

After scrubbing down all of the surface areas of the basement with white vinegar or enzyme cleaning solution, you will need to move forward with a drying solution. You can accomplish this goal by running a air conditioner on full blast, installing and running a window fan (non-humid locations) or running a dehumidifier. These methods will help in drying the formulas from the basements surfaces and ensuring that the space is no longer hospitable to mold growth.

5 Step 5: Mold Killing Paint

If any visible mold was found on the walls, it is important to follow behind the initial treatment with mold killing and sealing paint. Kilz is a popular brand of paint that can work well in covering up the problem to provide a fresh start within the worst areas. To be safe, make sure that all areas around the affected space are painted.

6 Step 6: Treat Moisture Sources & Return Items

Once the space have been treated, spend time looking for any wall or floor cracks, moisture leaks, or weeping walls within the space. These problems should be treated immediately if any issues are found. Next you items will be ready to be moved back within the space. Make sure that they have received several days of direct sunlight within the yard and have been appropriately treated with white vinegar. While bringing them back within the space, it is important that they are not placed directly against any of the walls to provide some breathing room.

7 Step 7: Call a Professional

If you are finding that the mold continually returns, it may be time to seek out a professional mold removal service. These professional will help you in addressing the source of the issues and addressing solutions for it’s removal.


Photo Credit: Bobaloo Koenig

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