How to Remove Musty Smell From Basement After Flooding?

Experiencing a flood in your basement can be incredibly stressful. Beyond the immediate cleanup and water damage, one of the most frustrating challenges homeowners face is the lingering musty odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More that sticks around for days—or even weeks.

This smell is usually caused by moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More and mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More growth. These thrive in damp, humid environments, and even after water is removed, moisture often lingers in wood, drywall, and carpeting. The good news: with the right steps, you can get rid of the odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More and prevent it from returning.

How Long Does It Take for That Musty Smell to Occur?

MoldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More can begin to grow within 24–48 hours after floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, depending on humidityHumidity is the amount of moisture or water vapor present in... More, temperature, and how much water is present. That’s why quick action is critical to prevent long-term odors and damage.

Causes of Musty Basement Smells After Flooding

While floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More is the most common cause, other issues may also contribute:

• SewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More backup or clogged toilets

• Burst or broken pipes

• Washing machine overflows

• Roof leaks or foundation cracks

• Heavy rainfall or snowmelt entering the basement

• Plumbing leaks hidden behind walls

Identifying the source of the odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More is the first step to eliminating it.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Musty Smell from Basement

Whether it’s using natural air fresheners, scrubbing away moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More, or simply improving ventilationVentilation is the process of exchanging or circulating air ... More, these methods will have your basement smelling fresh and feeling welcoming again in no time.

1. Find the Source of the Odor

Inspect walls, floors, and storage areas for signs of water damage, damp spots, or visible moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More. Common culprits include:

• MoldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More behind furniture or boxes

• Damp carpet or upholstery

• Cracks in the foundation

• Stagnant groundwaterGroundwater is water that exists beneath the earth’s surfa... More entering through poor grading

If odors are caused by sewer gases, refill dried p-traps under sinks with water.

2. Clean Mold Thoroughly

If you spot moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More, clean it immediately:

• Use water + mild detergent or a specialized moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More cleaner

• Scrub hard, non-porous surfaces

• Avoid using bleach on porousPorous describes a material that contains small openings or ... More materials like wood or drywall

• Keep the area ventilated to prevent regrowth

If moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More covers a large area (over 10 sq. ft) or involves sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More water, call a professional.

3. Repair Water Damage Quickly

MaskingMasking is the process of covering or protecting surfaces to... More odors won’t work if the root problem remains. Fix cracks, leaks, or insulationInsulation is a material used in buildings to reduce the tra... More gaps that allow moisture inside. Consider adding:

• Sump pumpA sump pump is a pump installed in a basement or crawlspace ... More to control groundwaterGroundwater is water that exists beneath the earth’s surfa... More

• French drain or re-grading to divert water away

• Pipe insulationInsulation is a material used in buildings to reduce the tra... More to prevent future bursts

4. Control Humidity

• Use a dehumidifierA dehumidifier is a device that removes excess moisture from... More to keep indoor humidityHumidity is the amount of moisture or water vapor present in... More around 50% or lower

• Run box or window fans to improve air circulation

• Open windows (when weather allows) to bring in fresh air

5. Increase Air Circulation

When to Call a Professional

DIY methods work for mild cases, but you should call a water damage restorationWater damage restoration is the professional process of clea... More or mold remediationMold remediation is the process of identifying, removing, an... More expert if:

• The smell persists after a week

• You see widespread moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth

• The flood involved sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More or contaminated water

• There is structural damage (walls, flooring, insulationInsulation is a material used in buildings to reduce the tra... More)

Professionals use industrial dryingDrying is the process of removing moisture from materials, s... More equipment, HEPA filtration, and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate odors and prevent regrowth.

Quick Checklist for Removing Musty Basement Smells

✔️ Locate the odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More source
✔️ Clean moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More & disinfect affected areas
✔️ RepairRepair is the act of fixing or restoring damaged property, m... More leaks & foundation cracks
✔️ Control humidityHumidity is the amount of moisture or water vapor present in... More with dehumidifiers
✔️ Improve air circulation
✔️ Use natural odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More absorbers
✔️ Call a professional if smell persists

Final Thoughts

With fast action, you can usually remove musty smells within about a week. But remember: the key is fixing the underlying moisture problem. Otherwise, the odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More will always come back.

👉 If your basement still smells musty after floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, it may indicate hidden moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More or water damage. [Company Name] provides 24/7 basement odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More removal, water damage cleanup, and mold remediationMold remediation is the process of identifying, removing, an... More in [City/Area]. Call [Phone Number] today for fast, reliable service.

Are you dealing with an odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More issue at your home or business caused by water damage? Water damage can happen at any time and can cause costly damage and moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth while leaving behind musty odors. Whether the floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More is caused by rain, thunderstorms, natural floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, burst pipes or something else, water damage restoration experts can remove all the water, dry out the affected areas, and restore your property back to its original state.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, water damage, fire and smoke damage, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, fire, smoke, and moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.