If you have a basement in your house, then it must have a bad odor and getting rid of it is quite difficult. Despite using room fresheners, and sprays, the smell does not go away easily. The main problem of old homes and basements is the excess moisture that gets accumulated in those spaces which is the main reason for the growth of mold spores and other microorganisms. This is one of the reasons for musty odor as they metabolize with organic materials, and release different types of chemicals and glasses. In this case, the use of dehumidifiers and purifiers can be really helpful. They work by removing the excess moisture from the environment of your house, which in turn removes the bad smell.
If you notice musty and mildew odors, then you should know that there may be mold and algae present in the surrounding area. Since these microorganisms require water to grow, there is the possibility of leaks if you notice them growing and a smelly odor. If not that, then there may be an increase in the amount of indoor humidity and moisture in your room or basement.
How to know if you have humidity in your house?
If you do not know how to determine if your house has moisture, then you can use a hygrometer to monitor and test the humidity levels. Almost every best humidifier and purifier has an in-built hygrometer, which can be helpful for taking the indoor humidity readings. As soon as you use a dehumidifier, you will notice that the humidity level decreases and you will notice that the foul smell of the mildew starts disappearing. You can also buy a dehumidifier without an inbuilt hygrometer and buy a cheap outdoor thermometer from the internet. It is one of the cheapest ways to measure humidity levels. However, you should know that digital hygrometers are much easier to use with better accuracy.
In almost every old home, there are chances of small leaks and spaces and this leads to extra moisture which makes your home and basement smelly. If you live in such homes, then using a dehumidifier and purifier is very necessary. If you are maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30%-40%, then you can eliminate the musty odors in your house. If there are any remaining odors present in the atmosphere, then they can be removed very easily by using an air purifier that has carbon filters. You can also buy a portable dehumidifier and purifier that are quite affordable.
If you want to remove mold as well as a musty smell, then you should use a portable dehumidifier with a good-quality air purifier. In this way, you can remove organisms as well as excess moisture from the environment. You should also check for the possible leaks around the window, roof, walls, etc, to ensure that you get it fixed. There are chances of respiratory diseases and allergies if you are not successful in removing the excess moisture from the environment. If you get a good dehumidifier and purifier, then you can make your house and yourself healthy.
Also read Importance of Dehumidifiers and Purifiers In Our Lives
