Removing Mildewy Smell

[disneyfanatic60]

Our sump pump died this week. Of course, it was on a day that we received record amounts of rain. We, unfortunately, got almost 3" of water in our basement which is completely finished.

We were able to use a industrial carpet cleaner and fans to suck up the water from the carpets and help dry things out. Because it is the basement and we have glass block windows, there is not a lot of circulation. Now we have this mildewy smell to deal with. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what we can use to neutralize this odor? I've tried Fabreeze and Lysol Odor Neutralizer Spray and it's not strong enough. Besides the smell from these products is just lingering in the air along with the initial odor. We need some serious help.

 

[Ms Marigny]

I posted this answer on the "dead body smell in house" thread (or titled something like that)...
Putting out a pan of (unused) cat litter is good for absorbing odors as well as moisture. Leaving little opened boxes of baking soda all around is also good, and trays of coffee grinds also works well. My Katrina flooded house had some big time mildewy smells to overcome, and I used a variety of these things.
Good luck!

 

[lowie]

i like 'damp rid'. after hurricane wilma we were stuck with plenty of wet and damp areas of our house. i bought the hanging bags and the cups, i like the haning bags much better as they can't spill. they have a pleasant smell as well.

hope you dry out quick!

 

[jennobrn01]

Damp Rid products work well. I find the hanging bags have a stonger pleasant scent than the tubs.

Don Aslett has great products for removing odors.