We have a family room in our basement, and just discovered that the air conditioning unit there has been leaking into the carpet. I’ve been dehumidifying the space, but it still smells musty. What do you recommend?
Our Answer
First of all, if anyone in your family has allergies or asthma, we recommend that you avoid living in a house with a finished basement, which is particularly prone to mold growth. If you want to keep this finished basement family room, it is best to hire a professional to remove the carpeting (under mold containment conditions) and then having a ceramic, laminate or a resilient tile floor installed, with area rugs on top if you want to have a softer floor covering.
According to The Money Pit’s indoor air quality expert, Jeff May, all carpet, as well as anything fleecy or cushioned (and that includes upholstered furniture) that has remained damp for more than 24-48 hours should, be discarded as it likely contains mold. Also, be sure to take these simple steps to reduce basement dampness and leaks, and help avoid further mold growth.
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