How to get rid of dampness in the basement forever. What to do if there is dampness in the basement? How to get rid of dampness in the cellar

Increased humidity and dampness in storage rooms and basements lead to the formation of rot, mildew and mold. The walls turn black and begin to crumble. Products spoil. There is a risk of infection spreading into other rooms and causing harm to the health of the residents of the house. You need to know how to dry a cellar so that you can use it efficiently and effectively in the future.

Signs and causes of high humidity in underground storage

You can check the humidity level using a hygrometer. In this case, the limiting parameter for basement-type premises will be from 85 to 95%. If this figure increases, then visual signs immediately appear: condensation accumulates in the basement on the walls and ceiling in the form of drops or even flows down in streams, the air becomes heavy and stale.

Condensation in the cellar, together with a low constant temperature, becomes an environment for the development of various pathogenic organisms, such as fungus and mold. If you do not react in time and do not remove the dampness in the basement, it will spread throughout the house through the walls and ceilings, and to do this you need to understand the reason for its appearance:

• an incorrectly designed ventilation system that is unable to remove excess moisture outside;
• close location of groundwater to the floor line, aggravated by poor insulation;
• lack of vapor barrier in the ceiling;
• poor insulation of walls and ceilings, which leads to sudden temperature changes on adjacent surfaces and the deposition of moisture in the form of condensation.

How to get rid of high humidity in the cellar and basement?

There are several methods to make the cellar dry once and for all. To do this, you need to correctly design and install the following systems:

1. Ventilation. It is necessary to bring 2 pipes with a diameter of at least 125 mm into the room. One is closer to the floor level to ensure fresh air flow. The other one is near the ceiling, so that it is possible to completely remove excess moisture. The movement of air masses occurs under the influence of natural draft or through injection by built-in fans.
2. External waterproofing. The design is designed to block the access of groundwater inside the walls. First, a trench about 50 cm wide is dug to the entire depth of the foundation. The outer surface of the partitions is finished with roofing material glued with bitumen mastic. Adjacent edges overlap each other, providing reliable protection along the entire perimeter. Then they install drainage and fill the free space with soil. At the end, you need to install a blind area up to 70 cm wide to prevent precipitation from penetrating into the space near the walls.
3. Internal waterproofing. If the premises are located deep underground, it is not possible to equip high-quality external finishing with insulating materials. In such cases, all work is carried out inside the cellar. To begin with, cracks and potholes are eliminated, the entire surface is covered with liquid, roll or sheet insulating materials. Then you should completely dry the cellar. The floor requires more careful treatment. It is covered with sand and expanded clay, a layer of roofing felt is laid with the edges glued with bitumen, and a platform is built from wooden panels.
4. Thermal insulation. Before you begin installing insulation in the form of foam plastic or foil-coated mineral wool, you need to treat the walls with an antiseptic. The foam is glued and fixed with self-tapping screws. The gaps can be filled with construction foam. At the end finishing work is carried out.

Methods for forced drying of the cellar

There are several simple and effective ways to dry a cellar without ventilation, which are preceded by cleaning the room and treating it with antiseptic agents:

1. Using a household dehumidifier, which draws air through itself and removes excess moisture from it.
2. They install an iron stove in the basement and heat it until the desired result is achieved.
3. You can disinfect and dry the basement using a brazier placed inside a tin container and lowered inside to floor level. The heat from the fire will quickly warm the air in all planes, and the smoke will destroy insects and fungus.
4. Any heaters will help get rid of excess moisture. Their application can take a long period of time and require energy consumption.

Before drying the basement after flooding with water, if, in addition to high humidity, there is saturation of all surfaces, and most of all the floor, you should spread dry sawdust, lay out cardboard boxes, newspapers or other absorbent materials. It is also recommended to use lime and potassium chloride, which will remove excess moisture and disinfect the room.

Traditional methods of dealing with dampness

It is possible to remove dampness in the cellar without the use of modern chemicals and electrical appliances. Some methods are longer lasting, others are intended for short-term use:

1. Heated bricks located along the walls around the entire perimeter will act as a heater. High temperatures dry the air and reduce humidity.
2. Simple lime, which is applied in a thick layer, can return the microclimate to normal in a damp basement. It quickly and effectively collects moisture from the air.
3. You can enhance the effect of lime by adding copper sulfate to the prepared thick solution.
4. Calcium chloride is an excellent air dehumidifier. It is scattered generously throughout the basement and left for a day. The room can then be warmed up and used again.
5. Sawdust will help quickly remove moisture. They need to be scattered in a thin layer and wait until the wood shavings get wet. Then the embankment is removed and a new one is poured. Instead of sawdust, you can lay out newspapers or cardboard.
6. Salt and ash are also temporary adsorbents.

How to prevent high humidity?

The question of how to get rid of condensation in the cellar or get a dry basement should be asked at the construction stage, choosing the material with the lowest hygroscopicity for walls and ceilings.

In addition, it is mandatory to install drainage lines, waterproofing and insulating layers both outside and inside.

An important stage in arranging a food storage room is not only the installation of shelving and flooring, but also a high-quality ventilation system. It should not only remove air from the basement, but also ensure that it is replaced with fresh air.

Every year it is necessary to carry out a general cleaning of the cellar, get rid of spoiled food, dry and whitewash the walls. When installing furniture, you should leave a small distance from the wall to ensure ventilation of all problem areas.

How to dry a cellar in a garage is a question that concerns many garage box owners. The work is not difficult, but it requires certain knowledge and skills. First of all, it is important to understand the cause of the damp atmosphere, and only then begin to eliminate it.

Mold has appeared in the garage, start looking for the cause, and only then start drying the cellar.

Reasons for increasing air humidity

You need to think about preventing increased moisture in the basement even when building a garage, but if trouble arises, you should pay attention to:

• serviceability of the cellar ventilation system. Check the air draft; perhaps the ventilation pipe is clogged or frozen in winter due to condensation. In this case, you can consider yourself lucky. It will be much more difficult to correct another cause of moisture in the garage;
• Perhaps the builders did not waterproof the basement or it is damaged. In this case, you will need to spend money on purchasing a penetrating waterproofing compound or covering it with a layer of internal or external protection of the basement from water.

Only after eliminating the cause can you begin to dry out the cellar in the garage.

Work to eliminate dampness in the garage

The whole process is divided into several main stages; we will analyze each of them in more detail.

Preparatory stage

First of all, you will need to disassemble and remove all wooden parts from the cellar. To do this, you will need to disassemble racks or shelves, lift boxes and barrels for pickles. If the basement has a wooden floor, you will need to carefully disassemble it. If the wood is suitable for subsequent use, the boards are dried outside and treated with an antiseptic or whitened with lime.

If the humidity is low, you can try to dry the garage by opening the cellar hatch and box doors on a sunny, hot summer day. You may need to repeat this operation several times. If the dampness is insignificant and the ventilation is working properly, such work can solve the problem of a damp wall.

To check the operation of the ventilation, just light a piece of paper or a lighter and bring it to the pipe. If the air flows poorly, the flame will burn evenly; with proper exhaust, the fire deviates and flutters, and may even go out completely. Cleaning ventilation pipes is easy. Lower the rope into the pipe, in the basement tie a brush or rag to it and pull the brush up. This way, the pipe will be cleaned and there will be no mold in the basement of the garage.

In addition to natural ventilation, a container filled with charcoal, sawdust or lime will help cope with a small damp spot on the wall. These materials absorb moisture, but after processing you should not leave the container with them in the cellar.

If the dampness in the basement is not removed using natural ventilation, you can resort to radical methods. Before this, the walls and floor must be cleaned of dirt and plaque. To remove fungus, all surfaces in the garage are treated with a special impregnation or a concentrated solution of manganese.

If the floors in the garage are earthen or clay, you will need to remove and remove the top layer, treat it with manganese and cover it with an even layer of sand or clay.

How to dry a basement in a garage if you can’t do it simple ways? There are several ways to eliminate dampness in the cellar.

Methods for forced drying of the cellar.

There are several methods to get rid of dampness in the cellar, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

It is important to know! All work on dehumidifying the air in the basement should be carried out in the summer, during hot and dry weather.

How to dry out a basement in a garage using a candle?

This is the oldest, proven method of dealing with humid air. To do this, it is enough to place a large paraffin candle in a jar or other non-flammable container and place it near the ventilation pipe at a short distance from the floor. This allows you to increase the circulation of air masses and replace moist, musty air in the cellar.

When carrying out processing, the basement lid must be open. With the help of a candle, damp air is replaced by dry atmospheric air and the wall gradually dries out. But the candle can go out due to gusts of wind, so it is recommended to replace it with dry alcohol and a burner.

You need to continue processing until the wall is completely dry. Dry alcohol, when burned, releases chemical elements that work as antiseptics and help get rid of fungus in the basement. But you should stock up on a sufficient amount of the substance; 15-20 tablets may be required to treat a small basement.

If candles and dry alcohol did not help, you did not get rid of moisture, try the next method.

Processing with a fryer

How to get rid of mold in the basement, perhaps a homemade roaster from an old bucket or small barrel will help. After making 2-3 holes in the top and bottom of the bucket, we place it on the ground. The roasting pan should stand at a distance of 60-70 mm from the floor. You can use several bricks for the stand. The bucket must be installed under the hatch. Having securely hooked the hook with the cable to the shackle, we take it out to the garage.

Having loaded the first load of coal and firewood, we light the mixture. You cannot stay in the basement during processing, as large amounts of carbon monoxide are released. Therefore, subsequent fuel additions are carried out at the top, then the brazier is lowered to the basement.

Due to the gap between the bucket and the floor, natural draft is formed; all that remains is to monitor the combustion and add firewood in a timely manner. Treatment lasts for 12-15 hours. In this case, hot smoke immediately begins to displace moisture from the room, will gradually dry the walls and remove harmful microflora and fungus. It is better to use firewood from hard wood; acacia and birch will maintain combustion for a long time and remove unpleasant odors.

But there are situations when more effective methods are required. How to dry a cellar in a garage after flooding, in this case, treating the room using electric heating devices of varying power will help.

How to get rid of dampness using electricity?

This treatment is carried out for quick relief in case of flooding or significant levels of air humidity. It prevents fungal spores from infecting the basement. In this case, you can use oil radiators, heat guns, converter heaters or infrared heaters. The work is carried out according to a similar scheme, but a person can go down into the cellar to carry the heaters.

The most important thing is to quickly remove moisture so that the treated surfaces become dry, like the air in the room. Be sure to open the basement door after heating the cellar for the first time to quickly remove stale air. The best option is a powerful heat gun. Such a device not only dries the air, but also ensures its circulation during processing.

But it should be understood that the use of powerful electric heaters will require additional costs to pay energy bills.

How to remove dampness faster when processing with an open fire, to do this, just connect several fans that will remove moist heated air and provide forced ventilation of the cellar. But if we are processing a small room, for the purpose of prevention before storing vegetables for the winter, it will be enough to use dry fuel with additional fumigation of the basement with a sulfur bomb.

This treatment will not only dry out the cellar, in this case we get rid of harmful microorganisms and fungi.
How to get rid of fungus and damp air in the garage basement - in conclusion, here are some tips.
To maintain a dry microclimate in the basement, you can install small fans in the ventilation pipes. In this case, the air will constantly change, and dampness will not be able to develop mycelium.

What to do if fungus has already appeared on the wall. A simple, uncomplicated operation will help you remove it. It is necessary to clean the wall of dirt and mycelium, dry the surfaces and treat them with industrial impregnations or a solution of potassium permanganate.

A simple sulfur bomb helps fight fungi and mold. This treatment is carried out before laying vegetables. It is not recommended to repeat fumigation with sulfur or warm up the air. In addition to waterproofing, the basement must have a sufficient layer of thermal insulation to prevent cold, damp air from entering the room.

Such simple and inexpensive methods will allow you to maintain a constant microclimate in the basement of the garage and provide optimal conditions for storing vegetables.

The direct purpose of the cellar is to extend the shelf life of the crop, regardless of the time of year and weather conditions outside the window. The most important factor responsible for creating an optimal microclimate is the humidity in the cellar. To obtain good storage conditions for products, its indicators must be stable and not exceed acceptable limits.

High humidity in the cellar causes a decrease in the shelf life of products. Bringing this parameter to standard values ​​is an important task, the solution of which is necessary for the safety of the crop.

Impact on microclimate and standard values

Construction of a cellar is a rather complex task that requires an integrated approach. When constructing it, it is necessary to take into account a huge number of factors and focus on building codes, otherwise it is unlikely that it will be possible to obtain a high-quality building. The main criteria that affect the safety of food are humidity and temperature. These two parameters are the main ones and must be maintained at a certain level.

According to regulatory documentation, the optimal conditions in the cellar are:

• humidity within 85-90%;
• temperature is around 2-5 degrees.

This ratio of key indicators is the most favorable for extending the shelf life of the crop. Moreover, it must be observed all year round, regardless of external factors. An imbalance immediately affects the microclimate of the room.

Increased humidity in the cellar leads to a shift of the dew point indoors. However, under normal conditions it should be outside of it. The consequence of this process is the formation of condensation, which covers all surfaces and contributes to the development of dampness. Mold, musty air, rotting food and corrosion of shelving are just a small part of the problems that excess moisture can cause.

Increasing temperatures make the air drier, which also does not bring anything good. A sharp decrease in moisture levels and an increase in thermal indicators has a negative impact on products, drying them 2 times faster. Therefore, the temperature and humidity in the cellar must be constant and within the limits specified in the technical documentation.

Causes

Controlling humidity and maintaining it within certain limits is not an easy task. It is very easy to upset the precarious balance between the main indicators. The slightest design flaws or neglect of construction technology affect the characteristics of the room. The greatest influence on the microclimate in the cellar is exerted by:

• soil type;
• location;
• quality of waterproofing;
• quality of thermal insulation;
• condition of the ventilation system.

High humidity in the cellar may be a consequence of its construction in unsuitable soil. Each type of soil has its own thermal conductivity coefficient. The higher its indicators, the less the soil can withstand thermal effects. Moreover, such a statement is true not only in relation to an increase in temperature, but also to its decrease. Soil with high conductivity freezes quite quickly. Cold air reaches the cellar, causing a sharp decrease in the air temperature in it. Loam and clay are a poor basis for the construction of an object, while sandstone and sandstone are considered good soil for its construction.

An imbalance in the main indicators can occur if the cellar is located incorrectly. If the building is not deep enough underground or near water sources. In this case, it will warm up faster in summer and freeze in winter. To neutralize such phenomena, it must be deepened by at least 0.5-1.0 meters. Another option would be to build a cellar directly under a residential building. In this case, the heat from its heated part will penetrate through the ceiling, contributing to a change in the dew point.

High air humidity in the cellar may be the result of poor waterproofing. During the rainy season, water saturates the ground and, in the absence of a protective layer or its damage, can seep through the brickwork into the room. In this case, the amount of moisture that enters the cellar depends on the area of ​​​​the unprotected area and the intensity of washing the walls. This problem can be solved only by carrying out work to apply a waterproofing layer to the external surface of the object.

The quality of thermal insulation also plays an important role in creating optimal conditions in the cellar. If it is located in clay soils, is not deep enough underground, or is located directly under the house, then an imbalance between temperature and humidity cannot be avoided. The situation can only be corrected by creating an additional thermal insulation layer, which is mounted on the ceiling or walls.

Condition of the ventilation system

The humidity in the cellar should always be the same. The most significant role in the process of removing excess heated air is played by the condition of the ventilation system. A well-functioning hood can neutralize most of the negative factors that lead to disruption of the microclimate in it. The operation of any ventilation system is based on the natural circulation of air masses, which, when heated, rise upward and, after cooling, fall back to the floor. This property is especially clearly visible in a closed space, which is the cellar.

Important! According to regulatory documentation, at least 150-180 cubic meters should flow through the ventilation system every hour. fresh air. This indicator makes it possible not only to remove humidity in the cellar, but also to partially normalize the temperature regime.

During the heating process, the air absorbs particles of liquid and rises to the ceiling along with them. In this case, the cold air flow sinks to the bottom of the room. Thus, the creation of a supply and exhaust ventilation system is carried out based on the difference in air temperature inside the cellar and directly outside it.

Reduce humidity in a cellar with a small area of ​​up to 10 square meters. possible by using natural ventilation. The principle of its operation is to organize good air circulation based on the physical properties of air. The outlet channel is installed near the ceiling, ensuring the removal of heated moist air masses. The inlet hole is mounted near the floor 10-15 cm before its surface. Moreover, both air ducts are located at different ends of the room. This installation scheme allows for excellent air exchange inside the room.

Get rid of high humidity in a cellar with an area of ​​more than 10 square meters. only possible using forced ventilation systems. The principle of their operation is based on the use of special exhaust fans that increase natural air circulation.

To bring temperature and humidity levels back to normal, the cellar parameters must meet all necessary standards. The presence of leaks, poor thermal insulation and incorrect territorial location have a negative impact on the indoor microclimate. Therefore, such problems must be eliminated at the design stage and construction work must be carried out in accordance with the standards specified in SNiP.

Humidity and air temperature are the determining parameters, the values ​​of which determine the storage conditions of products. At the same time, achieving an optimal balance between these indicators is not easy. The climatic conditions inside the cellar are influenced by a huge number of factors, among which the functionality of ventilation occupies a special place.

If the cellar is too damp, there is condensation on the ceiling or moldy walls, it is necessary to neutralize and destroy all this negativity as quickly as possible. Otherwise, there will be great doubt about maintaining the reserves in proper condition and type for the winter season. How to remove dampness in the basement? It is worth finding an adequate answer to this rather important question right now.

A dry cellar is an excellent place to store vegetables, fruits and other winter supplies.

If there is condensation in the basement, it is damp and humid, it is necessary to put an end to this, and as soon as possible. In order to ensure maximum safety of fresh products and preservation, it is important to maintain temperature indicators at the optimal level: +2-4 degrees. This air temperature should remain in this place all year. In the summer season, the temperature in a normal cellar should not be more than +5-7 degrees. In order to ensure such a temperature, it is necessary to create the proper conditions and do everything possible in a timely manner to properly equip such an important place as the cellar.

Getting rid of dampness

• First, we need to identify the reason why we have a damp basement.

If moisture in the cellar increases during the spring-summer season due to precipitation, it is necessary to cover the floor surface with a layer of gravel.

You can also use sand instead - the thickness is ten centimeters. The walls are cleaned of mold damage. The same goes for fungus - it needs to be eradicated. To do this, the surface of the walls is covered with special waterproofing plaster. It is appropriate to dilute it - for this you will need dry ordinary plaster.

• When the water level, which is groundwater, rises, ensuring good waterproofing of the floor will help bring the damp cellar back to normal condition. To do this, cover the basement floor with several layers of bitumen. Next, it is heated with a construction hairdryer, a couple of layers of roofing material are laid - their thickness should be from 15 centimeters.

Getting rid of moisture - the cellar must be dry

Concrete walls are more resistant to dampness

In order to get rid of moisture, concreting the floor and walls will help greatly. In addition, you can successfully use glass as an assistant - only liquid glass. And also - roofing felt. If clay predominates on the floor in the house, it is necessary to remove the top layer - the thickness here should be five centimeters. Then a polyethylene film is laid - it must be folded in half. After this, the clay is compacted on top, and concrete is poured on top. Often a sand layer is poured on top of the clay layer. After this, concrete is poured. If the reason why humidity is observed in the cellar is poor ventilation, then to get rid of it it is necessary to install exhaust vents with fans.

Folk methods - victory over moisture

1. Containers with white moss powder are placed on the floor, as well as on the shelves.
2. Regular salt will help - it should be filled with sulfuric acid.
3. Slaked lime is excellent for drying walls - it should be poured into a plastic barrel and left in a corner in the cellar.

Let's say “No” to condensation in the cellar

Condensation in the cellar is a natural consequence of dampness and high humidity. A cellar can become damp due to a variety of factors:

1. Waterproofing quality leaves much to be desired.
2. There are too many fruits and vegetables stored in the cellar.
3. There is no proper ventilation.

A wine cellar is the dream of every country house owner

In order to prevent condensation from appearing in the cellar, it is important to destroy foods unsuitable for food. In addition, an excellent solution is to whiten the surface and dry it as much as possible. As a result, it is possible to avoid condensation on both the walls and the ceiling.

In summer, treatment is carried out using hot water. Soap is added and the elements made of wood, which are located in the cellar, are dried. Antiseptic impregnation is also appropriate to combat condensation and to prevent its occurrence - the impregnation is applied to the wood. This way it is possible to provide protection against fungus.

In order to get rid of and prevent the formation of condensation on the ceiling, an excellent solution is insulation. For this, it is best to use polystyrene foam.

If condensation forms in the cellar, drying is necessary - an iron stove is used for this. You can also use a roasting pan for drying.

Before this, the room is dried naturally - this will take several days.

Drying is effective using ordinary candles. They are placed under the exhaust pipe. As a result, natural air draft improves. The duration of such drying is about four days. This is a very simple but quite effective method. You can also dry it using special dehumidifiers.

What to do if your house has a damp basement

How to get rid of dampness in the cellar? This question worries many people, because it is a rather unpleasant phenomenon that can appear even where, it would seem, all the conditions have been created to avoid it.

Dampness in the basement

Dampness is quite dangerous. Because of it, fungi and mold appear in the basement. In addition, the temperature and humidity conditions in the room are disrupted.
Condensation leads to the appearance of microorganisms that pose a health hazard and cause serious illness.
As a result of dampness, walls and ceilings become wet and the finish deteriorates. It is very important to get rid of dampness in the basement.

How to deal with dampness in the basement

The basement also requires proper care, otherwise its floor and walls will become covered with fungus and mold.

First you need to determine the reason for the wet surface. Further, all actions will be aimed at getting rid of excessive moisture, depending on the source. The cause can be determined by where exactly the moisture is located. So, if droplets appear on the ceiling or walls, then the culprit is insufficient ventilation. If drops of liquid formed exclusively on the walls, then this indicates that there is no vertical waterproofing of the walls in the cellar. If there are puddles on the floor, this indicates flooding with groundwater.

It is quite appropriate to solve the problem of insufficient air exchange by creating additional ventilation. This applies to dampness in the attic or basement.

Basement - how to remove moisture?

To ensure that moisture does not penetrate from the soil into the basement, everything possible should be done during construction to prevent this. To do this, it is appropriate to create a bypass drainage system - it is carried out around the perimeter of the house. In addition, thorough waterproofing of the foundation will also be an appropriate measure in this case. The list should include waterproofing the floor in the underground and installing a blind area around the basement in the house. In addition, it is necessary to remove rainwater drains to a drainage sewer.

When the necessary work has already been completed, you need to fill the trench with compacted clay - this is done around the perimeter of the house. In this way, it is possible to create a water seal around the foundation. Clay almost does not allow water to pass through. As a result, the backfilled trench will act as additional insulation.

Why is there condensation in the cellar?

Natural ventilation is the surest way to protect the cellar from condensation.

Contact between warm air and cold surfaces is the main, one might even say the only, reason why condensation forms. When the air exchange is sufficient, the air, heated from the interior, is cooled. In this case, condensation does not form. To perform ventilation in the basement or attic, a couple of effective methods are used - natural and forced ventilation. In the first case, ventilation includes vents as well as ventilation ducts. What to do if there is dampness in the basement or attic, drops of moisture on the ceiling or walls? It is necessary to install ventilation ducts or pipes. Since after the construction of the house is completed it is no longer possible to place ventilation ducts in the walls, they must be attached to vertical structures.

Basement - causes of condensation

Dampness in the basement, a damp cellar is harmful to health. If you keep food in such a place for storage, it will quickly spoil. The reasons why it is possible and most likely for condensation to appear in the cellar are similar to those faced by owners of apartments in which plastic windows are installed. When the house is warm, but it’s frosty outside, the room is not ventilated—droplets of moisture appear on the windows. Condensation on the ceiling is possible for two main reasons: ventilation and temperature changes. Eliminate these reasons - and everything will be fine. Therefore, it is important not only to insulate the room, but also to have ventilation.

Condensation in the cellar - how to get rid of it

By properly arranging your cellar, you can enjoy the taste of stored fruits almost until spring!

In this case, ventilation - natural or forced - will come to the rescue. The same applies to ceiling insulation. In order to insulate the ceiling, polystyrene foam is used. The floor above the cellar is most often made of concrete. It freezes quickly. Therefore, in this case, it becomes possible to eliminate temperature changes by insulating the ceiling. Almost anyone can handle this task on their own. There is nothing complicated here. You will need extruded polystyrene foam or polystyrene foam, which are more dense. With their help you can simply perfectly insulate a room.

Mold in the cellar - how to get rid of it

If negative changes have occurred in the cellar - mold is observed, you need to do everything possible to remove it as quickly as possible.

In order to defeat mold and get rid of its presence, you need to go through several stages. First, at the preparatory stage, all tools should be removed from the basement. The same goes for boxes. Shelving should also be added to the list. Everything is taken out and dried thoroughly. Next, cleaning is carried out - all the garbage that has accumulated during this time must be destroyed. Using scrubbing brushes, mold is removed from the walls. It is also appropriate to fumigate the cellar using a smoke bomb. The ventilation openings should be tightly closed, and then the hatch or doors should be carefully closed. The walls are being disinfected.

Creating a proper, suitable microclimate in the cellar is quite a difficult task. It all depends on what the indicators are from the outside environment. This must be remembered when the construction of a building under construction is just beginning. Dense soil, such as clay, conducts heat well. This leads to the fact that the air in a cellar dug in clay gets too warm in the summer and freezes in the winter season. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to use effective materials with thermal insulation properties in order to properly equip the cellar.

In order to maintain the optimal temperature in the cellar with sandy or sub-sandy soil, you do not need to do anything. After all, the optimal temperature is perfectly maintained here all year round. The thing is that the soil has poor thermal conductivity.

For those who have problems with the basement in their home, there is condensation, dampness in the cellar, it is necessary to do everything possible to solve the problem as quickly as possible. Otherwise, all products will spoil. This means that you must adhere to useful recommendations which were given above.

Dampness in the cellar is a huge problem for most summer residents and country residents. As a rule, humidity increases due to poorly made thermal or waterproofing, as well as due to large quantity vegetables and fruits stored indoors. In some cases, condensation forms due to the lack of a ventilation system. Whatever the reason, a wet cellar is in no way suitable for storing food in it, which will quickly deteriorate if constantly exposed to moisture. That is why moisture needs to be removed and completely get rid of such a phenomenon as condensation. Today we will talk about how to dry the cellar and properly prepare it for planting the harvest.

Carrying out preparatory work

The humidity in the cellar is usually at a fairly high level, so condensation forms on the walls and ceiling. Preparatory work include completely emptying the premises of vegetables stored there since last year (they are no longer suitable for consumption, so it is best to remove them from storage).

In addition, it is recommended to temporarily get rid of wooden elements of the room (racks, pallets, various bins, boxes, shelves, etc.). All wooden structures must be taken outside and then washed with hot water and soapy water. They must be completely dry before further use.

Before dehumidifying the air in the storage room, all supplies and products should be removed from there.

A fairly common and effective method of disinfecting wooden storage elements is applying a layer of whitewash with the addition of ordinary copper sulfate. As a rule, ordinary lime is used as whitewash, which can be found for sale in any store. Air humidity and condensation in this case will not affect the wood.

In addition, to protect wooden elements from mold and mildew, it is necessary to apply antiseptic impregnation to them. You can use any composition sold in the store.

The walls and ceiling of the storage facility can also then be whitewashed and dried. Otherwise, due to increased dampness in the room, it will not be possible to preserve the crop in proper form. In the fall, when it rains continuously, it will not be possible to properly dry the cellar, so all work must be carried out in the summer.

How does the storage dry out?

In order to get rid of excess moisture in the cellar, it is not enough to simply open all the ventilation holes and the hatch cover. In the cellar, the air will systematically cool down, and the moisture from it will condense, so it will not be possible to dry the underground room with ordinary ventilation. Air humidity and condensation will not go away even after several days of keeping the storage facility with the hatch open. To dry the cellar before the seasonal crop planting, more radical methods should be used.

There are several most common ways to dry a room. Air humidity and condensation are a big problem, but with forced drying they are quite easy to get rid of.

So, you can remove excess dampness, humidity and condensation in the following ways:

• Drying a cellar or vegetable storage using an iron stove.
• Drying the basement using a broiler.
• Using the most ordinary candles, which will improve natural air draft.
• Use of special dehumidifiers.

It should be noted that heating the storage facility using an iron stove is an extremely labor-intensive and troublesome task, so it is recommended to abandon this method immediately. And not everyone has the opportunity to install such a stove in storage. It is better to use the remaining three methods, since it is important to dry the cellar quickly and without unnecessary hassle.

Quick drying using a broiler

You can remove excess air humidity and condensation from the cellar using the simplest fryer. This small (portable) device can be found in almost any country farm. In any case, you can ask your neighbors.

The fryer quickly heats the air in the room.

Before drying the cellar using a roasting pan, it is necessary to partially get rid of excess dampness by natural drying for several days. In this case, the fryer will only “finish off” the remaining dampness, humidity and condensation.

If you have not found a suitable device for drying or a roasting pan, then you can make it yourself from the simplest old bucket.

The drying process itself is as follows:

• Before starting drying, open all the openings that go into the cellar (manhole, ventilation pipes).
• Next, we lower our brazier (bucket) to the bottom of the storage. You can do this yourself or use a rope and hook.
• Light a fire in the brazier. It needs to be maintained for some time until the damp air completely leaves the room.
• According to the laws of physics, warm and dry air from the bottom of the cellar will begin to gradually rise, displacing damp air into open holes. After some time, the cellar will dry completely.

The principle of drying a basement using a roasting pan from an ordinary bucket.

Before drying the cellar using this method, it is necessary to consider some nuances:

1. It is recommended to use sawdust and wood chips to light the Dutch oven. Once the fire is hot, you can add larger wood to the roasting pan. It is important that the ignition of the brazier occurs before you lower it to the bottom of the cellar.
2. The heat from the fire will quickly warm up the room, removing the damp air outside. In turn, dry air will quickly spread throughout the cellar. It is necessary that the entire room is saturated with smoke. This will get rid of any biological activity in the storage, which also negatively affects the storage of vegetables and fruits. The effect of warming the air in this case will last for a long time.

However, condensation in the cellar does not always disappear immediately after drying, so you need to wait a little and, if necessary, repeat the action, and also check the quality of the ventilation system.

Drying the cellar with a candle

If you don't want to bother with a Dutch oven, there is an easier way to keep your cellar dry and free of moisture. For this you will need a very ordinary candle.

The candle must be placed under the exhaust pipe.

A lit candle placed under the exhaust duct will increase air draft and also help get rid of dampness. Drying the cellar with a candle will take much longer than with a brazier, but if you have nowhere to rush, then you can use this method without any problems.

When using the candle drying method, it is necessary to increase the length of the ventilation pipe (supply pipe if two pipes are used). This should definitely be done. Next, a lit candle is installed directly under the inlet of the exhaust pipe. It is best to place the candle in a small container (for example, a jar).

To give a certain impulse, which will become the beginning of air draft, it is necessary to set fire to a paper sheet in the exhaust pipe. Further, the draft will be supported by the candle flame.

It was already noted above that this is a slow drying method and can be used if you have enough time. All work on drying the cellar is best done a few days before harvesting, so that the room has time to warm up, dry out and get rid of all biological activity. Using a lit candle, you can dry the cellar in 3-4 days. During this time you will have to change several spark plugs.

If the cellar is large, then it will not be possible to get rid of dampness and humidity with a candle.

Air dryers

Since it is difficult to dry a large cellar using improvised means, special dehumidifiers are used to effectively get rid of moisture. These devices allow you to efficiently dry the room, and then maintain the humidity level at a normal level. It is advisable to periodically dry the air in the cellar.

Appearance and operation diagram of the air dryer.

Dehumidifiers are especially relevant for the commercial operation of basements and vegetable stores. Modern dehumidifiers are sold in large construction stores, as well as in specialized departments, so there will be no problems with their purchase. About how to dry a cellar using a dehumidifier, it is best to ask a sales consultant who can recommend a model suitable for your room.

The principle of drying stagnant and damp air in a basement is that moisture always condenses on cold surfaces. The air passing through a conventional dehumidifier is cooled, and the moisture settles in a special receiver, after which it drips into the pan. Dehumidifiers work on the principle of cooling the air rather than heating it (unlike a broiler or candle), so the device will cool the cellar to some extent. However, you can find devices on sale that will heat the air at the outlet to the original temperature.

Modern dehumidifiers operate on the basis of freon (as do refrigerators and air conditioners). Air will be drawn into the dehumidifier using a fan. If your home also has humid air, then a basement dehumidifier is quite suitable for use in other areas of the building.

Which method should you choose?

You can make the cellar absolutely dry and suitable for storing fruits and vegetables using any of the proposed methods. You should choose one method or another based on the total area of ​​your cellar. For example, there is no need to buy an expensive dehumidifier if your cellar area does not exceed 2 square meters. m. In this case, the problem of humidity can be easily solved with the help of a brazier or a candle.

You can put fruits and vegetables into the cellar immediately after all work on drying the room has been completed. It is worth noting that it is not recommended to dry the cellar additionally during operation. This approach will negatively affect the quality of stored vegetables.

To avoid the need to frequently dry the cellar, it is necessary to provide in advance for the presence of a high-quality ventilation system. For small cellars, a design consisting of two pipes (supply and exhaust), located at different heights, is quite suitable. They will ensure continuous air replacement. If the cellar has a large area, then a forced ventilation device is recommended. In addition, if it is the floor of a living space, you will need to make high-quality thermal insulation of the floor. Cold air from the storage facility should not be allowed to affect the microclimate in the house.