Q. My house is about 50 years old. Vinyl siding was added about 10 years ago, and our unfinished basement was waterproofed about three years ago. I need advice on how to get rid of a musty odor that I keep noticing in several rooms. -- J.L.
A. Baking soda and white distilled vinegar can be used to eliminate odors. Place a container of each in the rooms where the odor lingers. Then search for the source of the problem.
A musty odor may be caused by mold, which occurs as a result of moisture. Check around the foundation for standing water. Make sure your gutters are cleaned and working properly. Look for plumbing leaks. If you find signs of water where it should not be, make the needed repairs.
Clean small areas of mold with bleach and water. Be sure to use safety glasses and rubber gloves during the clean-up process. Hire a professional for bigger mold problems. The Better Business Bureau can help you find a company with a good track record.
A dehumidifier can help reduce the amount of moisture inside your house; be sure to choose the right size for the house. You can buy a dehumidifier tax free this weekend during North Carolina's Energy Star sales-tax holiday.
Pamphlets on dealing with mold are available from the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service, 703-2870.
Open on Thanksgiving?
One of SAM's holiday traditions is to run a list of restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving. Managers should e-mail their restaurant's name, address and phone number by Nov. 19 to be included in the list.
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