How to Keep Your Basement Clean and Green

How to keep your basement clean and green Find simple solutions to making your basement an eco-friendly zone.

By Nastasha Alli

Whether you have a furnished den or simply extra space for a washer and dryer, maintaining a clean basement is a must on any homeowner's list. Learn how to keep heating costs at bay with these energy-saving suggestions -- doing laundry doesn't have to be an uncomfortable chore, after all!

Here are a few tips on how to make your basement an energy-efficient space:

• Inspect your walls to diagnose basement leaks. Determine whether dampness in the air is caused by condensation (from within your basement) or seepage (through your outside walls).

• Get rid of mold. Use an all-purpose liquid cleaner made from 1 gallon of hot water, 1 tbsp. baking soda, 2 tbsp. liquid soap or detergent and 1 tbsp. of borax to remove surface mold and mildew.

• Replace old or dislodged insulation.

• Keep pipes, drains and sewage lines clean. If spills or flooding occur, call a plumber right away. Be sure to disinfect your basement for thorough cleanup (using a professional vapor steam machine is an environmentally-friendly option).

Find more ways to help the environment with Green Living Tips from our Life & Balance section.