We had a bad storm last week and water came in the window well because the gutter had a blockage reducing it's flow (inconviently spilling all excess water right next to the window). The carpet got probably
10 - 20 gallons of water spilled on it. From time to time small amounts of water has gotten in (due to gutter backups) so I figured no big deal; a fan usually dries it out in a day or two. This time I tried to soak up water using towels and then ran a fan (and dehumidifier), but it's a week later...The carpet is still a little wet, and the basement smells terrible with the windows shut.I have to keep the window open and draw air through with a box fan while the air conditioner runs upstairs...no creating super-humid conditions. I'm willing to tear out the old carpet (if necessary). I can rent an industrial dehumidifer (Ebac DB80), but what should we do about the smell in the mean time. If we close everything up, the whole house smells like mildew...if we don't close the house, will it ever dry? Should we get a HEPA air cleaner?
The water appears to have run on the outside of the drywall (this is a finished basement), but not doubt that some water went into the wall. The Red Cross flood manual said wallboard soaked (I would not call it soaked) with clear rain water can be left to dry...I'm comfortable replacing drywall, but I'd rather not if it can be avoided.
Also, should we worry about the couches being a breeding groud for mold/mildew? Are there tests that we
Thanks, Chris