Replies

1. Expert Member
   BILL WICHERS | Sep 05, 2022 11:42pm | #1

   Are you sure the smell isn't from the waterproofing on the exterior? If it is, then the smell should go away after a while, especially after the excavated areas have been backfilled.

   If you really do have an issue with oil on the interior (which seems odd to me), you can clean it. This is an issue that comes up sometimes when I have to have epoxy put down on mechanical room or machine shop floors that have had oil spilled on them. If the oil is only on the surface, you can use a power washer with a heavy detergent solution to clean the oil film from the wall/floor. The problem is if the oil has soaked into the concrete, you have to grind it out.

   I would try power washing the concrete with detergent and see if that helps. If you still have smell issues, I would paint the walls with a few coats of sealer and see if that helps. I wouldn't use spray foam to encapsulate here unless you have no other options, and keep in mind that spray foam will smell to as it cures, so it's not a cure all if you have sensitivity to smells.

   Bill

1. 
   Karrj | Sep 06, 2022 08:46am | #2

   Thank you. Already backfilled. The form oil smell has gotten better but persists in the darker areas of the picture. The concrete in that area is softer so maybe it will come off with power washing or grinder. Any specific type of sealer you would recommend? Thank you.

1. Expert Member
   BILL WICHERS | Sep 06, 2022 09:35am | #3

   I've only worked with floor epoxies in this situation, so I don't have any specific advice regarding a sealer. What I would do is see if you have a PPG paint store in your area. Assuming that you do, go in and tell them you need a masonry sealer that will work over oil stains. The people in the paint store probably won't know, but they'll be able to call one of the corporate reps who will. I've done this myself with their floor epoxies, and I've always found them to be very knowledgeable and helpful, even if they know up front you're probably only going to buy a gallon or two of material. The only downside is that some of the coatings are only available in 5 gallon containers, which is expensive if you only need a little.

   Bill

2. 
   walta100 | Sep 06, 2022 12:31pm | #4

   I would scrub the wall with a brush and dawn dish soap and then power wash the wall with clean water and now is the time to do it if it is ever going to happen.

   Some type of release agent is often applied to the concrete forms. Try ask the sub what was used this information may be helpful in understanding your smell issue.

   I am thinking you may not want to visit the construction site until all the work is completed. If you see the mark on the wall and now you smell the oil. There are some people that if they know oil was applied, they will claim to smell it regardless of the clean up efforts or if anyone else can smell it.

   I am not there so I can’t smell it but consider if it is a possibility.

   Also you are at the beginning of construction there will be many things you could see during construction that will seem like flaws or problems that will get covered and hidden in the end. You may not be the type of person that can enjoy the sausage after watching it being made.

   Walta

3. 
   Karrj | Sep 07, 2022 04:28pm | #5

   Thanks for taking the time to answer my question

4. 
   lgr123 | Nov 13, 2023 05:31pm | #6

   Hi Karrj, I am curious if you have any updates on your basement smell. Has the smell dissipated?

   Last week we had our basement poured for our new construction house. Unfortunately they used diesel fuel as the form release agent and now we have concerns that our basement will smell. The walls smell a bit, but there are several areas near the footers where it appears some fuel leaked and puddled.

   Builder doesn't seem concerned. The internet has virtually zero info on the subject.