How to Keep an Existing Underground Storm Cellar Dry

Using the proper drying techniques your storm cellar can be a safe and dry place.

1. Remove any sources of moisture from the storm cellar, like wet clothes, and vent any causes of moisture, such as a bathroom or dryer, outside of the storm cellar.

2. Paint the walls and floor of the storm cellar with water sealant paint. The sealant penetrates the concrete or cinderblock walls and floor of your storm cellar and makes a barrier that keeps water from leaking inside.

3. Place a fan or air conditioning system in the basement to dry out the air. You can also use a dehumidifier to get rid of extreme cases of humidity.

4. Place boxes of silica beads, which you can get from home improvement stores, around the storm cellar to suck excess moisture from the air. Empty the boxes when they get full of water. You need about 1 lb. of silica beads for every 5 square feet of space in the storm cellar.