How to Get Rid of Musty Smells in a Basement

Basements can flood from rain, household plumbing leaks and water seeping through the walls. Since most basements do not have good air circulation like other levels of the home, moistness can remain for long periods of time, making the basement an ideal breeding ground for mold, which is the source of a musty smell. Even after fixing the leak or sealing the walls, drying out your basement and thoroughly removing the mold, a musty odor can still linger. As long as the mold problem is resolved, you can eliminate that musty smell so you can freely go in your basement without holding your nose.

Things You'll Need

• Fans
• Chlorinated lime
• Broom or vacuum
• Bucket
• Bleach
• Rag

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Open any windows and doors. Set up fans to help dry the basement out and keep the air well-ventilated for the next steps.

   • 2

     Sprinkle a thin layer of chlorinated lime, also called bleaching powder, on a carpeted floor and upholstered furniture. According to the University of Georgia, leave it there until the musty smell disappears, and then sweep it up. You can also vacuum it up.

   • 3

     Clean hard-surface floors with a mix of ½ cup of chlorine bleach for every gallon of water. Fill a bucket with the solution and use a rag to wipe down the floors and baseboards. Wipe the walls, too, if they were moldy. Rinse the walls with clean water and a rag.