1. Begin with ventilating the basement by opening up windows and doors to create air movement. Placing a dehumidifier and fans in your basement will help reduce the moisture levels in the air.
If ventilation does not remove odors…
2. Mop concrete floor and walls with a bleach solution (3/4 cups of household bleach to a gallon of water). Rinse and dry after 5 minutes. Be sure to open windows when applying the bleach solution. This will speed up the drying process and reduce inhalation of the bleach.
3. Place a lump of dry charcoal in an open tin/metal container to absorb odors. These simple steps can help reduce moisture levels and slow the process of mold and mildew growth. It is recommended to wear a mask when removing the musty basement smell.
4. Adding a dehumidifier will help to reduce the moisture in the air, which can help cut down on the musty smell in your basement.