How To Get Rid Of The Musty Smell In Your Basement

First, you need to figure out where exactly the mold and mildew is coming from. Looking for cracks in pipes, walls, and ceilings is a great first step, which could be a sign that water is seeping through from the soil outside or from a leak. AdvantaClean also suggests checking that your walls aren't bowing or bulging, as these unsteady walls are likely to let more water in when it rains, according to the site.

Once the mold or mildew is found, it's time to eradicate it. You can do this by mixing undiluted white vinegar and water by putting it in a spray bottle and spraying the affected areas. You'll also need to dehumidify the room to remove the moisture.

As for the smell, getting rid of it can be done in a multitude of ways, but the most common is, interestingly enough, to leave open containers of cat litter or baking soda around the basement, according to ServiceMaster Restore. Both substances can absorb the odor, and baking soda can even continue to suck up the smell for a solid three months. Placing bowls of coffee grounds or activated charcoal can also do the same thing, according to Den Garden.