How to Get Rid of a Musty Smell From the Basement With a Natural Home Remedy

A musty smell in the basement is a common problem for many homeowners. The odor usually comes from mold or mildew, which can be caused by a number of things, including dampness, lack of sunlight, and lack of ventilation. To keep the basement smelling fresh, you must remove the mold or mildew. Natural home remedies can help you get rid of the smell without using any harmful chemical ingredients.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Broom or vacuum
• Bucket
• Mop
• White vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Dehumidifier

Instructions

1. Open windows and let your basement ventilate. Air circulation goes a long way in eliminating odor. Open any curtains and let sunlight into the basement when possible.

2. Sprinkle baking soda over all flooring, including hard floor surfaces and carpeting. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber that collects the musty smell and moisture in the basement. Let the baking soda sit overnight, then sweep your floors to collect the baking soda.

3. Mix 1 gallon water and 2 cups white vinegar in a bucket. Mop hard floor surfaces with this solution. Vinegar is a deodorizer that cleans and disinfects.

4. Pour 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water into a spray bottle, and spray it around your basement as an air freshener.

5. Use a dehumidifier to collect excess moisture. This is a safe and chemical-free way to remove the moisture that could be the cause of musty odors.

References

• Mrs. Clean: Remove Odors From Your Home
• University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension: Odors: What's That Smell?; Linda R. Adler; January 1997