How to Remove Musty Odors From a Basement

A musty odor is common among basements, but it's not something you have to live with. With a little hard work and a few simple tips, you can remove musty odors from a basement in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum or broom
• Bleach and water
• Bucket and mop
• Paper bags
• Aquarium charcoal
• Coffee grounds

Instructions

1. Vacuum or sweep out every last corner of your musty basement. Getting all that dust and dirt up is important to the long term success removing musty odors from a basement.

2. If surfaces permit, wash down everything in your musty basement with a solution of bleach and water. Mix it about one part bleach to five parts water. I use a cheapie mop and even wash down the walls. This probably isn't a great idea to use on drywall, but works good for musty basements with cinderblock walls and concrete floors. Make sure you have enough ventilation, if there's a window, open it! Otherwise, blow a fan down the steps of the musty basement so you don't become sick from the fumes. Let dry.

3. Place unused coffee grounds in paper bags, about an inch or two deep. Place in corners of a musty basement. I prefer to use this as a short term fix, You don't want to leave the coffee grounds out long enough to attract bugs. Coffee grounds will absorb odors very well in your musty basement.

4. Place a couple inches of aquarium charcoal in paper bags. Place in each corner of your musty basement. If your floors get damp, place the bags on a tray or other object to keep them off the floor. This is more of a permanent fixture in my musty basement. It absorbs musty odors long term. It's good to change it out once a year or so.

5. Let fresh air into musty basement whenever possible. If there's a window, open it from time to time to let air circulate, especially important if you have a damp basement. Also, if your musty basement is damp, it might be worth checking into a dehumidifier, as mildew and molds can be harmful to your health.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have outlets in your basement, try a plug in type air freshener to help mask stale and musty odors.

• Sliced potatoes on a plate can also help absorb musty odors, but need changed out frequently to avoid rot or attracting pests.

• Boxes of baking soda opened and left out can also help draw in some of the musty odors.

• Use caution in cleaning musty basements with bleach, it can not only harm your skin, but the inhaled fumes can make you sick. Do NOT mix bleach and ammonia, it makes very toxic fumes that can overcome you and make you VERY sick.

• You may want to use a mask to help avoid breathing in dust and mold spores while sweeping up your musty basement.