how do you rid a basement of a musty smell?

Answer 1

Paint it then do all of the above, then provide better ventilation.

Answer 2

Ventalation and check for the source of water in the room on all walls. Have a building inspector look for mold, leaks, and seepage of ground water. Remove all clutter from the room. If there is a water heater or furnace, remember it burns gas producing CO2 and Water. Water vapor from the furnace will condensate on the walls, etc. Check the vent sytem to the furnace..
Forced air ventalation will help dry out the room. The musty smell may be mold or fungus. Check inside the wall behind sheetrock. Sheet rock is not a good idea in the basement. It is a food source for the fungi if there is enough moisture.

Answer 3

How high is the watertable in your area? This may not be easy to remedy. If that is not an issue than start by removing the source of dampness by repairing walls/leaks. Ventilate the basement and then you can use a commercial product called "DampRid" which can be purchased at either Home Depot, Lowes or even Walmart. Additionally, a de-humidifier may be required. This can be bought at any of the stores listed above as well. The unit will remove any additional moisture in the air.

Answer 4

Open windows,turn on fans and clean,clean,clean! Once you are finished put some Yankee Candles around and it will soon smell great! You can also spray carpets and curtains with Febreeze,that will help too!

Answer 5

Remove excess humidity!! Keep it at 40-50% humidity and smell will fade away!! :-)=

Answer 6

Add a dehumidifer in the summer months.

Answer 7

Clean with bleach and hot water.

Answer 8

Lysol spray!

Answer 9

clean first, then run a dehumidifier to remoe the moisture and prevent mold/fungus growth