10 Steps to Get Rid of Musty Basement Smells & Prevent Them From Returning

Published: July 3, 2024 • Updated: December 1, 2025

If your basement smells musty, something is holding moisture even if the space looks dry. That damp basement smell usually comes from mold, mildew, or stale air settling in low-ventilation areas. If you don’t address it, the lingering odor can spread through the house and even lead to mold growth.

But don’t worry! Following these ten simple, proven steps can get rid of the musty smell in the basement for good and prevent it from coming back.

Why Your Basement Smells Musty

The first question you will likely ask after noticing musty odors in your basement is where they might come from. A few factors could cause your basement to smell musty, such as:

• Poor ventilation: Limited airflow traps moisture and stale air, allowing odors to build up over time, which can pose health risks and affect indoor air quality.
• High humidity: Humidity above 50 percent creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew, the main sources of musty odors.
• Water leaks or seepage: Small leaks from foundation cracks, pipes, or windows introduce moisture that can cause damp surfaces and mold growth.
• Condensation: Warm air hitting cool basement surfaces creates condensation, which leads to dampness and that familiar musty smell.

These factors create a perfect environment for mold and mildew, the primary culprits behind the musty basement odors you’re experiencing. 

But how to get rid of a musty basement smell? Let’s now discuss below.

How to Get Rid of a Musty Basement Smell Quickly

With these simple ten steps, you can eliminate musty smells, reclaim your space, and create a healthier, more inviting atmosphere. We always recommend you hire professionals to carry out these steps.

Step 1: Identify the Source

A musty smell always means moisture is present somewhere, even if you don’t see water. Your goal here is to track down anything damp, hidden, or trapping odor.

What to look for:

• Stains or damp spots on walls and floors.
• Condensation on pipes or windows.
• White, chalky residue (efflorescence).
• Mold or mildew patches.
• Stronger odors behind stored items or furniture.
• Cracks in the walls or the floor.

How to check:

• Move boxes and shelves away from the walls.
• Use a flashlight to inspect corners and low-airflow areas.
• Use a moisture meter if you’re unsure about humidity levels.

Step 2: Fix Moisture Intrusion and Structural Issues

Upon identifying the sources of moisture, take immediate action to mitigate the problem.

What to do:

• Seal gaps or cracks in your foundation, walls, or floors with hydraulic cement.
• Patch gaps around windows.
• Tighten plumbing connections or replace faulty sections.
• Add pipe insulation if condensation forms.
• Check the sump pump function and clean the pit if necessary.

Step 3: Deep Clean and Disinfect

Even if the basement is mostly dry, odors can linger on surfaces. A deep clean removes mold spores, dust, and organic buildup that trap smells.

How to clean effectively:

• Scrub walls and floors with a mold-killing solution.
• Wash or remove musty carpets and rugs.
• Wipe down storage bins, shelves, and furniture.
• Vacuum dust and debris before using cleaners.

Cleaning removes the immediate odor, but the smell won’t stay gone unless moisture is controlled.

Step 4: Improve Airflow and Ventilation

Once moisture issues have been fixed and the area has been cleaned, it is a good idea to air out the space as much as possible to help eliminate any lingering odors.

Ways to boost airflow:

• Open windows when the weather allows.
• Use two fans: one pulling in fresh air, one pushing stale air out.
• Keep the basement door open to mix air with the rest of the house.
• Install an exhaust fan in basements with laundry or bathrooms.
• Move furniture a few inches away from the walls to improve circulation.

Step 5: Regulate Humidity by installing a Dehumidifier

Humidity above 50% creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew, even when surfaces look dry. Installing a dehumidifier pulls moisture out of the air, helping the basement feel fresher within a few days.

How to use a dehumidifier effectively:

• Choose a unit sized for your basement (bigger spaces need higher capacity).
• Set humidity to 45–50%.
• Run it continuously for 3–7 days or until the smell improves.
• Use a drain hose if you don’t want to constantly empty the tank.

Step 6: Absorb Odors with Natural Remedies

Natural odor absorbers for basements help remove lingering smells while you work on the root cause.

Best odor absorbers:

• Baking soda: great for carpets and fabric.
• Activated charcoal: strong overall odor absorber.
• White vinegar: good for surface odors and mildew.
• Coffee grounds: mild deodorizer for open rooms.

How to use them:

• Place bowls around musty areas
• Leave them for 24–72 hours
• Replace as needed

These won’t fix moisture issues, but odor absorbers help make the basement smell better and freshen the air.

Step 7: Use Odor Eliminating Products (Optional)

If natural deodorizers aren’t enough, commercial odor removers can help.

Options include:

• Odor-neutralizing sprays
• Gel odor absorbers
• Foggers designed for mold and mildew
  

Once your basement is clean, don’t skip the next step. Cleaning and temporary deodorizers only treat the symptom — if moisture keeps coming in, the musty smell will return.

Step 8: Waterproof Your Basement for Long-Term Protection

The most effective way to prevent a musty-smelling basement is to address the root of the problem: moisture.

Long-term waterproofing options:

• Clean gutters, and extend downspout away from your house.
• Regrade the soil so that water flows away from the foundation.
• Install an interior drainage system or sump pump.
• Add a vapor barrier to the walls.
• Seal cracks and problem areas.

Waterproofing solutions prevent odors from returning by blocking moisture at the source.

Step 9: Maintain a Clean and Dry Basement

Regular upkeep following a healthy basement checklist prevents smells from returning after you’ve eliminated them.

Good habits to follow:

• Vacuum and wipe down surfaces regularly.
• Check for new leaks or damp areas after heavy rain.
• Keep stored items off the floor and in a plastic bin..
• Run a dehumidifier seasonally.
• Improve airflow whenever possible.

Step 10: Consider Professional Help if the Smell Persists

If the odor keeps returning or you find a large amount of mold, a professional inspection is your best option, as advised by the Environmental Protection Agency.

When to call a pro:

• Mold covers more than 10 square feet.
• You smell mustiness but can’t find the source.
• You suspect groundwater seepage.
• Your basement walls are showing cracks or bowing.
• The smell improves but keeps returning every few weeks.

LUX Foundation Solutions can inspect your basement, identify hidden moisture issues, and provide long-lasting waterproofing solutions for Northern Virginia and the surrounding areas.

Comparison Table: Musty Basement Problems & Solutions

Problem / Symptom	What It Usually Means	What You Can Do Yourself	When to Call a Professional
Musty smell but basement looks dry	Hidden humidity, old moisture, or trapped odors	Improve airflow, run a dehumidifier, clean surfaces, use odor absorbers	If smell returns, or you suspect hidden leaks/mold
Condensation on pipes or windows	High humidity or poor ventilation	Insulate cold pipes, run a dehumidifier, open windows when dry	If condensation keeps coming back or walls feel wet
Damp spots on walls or floors	Minor seepage or water intrusion	Seal small cracks, patch gaps, check gutters & downspouts	If damp areas continue or stains grow over time
White, chalky powder on concrete (efflorescence)	Water moving through concrete and evaporating	Scrub affected areas, improve drainage	If efflorescence returns repeatedly — sign of ongoing seepage
Mold or mildew on surfaces	Persistent moisture or poor airflow	Clean with vinegar or mold cleaner, remove affected items	If mold covers more than 10 sq. ft. or keeps returning
Carpets, boxes, or furniture smell musty	Absorbed moisture or past water damage	Remove carpets, air out or replace stored items, use baking soda	If odor returns even after items are removed
Basement humid year-round	Airflow or structural moisture issue	Run dehumidifier consistently, ventilate the area	If humidity stays above 50% even with a dehumidifier
Musty smell returns after cleaning	There’s an unresolved moisture source	Re-check leaks, humidity, and stored materials	If you can’t locate the source or suspect wall/floor seepage

Protect Your Basement With Professional Waterproofing

A musty basement almost always ties back to moisture or hidden leaks. If the smell keeps returning or you’re not sure where it’s coming from, a professional evaluation can save you time, damage, and frustration. 

LUX Foundation Solutions offers free estimates and long-term waterproofing solutions for homeowners across Northern Virginia, Shenandoah Valley, North Central Virginia, and West Virginia.

If you’re ready for a cleaner, healthier basement, contact us now at 540-508-8587. We’re here to help.

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