Musty odors are common to many basements, especially if the basement is unfinished. Musty odors happen when mold begins to grow in a basement, which is often the case for basements with excess moisture and not enough ventilation. You can remove the odor from the basement with common household materials. Be aware, however, that the smell may return unless you remove the mold, dust, pests or whatever is causing the smell.
Remove the musty smell with white vinegar, which is a natural disinfectant and odor neutralizer. To use it, spray the concentrated white vinegar onto hard surfaces, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before wiping it up. Fill a bowl with white vinegar, and let it sit in the room for several days. As the white vinegar evaporates, it will neutralize bad odors.
Baking soda is another natural product that will absorb bad odors. Sprinkle the baking soda over the surface of the area that has a musty odor. Sprinkle a thick layer of the baking soda, and let it sit for at least 2 hours. Vacuum the baking soda. Because this method is a dry one, use it to clean carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture.
Activated charcoal will absorb bad, musty odors from your basement. Put the activated charcoal in a bowl, and set it in the center of the room. Let it sit for several days until the musty odor is completely gone.
Zeolite is a natural mineral that will naturally remove odors from the room. Zeolite is completely nontoxic and, unlike other methods, it is reusable. Simply place the zeolite in the center of the room until the odor is gone. To recharge it, place it directly in the sun or in a 250 degree F oven for 20 minutes.