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DIY Cleaning Methods for Basement

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 15, 2025

Discover effective DIY cleaning methods for your basement. Learn easy tips to remove dirt, mold, and odors for a cleaner, healthier space.

DIY Cleaning Methods for Basement

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda over basement surfaces, then spray with white vinegar. Allow the mixture to fizz and sit for 10–15 minutes. Scrub with a brush and wipe clean with a damp cloth. This combination helps break down grime, neutralize odors, and remove stains naturally.

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How to Use Vinegar and Baking Soda to Clean Your Basement

Start with a dry sweep. Before you even think about mixing anything, grab a broom and dustpan. Basements are dust magnets, so get rid of loose dirt, cobwebs, and whatever else has settled on the floor and surfaces.

Mix your cleaning solution. In a bucket, combine about one cup of white vinegar with a gallon of warm water. This is your go-to for wiping down most hard surfaces—think concrete floors, shelves, and even some walls. Vinegar is known for helping to wipe away grime and odors, but it’s not a disinfectant.

Spot clean with baking soda. For stubborn spots or musty smells, sprinkle baking soda directly onto the area. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Baking soda is mildly abrasive, so it can help scrub away stuck-on messes without scratching most surfaces.

Scrub and rinse. Use a mop or sponge to scrub the area with your vinegar solution. For extra-tough spots, dip a damp sponge in baking soda and gently scrub. Rinse with clean water to remove any residue, especially if you’re cleaning concrete or tile.

Deodorize the air. Place open boxes or bowls of baking soda around the basement to help absorb lingering odors. Swap them out every month or so for best results.

Let it dry completely. Basements are notorious for holding onto moisture. After cleaning, open windows or run a fan to help everything dry out. This helps prevent that musty smell from coming back.

Check for sensitive surfaces. If you have finished wood, painted surfaces, or anything you’re unsure about, test your vinegar solution in a small, hidden spot first. Vinegar is acidic and can dull or damage some finishes.

Limited Mold Removal

Vinegar and baking soda may not fully eliminate mold in basements, especially on porous surfaces. This DIY method often fails to reach deep-rooted mold, leading to limited removal and potential regrowth.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Water Solution

Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto basement surfaces, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush or cloth. This method helps disinfect and remove mold, mildew, and stains safely.

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Hydrogen Peroxide and Water Solution for Basement Cleaning

What You’ll Need:

3% hydrogen peroxide (the kind you find at most drugstores)
Clean, empty spray bottle
Cool tap water
Microfiber cloths or mop
Stiff brush (for scrubbing rough surfaces)
Protective gloves
Ventilation (open windows, use a fan if possible)

Mixing the Solution

Pour equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water into your spray bottle. For example, fill halfway with hydrogen peroxide, then top off with water.
Label your bottle clearly. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down in light, so keep the bottle out of direct sunlight and use it within a week for best results.

How to Use the Solution in Your Basement

Put on protective gloves before you start. Basements can hide all sorts of surprises, and hydrogen peroxide can be irritating to skin with prolonged contact.
Test a small, hidden area first. Hydrogen peroxide can sometimes lighten certain surfaces, especially unfinished wood or fabrics.
Spray the solution directly onto hard surfaces like concrete, tile, or sealed stone. For walls, floors, or even plastic storage bins, a light mist is enough—no need to soak.
Let the solution sit for a few minutes. This gives it time to work on grime and stains. For stubborn spots, use a stiff brush to scrub gently.
Wipe away with a clean microfiber cloth or mop. Rinse the area with plain water if you’re concerned about residue, especially on floors where kids or pets might play.
For musty odors, spray the solution lightly on affected areas and allow to air dry. Good ventilation helps speed up the process and keeps things fresh.

Extra Tips for Basement Cleaning

Always store hydrogen peroxide in its original brown bottle or a dark, opaque container. Light breaks it down and makes it less effective.
Don’t mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar or other cleaners in the same bottle. This can create unwanted chemical reactions or reduce cleaning power.
Hydrogen peroxide is best for hard, non-porous surfaces. For unfinished wood or fabrics, use caution and always spot test first.
If you’re dealing with a lot of dust or debris, vacuum or sweep before using the solution. This helps the cleaner reach the actual surface instead of just moving dirt around.

Insufficient Deep Penetration

Hydrogen peroxide and water may not penetrate deeply enough into porous basement materials, leaving mold, bacteria, or stains beneath the surface untreated, which can lead to recurring issues and incomplete cleaning.

Bleach and Water Solution

Mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of water in a bucket. Use a sponge or mop to apply the solution to basement surfaces. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse with clean water. This disinfects and removes mold or mildew effectively.

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How to Use a Bleach and Water Solution for Cleaning Your Basement

First things first: ventilation is your friend. Basements are notorious for being stuffy, so before you even think about mixing anything, crack open those windows, prop open doors, and if you’ve got a fan, get it moving some air. Bleach fumes are no joke.

Mix your solution carefully. The classic ratio for general cleaning is 1 cup of regular household bleach (that’s the unscented kind, usually around 5.25%–6% sodium hypochlorite) to 1 gallon of cool water. Never use hot water—it can release more fumes and break down the bleach faster.

Wear the right gear. Gloves are a must, and if you’re working in a tight space, a mask and eye protection are smart. Bleach can irritate skin and eyes, and you don’t want to breathe in too much of it.

Clear the area. Move furniture, boxes, and anything you don’t want to get splashed. Bleach can discolor fabrics and damage some surfaces, so keep it away from anything precious or porous.

Spot test first. Before you go wild, dab a bit of your solution on a hidden spot. Some basement surfaces (like certain tiles, painted walls, or unfinished wood) can react badly to bleach.

Apply the solution. Use a mop, sponge, or spray bottle to spread the bleach solution on hard, non-porous surfaces—think concrete floors, tile, or plastic. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes. This gives it time to do its thing.

Scrub if needed. For stubborn grime, a stiff brush can help. Just don’t go overboard—bleach is powerful stuff, and you don’t want to damage the surface.

Rinse thoroughly. After the wait, go over everything with clean water. This step is key—leftover bleach can leave a residue that’s not great for your basement or your shoes.

Dry it out. Use towels, a wet/dry vac, or just let the air do its job. The drier your basement, the better—moisture is what got you cleaning in the first place.

Pro tip: Never mix bleach with anything but water. Especially not ammonia or vinegar—those combos can create dangerous gases.

Hidden Moisture Risks

Using a bleach and water solution may not address hidden moisture in basement materials, allowing mold to regrow and structural damage to worsen, leading to ongoing health risks and costly repairs.

Dissolve 1/2 cup of borax in 1 gallon of hot water. Use a sponge or mop to apply the solution to basement surfaces. Scrub gently, then rinse with clean water. This method helps remove mold, mildew, and musty odors.

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How to Clean a Basement with Borax and Hot Water

What You’ll Need:

Borax powder (found in the laundry aisle)
Hot water (as hot as your tap will go, but not boiling)
A sturdy mop or scrub brush
Bucket (preferably two—one for mixing, one for rinsing)
Old towels or rags
Protective gloves (borax can be rough on skin)
Ventilation (open windows or run a fan if possible)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Clear the Area: Move furniture, boxes, and anything else off the basement floor. This gives you full access and prevents anything from getting wet or damaged.

Dry Sweep First: Use a broom or vacuum to remove loose dirt, dust, and cobwebs. This step keeps the borax solution from turning into a muddy mess.

Mix Your Solution: In a bucket, dissolve about ½ cup of borax in 1 gallon of hot water. Stir until the borax is fully dissolved. (If you see powder at the bottom, keep stirring.)

Test a Small Spot: Before you go wild, dip a rag in the solution and test it on a hidden patch of floor or wall. Wait a few minutes to make sure there’s no discoloration or residue.

Apply the Solution: Dip your mop or scrub brush into the borax mix and start cleaning the floor, working in small sections. For walls, use a sponge or rag. Don’t flood the area—just dampen it enough to clean.

Let It Sit (Optional): For stubborn grime, let the solution sit for 5–10 minutes. This gives the borax time to loosen up dirt and stains.

Scrub as Needed: Use a little elbow grease on tough spots, especially around drains, corners, and baseboards where gunk likes to hide.

Rinse Well: Go over the cleaned areas with a mop or rag dipped in plain hot water. This helps remove any leftover borax and dirt. Change your rinse water as needed.

Dry Thoroughly: Use old towels or rags to soak up excess water. Basements are notorious for staying damp, so run a fan or dehumidifier if you have one. This helps prevent musty smells and keeps things from getting slippery.

Extra Tips:

Ventilation is key. Borax has a mild scent, and basements can get stuffy. Open windows or use a fan to keep air moving.

Don’t mix borax with other cleaners. Stick to the basics—borax and water. Mixing with other chemicals can cause unwanted reactions or residue.

Store leftover solution safely. If you have extra, label the container and keep it out of reach of kids and pets.

Incomplete Disinfection Potential

Using borax and hot water may not fully disinfect basement surfaces, leaving behind mold, bacteria, or other contaminants. This incomplete disinfection can result in persistent odors, health risks, and recurring mold or mildew problems.

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