Summarize the following:
Getting rid of the sewer smell emitting from drains can usually be taken care of by pouring a pitcher of water down the drains. After you add the water, pour 2 tablespoons (30ml) of cooking oil down the drain. The cooking oil will act as a seal to prevent the water from evaporating quickly. When you've discovered the source of the musty smell in objects, you have 2 choices: try to clean out the mildew and mold smell from everything infected by it, or simply to throw away whatever has the smell embedded within. If you are unsure whether or not the object can be saved, try to clean it. If the smell is still there, it is probably time to throw it out. Cleaning out the musty smell from books and papers can be very difficult. If you keep them, the smell will permeate the basement again, undoing much of your work in cleaning it. If you don't want to throw them away, you'll need to keep them in an airtight container or find a new location to store them. You can find airtight containers at most storage stores. If you don't have a lot of space, another option would be to rent a small storage unit. If the musty smell is embedded into objects like furniture and rugs, you'll need to take them outside when the weather is dry. Ideally, when the sun is out and humidity is low. Allow them to be aired out and sun-dried for a few hours and, if possible, give them a few good hits with a broom to free dust and other particles that might carry the smell as well. If the furniture and rugs are still smelly, scrub them down with a fabric cleaner, which can be bought at many supermarkets. If you have clothes, towels, or blankets that smell, soak them in an all-fabric bleach for 30 minutes. Or, put them into the washing machine on a normal cycle. Sometimes, even airing out and cleaning will not kill the smell. In this case, it might be easier and more convenient to just start over by purchasing new carpeting and furniture for your basement. Borax is a natural mineral cleaner that kills fungus. That is why it is a perfect cleaner for basements. To use, pour 1 cup (240ml) of borax and 1 gallon (3.8L) into a bucket. Then, use a brush to scrub the walls and floors with the solution. Follow the cleaning by rinsing with water to remove borax residue. Bleach is helpful when it comes to removing stains that the borax couldn't remove. Mix 2 cups (470ml) of bleach and 2 quarts (1.9L) in a bucket. Use a brush to scrub any visible stains. The bleach will remove the color from the stain and sanitize the area. If you have windows in the basement, open them up while using bleach. Or, bring a fan into the basement. Wear protective gloves and a face mask before using bleach. Wearing old clothing or putting on an apron is a good idea as well if you don't want to ruin your clothes. After the basement has been scrubbed down, bring in some fresh air to aid in the drying process. If you have windows, open them up. If you don't have windows, open your basement door and place a fan downstairs to help with air circulation.
Pour water or cooking oil into drains. Remove all mildewed and moldy objects. Store books and papers in airtight containers. Air out the furniture. Clean fabrics. Clean with borax. Remove stains with bleach. Deodorize and ventilate your basement.