We scrubbed the bare cinderblock walls with bleach when we moved in. Worked for a short bit, but the funk came right back. It's a challenge, as there are a bunch of built in shelves. We use it as a pantry only for canned goods. Can't even store boxed good in there. Thought about trying a dehumidifier, but even if that works it defeats the purpose. The finished parts of the basement don't have that aroma, so there is hope. It's going to be a long term project I suppose. Meanwhile I might try well sealed boxes. The temp doesn't get down to the 50s in there until winter anyway.