The first step in getting rid of a mold smell typically involves finding the source of the smell. After you have determined the source of the smell, the mold should be removed. This part of the job can be tricky, particularly if the mold is out of control. After you have removed as much of the mold as possible, measures should typically be taken to prevent more mold from growing back. If all of these steps are followed, the mold smell should be either completely eliminated or greatly reduced. If the smell still persists after these measures are taken, it's likely that there are other undiscovered areas of the home where mold is lurking or that the mold wasn't completely eliminated.
Mold tends to be the worst in basements, kitchens, and bathrooms, which are all areas that receive lots of excess moisture. You should check these areas first for mold. If the mold smell is strongest in these places, this is likely where your problem is. You can remove the mold that you find by using vinegar or soap and a scrub brush. There are also products on the market specifically designed for mold removal, and you can use these according to the package directions.
After you have removed all the mold that you can find, you should take measures to prevent excess moisture in these areas of your home. If your mold is growing in your basement and you have a problem with leaks in your basement, try to patch up the areas where water is entering. Leaky sinks, toilets, and bathtubs may also contribute to mold, so fixing these problems could prevent more mold from growing. Good air circulation is also necessary for preventing mold growth, so it might be a good idea to open windows in your basement or kitchen and bathrooms occasionally to keep the air from getting too stale and prevent excess moisture from building up.
If your mold smell keeps returning after you've taken all these steps, you either have another source of mold growth in your home that you were not aware of or you didn't get rid of all the mold. Mold will usually continue to multiply and grow if it isn't completely eliminated, so getting rid of all of it is crucial. Sometimes doing this can be a very complicated process depending on where the mold is growing. If your efforts at mold removal have failed, you may need to call in the services of a professional mold removal company for help.