How to Get Rid of the Mildew Smell in Your House?

get rid of the mildew smell in your house
April 23, 2024 Lamunyon Mold OP

Musty odors from mildew can make your home feel unclean and uninviting. If you notice mildew growing anywhere in your house, removing it is essential. The smell of mildew tends to be strongest in spring and fall when windows stay closed, and heating/cooling systems aren’t in use.

To get rid of the mildew smell in the house and reclaim a fresh and healthy living space, implement thorough cleaning routines, optimize ventilation, and address any underlying moisture issues. By investigating the root cause, cleaning diligently, and controlling moisture levels, you can bid farewell to unpleasant, musty smells.

Mold and Mildew: Why Does It Smell?

Ever walked into a room and gotten a whiff of something unpleasant? That funky smell is often the result of mold or mildew taking up residence in your home. Mold and mildew might seem the same, but some key differences set them apart. Mildew is a surface fungus that you sometimes see growing on shower tiles, windowsills, and other damp surfaces around the house. Mold, however, isn’t just a surface-level issue.  Mold can penetrate porous materials like wood, drywall, or fabrics when moisture issues aren’t properly dealt with. While mildew is white or gray and looks powdery, mold is often darker and has more of a fuzzy or slimy texture.

Mold and mildew produce a characteristic musty, earthy smell due to compounds released into the air as they grow. Sometimes, it’s just a mild mustiness, but if mold has been increasing for a while, the smell can get downright foul – think sweaty socks or rotten meat.

The musty smell can also vary based on the mold or mildew species present and the environmental conditions in which it thrives. So, if you get a whiff of something suspicious, promptly identify and address the mold or mildew before it becomes an even bigger problem.

Are Mold and Mildew Dangerous?

While mildew can cause minor respiratory issues like coughing fits, mold poses more severe dangers to human health. Mold can release allergens that trigger allergic reactions like sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and rashes. It can also cause asthma attacks and produce lung irritants. Mold exposure has even been linked to hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an inflammatory lung condition. When exposed, those more sensitive to mold may experience worsened allergic and asthmatic symptoms.

Are Mold and Mildew Dangerous

Other potential effects include headaches and eye, skin, nose, throat, or lung irritation. Due to these significant health impacts and the general discomfort caused by moldy odors, it’s important to identify and eliminate sources of mold growth inside one’s home. Allowing mold to persist can lead to breathing problems and illness, so remediation is crucial.

How to Find the Source of Musty Smell in the House?

A musty, damp, earthy, or rotten odor in your home could be an indication of the presence of mold or mildew. Identifying the exact source may require some detective work. Here are some key areas to inspect:

1. Check Under All Your Sinks to See if there are Any Leaks

Look underneath sinks inside the house for any leaking pipes or drains. Even without visible leaks, drain pipes can accumulate gunk over time, emitting a musty stench. Pipes may also trap standing water, providing a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria.

2. Check Your Showers for Any Signs of Mold or Mildew

The warm, humid conditions in bathrooms create an ideal environment for mold spores to thrive. Carefully examine shower tiles and check under sinks, toilets, and bathroom walls since hidden moisture issues could foster mold and mildew growth.

3. Basement and Crawl Space Odor Investigation

Basements, being underground with limited airflow and natural light, are prone to dampness and mold problems, especially after heavy rains. Inspect basement walls and dark corners closely for any signs of moisture, mold, or mildew.

If you have a crawl space,  be sure to inspect it carefully. A large portion of the air in your home passes through your crawlspace. If your crawl space is damp or smelly, encapsulation is an effective means to eliminate odors and mold originating from the excessive moisture in the soil.

4. Doorways and Windows

Doorways and windows can contribute to musty smells in two ways. First, a cold window in a warm room can cause condensation, leading to mold or mildew growth inside the window. Second, if windows are not installed properly, water can leak inside the window and door flashings and penetrate the walls.

5. Check for Signs of Water Damage

Previous floods or water damage may have left behind lingering mold issues. Thoroughly inspect any areas or belongings that got wet in the past because mold can flourish in carpeting, books, furniture, drywall, and more.

How to Remove a Mildew Smell from House

Once you figure out the source of that unpleasant smell, it’s time to take action and eliminate it. Getting rid of mildew is essential for removing undesirable odors and reducing health risks. Eliminating any existing mildew growth creates a healthy living environment and prevents recurrence. Here’s how you can remove the smell of mildew after you remove the excessive moisture in your home:

1. Deep Cleaning and Deodorizing

Use a mildew prohibitive to scrub any visible patches of mildew. Pay close attention to high-moisture areas like bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms. Once the mildew is removed, thoroughly dry the area to prevent regrowth. Vacuum and deep clean carpets that may have absorbed any musty smells and thoroughly dry.

2. Ventilation and Air Circulation

Stale, damp air is a breeding ground for mildew, so increasing air flow is crucial; open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate throughout your home. Use fans to promote air movement and dry out damp spaces. Proper ventilation will help eliminate musty odors and prevent future mildew growth.

3. Natural Deodorizers

Baking soda and activated charcoal are excellent natural deodorizers that can absorb lingering musty smells. Place bowls of baking soda in affected rooms, or lightly sprinkle it onto carpets and let it sit before vacuuming. Activated charcoal bags can be strategically placed to soak up odors as well. Replace these deodorizers every few weeks for maximum effectiveness.

4. Sunlight Exposure

Natural sunlight is another powerful deodorizer and disinfectant. Open curtains and blinds to allow UV rays to penetrate musty areas and help eliminate odor-causing microbes. The fresh air and warmth from sunlight will also help dry out damp spaces where mildew thrives.

5. Remove and Clean Affected Items

Porous materials like fabrics, paper, and wood can absorb and retain musty odors. Clean or replace these items. Hire a professional mold remediation service to deep clean and deodorize larger pieces like furniture. Reduce clutter to minimize potential hiding spots for mildew growth.

6. Air Purifiers

Air purifiers can remove mildew smells. Invest in a quality air purifier with a HEPA filter to actively remove airborne mold spores, musty odors, and other pollutants from your home’s air. Portable or whole-home models can be used with other deodorizing methods for best results.

7. Addressing Underlying Moisture Issues

Controlling moisture levels is the most effective way to get rid of a mildew smell. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas to keep humidity below 50%. Fix any leaks or sources of excess moisture like pipe condensation. Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas. Addressing the root moisture issue will stop musty smells from recurring.

8. Add Pleasing Scents

Once the mildew smell has been removed, refresh your home’s aroma with pleasant, natural scents. Simmer herbs or citrus peels on the stovetop, or use essential oil diffusers with invigorating blends like lemon and eucalyptus. Open windows to let fresh outdoor aromas waft inside as well.

Conclusion

Mildew and mold can be problematic in homes and may cause health issues. If you notice any mold or mildew growth, or even just the smell of mold and mildew, it’s essential to take proper steps to remove it and reduce exposure. While you may be able to address small areas yourself, hiring a professional mold removal service is advisable if the growth is widespread.

Our expert team at Lamunyon Mold uses proven methods and specialized equipment to safely and effectively remove mold colonies while addressing any underlying moisture problems. Your home deserves to be clean and inviting — leave mildew smells behind and benefit from a fresher, healthier living space. Call Lamunyon Mold today to schedule an inspection, and let us help restore your home’s air quality.