Have you experienced smelling something musty inside your home? It is hard to put the finger on what it is exactly. Getting rid of the musty smell in your house is extremely important. But instead of covering up the scent with nasty chemicals, you need to find out why your house smells this way.
When you know where the smell is coming from, you can use the proper steps to eliminate the musty smell in your house. Most often, even if the scent is strong in a room, it is hard to find its source. The primary source of this smell is microbial volatile organic compounds usually accompanied by mould growth.
Is Musty Smell in Your House Bad?
The leading cause of musty smells inside your home is moulds and mildew. That does not sound great. However, you contain the source of the issue; cleaning the area and getting the room ventilated is how to eliminate the musty smell in your house.
It would help if you did not ignore any signs of mustiness in the air as it is a sign of allergens like mould and mildew. Depending on the allergens the household is exposed to, it can cause health issues like coughing, fatigue, headache, or itchiness in the eyes.
In rare circumstances, it could be due to a dangerous type of black mould. It needs an expert to deal with it. Another possible consequence of ignoring the presence of mould and mildew could be compromising the integrity of your home’s structure.
When you have a persistent musty smell in your house, it is time to figure out its source!
Finding the Source of Musty Smells
The first step to rid of the musty smell in your house is to find its source. Sometimes it is straightforward, while in other cases it’s not fun!
The thing about mould and mildew is that they love dampness and thrive in areas with little ventilation. So, that’s the first place to start.
However, there are signs where to look like these places listed below.
- Signs of leaks and water building up under the sink
- Visible mould growth in the showers
- Garbage disposal and dishwasher filters
- Damp laundry and sweaty gym clothes
- Pets – their fur, dander, and general pet tendencies are the leading causes of musky odour.
- Bedsheets and mattresses
How to Get Rid of Musty Smells in Your Home
Now that you have found the source of the musty smell in your house, it’s time to deal with the bad odour. The first thing you should do is clean the source. After house cleaning, follow these steps to eliminate the musty smell.
- Air Out the House: Open the windows and doors and let some fresh air and sunshine in.
- Set up a Humidifier: Turn the dehumidifier on. It will dry out the room and discourage bacteria from thriving as there will be less humidity.
- Clean Thoroughly: Although this is already on your to-do list. It is a reminder not to ignore this critical household chore. Vacuum the whole house (not only the carpets). It includes the curtains, rugs, and even the couch. When you are done vacuuming, mop the floors with a cleaner.
- Spot Clean the Carpets with Baking Soda: This all-around cleaner can absorb odours well. It is perfect for the tough spots (we are talking about pet accidents). Sprinkle some on the area and let it sit for an hour, then vacuum. If you want, you can also whip up a combination of baking soda and vinegar. It goes well with curtains, fabric furniture, etc.
- Steam Cleaning: Hire steam cleaning services for your carpets and upholstery to freshen them up.
Do you have a wool carpet? You can get cleaning ideas from this post “How to Steam Clean Wool Carpet: A 5 Step-by-Step Guide“ - Deep Clean Upholstered Furniture: Wash all removable covers in your laundry and scrub away any visible stains using baking soda. If the furniture has no removable cover, you can use a soft-bristled brush to remove hair and dander, then wipe it with a damp cloth.
- Change the Air Filters: Stagnant air can cause a musty smell. Change the filters in your heating or cooling systems.
- Homemade Deodorizer: Simmer vinegar or lemon peels in water for 20 minutes to neutralize the surrounding air.
- If your pet is the source of the musty smell, wash the bed and deep clean all the areas of your home. Use a commercial odour eliminator to add freshness to your home.
- Don’t forget to clean your washing machine, as it can also become a breeding place for mould and mildew. Add vinegar or baking soda to your laundry detergent to keep the clothes fresh. It is also better to air dry your clothes outside or use the dry cycle properly to dry your clothes thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
There you have it. Some tips on how to get rid of musty smell in your home. The rules to keep your home fresh and smelling clean are proper ventilation, a little sun, dehumidifying, and maintaining a regular cleaning schedule.
To keep up with your house cleaning, you can contact the professionals at Premium Clean Services. Even if your home is not musty, getting ahead is worth every penny.
Last Updated on March 15, 2024
