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- The most common cause of a sudden musty smell in a house, especially in winter, is the development of mold and mildew, often caused by humid conditions and condensation. A musty smell, accompanied by dark discoloration on walls, furnishings, ceilings, or carpets can be the first sign of spores.
www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/living-rooms/why-does-my-house-smell-mustyWhy does my house smell musty? Plus, what to do to fix it ...
Aug 31, 2023 · A musty or damp smell can indicate that mold is growing somewhere out of sight. The overt appearance of mold, which is marked by green, black, or white patches on surfaces, is undeniable...
May 9, 2024 · Mold can have a musty or earthy smell, especially when it is just starting to form. The smell of mold is typically described as “musty.” It’s a stale and damp scent that lingers in the air.
4 days ago · 1. Mold & Mildew Growth. (Image credit: Getty Images) In conversation with Emily Adams, cleaning expert at NW Maids, she tells us that mold and mildew tend to be the prime reason your home is developing a musty scent. "Mold and mildew thrive in damp, poorly ventilated areas, such as basements and bathrooms," she notes.
- Is It Moldy Or Musty?
- My House Smells Musty in Summer
- My House Smells Musty After Rain
- Common Sources of Musty Smells in Homes and Basements
- Getting Rid of Musty Smells in The House and Basement
- Clean Your Home, Clear Your Mind
Houses old and new have issues with mold and mildew. Older houses develop leaks over time, letting moisture in where it shouldn't be. New houses are built so tight they trap too much moisture inside. As a homeowner or renter, you need to be mindful of indoor air quality. If you feel congested or have watering eyes at home, but feel better when you'...
In the summer, humidity levels are often higher. Cold winter air can't hold as much moisture, plus we add heat, which dries air even more. Higher humidity levels feed the growth of mold and mildew. Warmer temps encourage their growth, too. If the temperature is 65f to 75f and low humidity – fresh air flowing through the house can help. If the outsi...
Moisture feeds mold and mildew growth. If your house smells musty after a rain, and it's a significant difference, rain is probably going where it shouldn't. The first spots to check are the roof and attic, but rain can seep into basements and crawlspaces, too.
Water Leaks – Outside Seeping In
Check for roof leaks, especially around any roof penetrations like chimneys. Inspect basement walls for seepage. Check all exterior walls for signs of water damage.
Water Leaks and Drain Hoses
Inside the House – Watch for plumbing leaks. Inspect air conditioning units or heating units with drain lines regularly. Even if drain hoses aren't leaking, over time outlet houses get buildup inside. This may have a musty odor. They may also trap and hold water, which grows all manner of “ick”.
Laundry Drains and Front Load Washers
Many front load washers retain a little water at the base of the unit. Over time, this water grows bacteria, leading to musty smells in your laundry area. We had problems with this in our first front loader. The new unit has a small drain hose, and I clear the stale water out every couple weeks. An improperly installed drain hose may trap water in the line or allow sewer gases to escape into the home. (This can also lead to a frozen drain line.) Make sure drain lines are installed correctly.
Once you've identified the source of the musty odor, it's time to get rid of it. For spot sources like plants, garbage cans and laundry, clean them up. If you find exterior leaks, get them repaired, and clean/remove/replace water damaged materials. Moisture is the root cause of most musty house smells. If you have musty odors in the kitchen, laundr...
As you're hunting for musty smells, it's a good time to clear out clutter. Open spaces promote better air flow. Those cluttered, forgotten corners are prime turf for dust and mildew buildup. If you need some ideas to help you get started, check out Spring Cleaning – 6 Steps to a Clean and Organized Kitchen. 6 Ways to Get the Musty Smell Out of Clot...
Jul 12, 2023 · When the house smells musty, it usually means that mold and mildew are growing inside the house. But what if there is no visible mold anywhere in the house? Could a house still smell musty even if there is no mold? In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the different reasons why a house smells musty:
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Oct 25, 2010 · If you've noticed a musty odor around your houseplant, the cause is most likely from overwatering. When plants are given more water than they need, the result can lead to mold or fungus growth, or even root rot, which can destroy the plant.
