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Mold and bacteria
- The musty odors inside come from mold and bacteria that can take over when there is enough moisture present. The dampness could be a symptom of humidity in the room, condensation inside the fridge, or rotten and spilled food.
www.housedigest.com/1292159/unexpected-reasons-house-smells-musty/
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:
- Mold and mildew. 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.
- Dust and grime build up. If you cannot find any sources of mold in your home then the source may be a little less sinister. ‘ Musty smells are often caused in the home by a build-up of dirt and grime, which can cause a lingering, unpleasant smell,’ explains Amanda Lewis of Elbow Grease. ‘
- Improperly dried clothing and linens. Although drying clothes quickly is convenient, not leaving clothes and linens to dry for long enough can leave them smelling musty and cause a permanent odor in your home.
- Home humidity above 60% Trying to work out what humidity your house should be in winter can be difficult. Nevertheless, a humidity over 60% can trap odors and create a musty, damp lingering smell around your home.
Aug 15, 2024 · High humidity levels can make a house smell musty. Install a dehumidifier and keep the humidity level at 50%. This can keep the air nice and dry, and hopefully prevent any mold from growing in your space.
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- Call a mold expert to come out and do an inspection. It's best to have a professional take a look, as some kinds of mold can be hazardous to your h...
- Change your home's air filters and increase ventilation for several weeks. Open a couple of windows and a door across the home from each other, whi...
- It might just be in need of a good cleaning! It could help to hire a maid service to regularly clean your home if you don't have time to vacuum and...
Nov 12, 2022 · If there's a musty smell lingering in your house, tracking down the source is the best way to get rid of it for good. Learn what causes mold and mildew to grow, and how to remove them.
- Your Carpeting Needs Cleaned. There are many reasons why wall-to-wall carpet throughout the home has fallen out of favor—a major one being that carpet retains odors.
- The Ventilation Is Inadequate. According to Murphy, inadequate ventilation is another primary source of those musty aromas. “Limited fresh air can lead to stale, musty conditions,” she explains.
- There’s A Leak. Leaks can also cause musty odors, but the bigger problem is that they aren’t always visible. “Hidden leaks within walls or under floors can perpetuate ongoing mustiness,” Murphy explains.
- Mold Is Growing. While mold on surfaces can be obvious, such as when you see it growing on a wall or ceiling, that isn’t always the case, explains Momplaisir.
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.
Feb 13, 2024 · 1. Dirty Carpet. Carpets act like giant sponges. Not only can dust and dirt hide in the tracks and the fibers, but the carpet itself also sucks up moisture in the air and moisture is what mold and bacteria need to thrive.
