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- These unpleasant odors can be caused by a range of issues, from improperly dried linens to dampness and mold. No matter the cause, a musty smell is often worrisome and should always be investigated. The good news is that most musty smells are not a sign of a serious issue, and are often quick to rectify.
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 ...
- 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.
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...
- 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...
- Excess Moisture Around The House. One of the most common causes of musty smells in the house is excess moisture, which means there’s water in some areas where it shouldn’t be.
- Poor Air Circulation Inside The House. Inadequate airflow is another common reason a house smells musty, even without mold. When there is stagnant air inside your home, bacteria and other contaminants can get trapped indoors, which results in that old musty smell.
- Household Members Smoking Indoors. If you or another household member smokes indoors, even if it’s only occasionally, then you may have found the culprit behind that old, musty smell inside the house.
- Dirt & Spills that Haven’t Been Properly Cleaned. Dirt, spills, and messes are quite common, and even unavoidable, when you have little kids or pets in the household.
Feb 13, 2024 · Just like the system itself needs regular maintenance, the pipes and ducts need regular cleaning. And because it is the job of your HVAC to push air around the house, it means that a musty smell in the pipes or dirty ducts will produce an obvious smell that gets pushed around the house.
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Jan 13, 2023 · A musty or dusty smell is often a sign of mold or mildew, especially in humid or moisture-prone environments like the basement, laundry room, kitchen, or bathroom. Mold and mildew can...
