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- 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 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...
- 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.
- 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...
- 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.
- Stale Bedding. Bedding is another moisture mop in your home, along with your mattress. The average person sweats 200 milliliters of sweat during the night, and some of this gathers in the sheets, the duvet, and it soaks through into the mattress, although much of it is exhaled and dissipates in the atmosphere.
- You’ve Got Mold Or Mildew. Houses with high humidity levels tend to suffer with mold and mildew. Mold is a type of bacteria, and it requires water, oxygen, and food to thrive and grow.
- Aged Dish Cloth. Whether you use a dishcloth or, worse still, a dish sponge, you should always ensure it is dried out once you finish using it. Thoroughly dried out.
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.
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Oct 18, 2024 · Understanding what mold smells like can increase the chances of early detection. We spoke with three experts to learn how to identify mold’s distinct musty odor, how to find the source of the smell and what to do when you discover proliferating spores.
