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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.
- Causes of Musty Smells
- How to Fix A Musty Smell
- How to Prevent Musty Smells in The Basement
This distinctive smell is the calling card of mold or mildew. The spores of these ubiquitous fungi drift through the air until they find a damp, dark, and warm environment—conditions commonly found in basements—that allows them to multiply and thrive. “Basements are naturally cool, and warm,” says Josh Mitchell, a plumbing technician and founder of...
While you might be tempted to mask the odor with candles or room sprays, these measures aren’t long-term fixes. Simply banishing the odor won’t solve the underlying problem that’s causing the musty smell. To really conquer the stink, you must tackle the problem at the root. Try following these steps.
You must eliminate or mitigate the sources of moisture in order to prevent a recurrence of the mold or mildew that caused the musty odor. “Regularly inspect your basement for any signs of moisture and address them promptly,” Mitchell advises. This will, of course, prevent the musty smell from developing again.
- Mary Marlowe Leverette
- Locate the Source of the Musty Smell. It's time to take a look and a sniff around. Until you identify the source of the musty smell, you'll never be able to get rid of it—and it can get worse.
- Repair Leaks and Control Excessive Moisture. To get musty smells under control, repair any leaks that you find. If you don't, the odors cannot be controlled.
- Clean Away Mildew. When you see evidence of mildew, it's important to get rid of it before or after you solve the problem causing the issue. You can try using diluted chlorine bleach, as it's highly effective in killing mildew on surfaces like ceramic tile and grout, cement walls, and washable fabrics.
- Increase Air Circulation. Whether you find visible evidence of mildew or not, the musty smell signals that you need to increase air circulation in the home.
Aug 15, 2024 · Get some fresh air circulating in your space. Take 5-10 minutes to completely air out your space. The air outside is a lot cleaner than the air inside your home. If your home is really smelling musty, give it some fresh air. [3] [4] Do this regularly to prevent the musty smell from coming back.
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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...
- 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.
6 days ago · DIY Tips for a Fresh-Smelling Home. - Activated Charcoal: It is known for absorbing and trapping odors. By placing bowls of activated charcoal in different areas of your home, you can effectively capture and neutralize musty or unpleasant smells. - Baking Soda: A baking soda is a versatile natural deodorizer.
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May 19, 2024 · A more common reason for a musty smell in the nose is a sinus infection. This can be acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis is generally associated with: Pain over the front of your face. A blocked or runny nose. Fever. An unpleasant-tasting drip down the back of your nose into your throat.
