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Leaks can also cause musty odors
- 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. So, if rooms that normally smell good suddenly have a musty odor you just can’t get rid of—you might need a professional to check behind the walls.
www.realsimple.com/reasons-your-home-smells-musty-8580283
- 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.
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.
- Excess moisture – The presence of water where it shouldn’t be is a leading cause of musty smells in homes. This water can come from a leaky pipe hidden in a wall, a humid basement, or even wet towels piled up in the bathroom.
- Inadequate airflow – When air is stagnant inside your home, contaminants get trapped indoors, too, resulting in that “old house” smell. Improving air circulation in your home can be as easy as opening windows and running ceiling fans.
- Dirt and debris stuck in the heating or cooling system – It’s not uncommon for HVAC equipment and ductwork to accumulate dirt, dust, and other small particles over time.
- Soiled carpets – If a drink spills or a pet urinates on a carpet, the liquids can easily get absorbed by the soft surface, pad, and subfloor. If not cleaned up quickly, these liquids can spread smells or lead to bacteria or fungus growth.
- 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.
Nov 12, 2022 · 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.
Aug 15, 2024 · These can cause water leakage (and eventually, mildew and mold growth). Check all the faucets and pipes in your home for potential leaks. If you notice any leaks, cracks, or broken pipes, fix them yourself or call a plumber for some help. [11]
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