The good news is that most musty smells are not a sign of serious issue, and are often quick to rectify. However, some musty smells could be signs of something more sinister, like damp and mold, and the causes will need treating as soon as possible.
An air purifier could help reduce the smell. Along with cleaning up mold and mildew you find, consider giving your entire house a thorough cleaning. Dust, dirt, dead skin cells, and other accumulation can cause odors, too.
Does the Smell of Mildew Go Away? Mildew, moldy, and musty odors are some of the toughest odors to get rid of once they've set. If left alone, the smells might fade over time, but likely won't completely go away on their own. To get rid of the smells, you've got to also get rid of the fungal growth that's causing it.
A moldy or musty smell is frequently associated with the growth of mold or mildew. These smells are due to microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) being released into the air. The mVOCs are produced by mold and as it grows, they can produce strong smells alerting you of mold or mildew growth.
General dampness, repeated condensation, and high humidity can sometimes bring on a musty smell. Since dampness can also facilitate mold growth it's likely that mold is beginning to form once you start noticing a musty smell.
Mildew has a milder, musty smell that some compare to damp socks, but mold smells stronger and more pungent. The reason mold has a more powerful odor is that as it grows, it produces microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs).
In a large bucket, mix one part bleach to four parts water. Scrub the walls and floors with the homemade mildew killer you've concocted, being sure to sponge away all bleach residue once you've finished the job.
Bleach is certainly stronger than the natural method of how to get rid of mildew smell, but that doesn't mean it's necessary. Vinegar and baking soda are usually more than sufficient, and are also a good choice if you have kids or pets.
A moldy odor suggests that mold is growing in the building and should be investigated. The health effects of inhaling mVOCs are largely unknown, although exposure to mVOCs has been linked to symptoms such as headaches, nasal irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.
Causes 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. Moisture and humidity can lead to the growth of mildew and mold, which create an unpleasant smell and, in the case of mold, can cause health risks.
Musty Smell Sources
For starters, homes with a lot of humidity may begin to smell bad. A damp odor may stem from mold and mildew buildup in a bathroom, attic, basement, or laundry room. These are typically places without a lot of ventilation and where moisture buildup is more common.
You might be dealing with plumbing leaks, water damage in hidden spots, or washing machine drain issues if your house smells musty but no mold is visibly present. The first thing to do is identify the source of the smell before attempting to eliminate the unwanted odor.
If you think you sense a musty smell while touring a property, don't ignore it. Moisture issues and mold can be one of the most expensive problems to correct and, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, carry a host of nasty health problems if left untreated.
Mold has a strong, pungent odor that's enough to make you gag. Mildew has more of a musty smell that can make you wrinkle your nose, but it doesn't invade the senses as much. If the smell is reminiscent of wet, forgotten laundry or a damp basement, then you're likely smelling mildew rather than mold.
The main way to tell the two apart is how strong the odor is that you smell. Musty odors are not as strong as moldy odors. Either way, smelling a musty or moldy order should alert you to the possibility of mold growth.
The only effective way to permanently get rid of mould problems is by reducing the build-up of moisture in your home. This can only be achieved through better ventilation.
Use undiluted white vinegar on hard surfaces in kitchens and baths. A bleach solution also works to kill mold. Mix one cup of bleach in a gallon of water, apply to the surface and don't rinse.
Mix a solution of white vinegar diluted with water to clean up light mildew stains. Spray full strength vinegar to eliminate heavy accumulations of mildew.
Mold generally looks slimy or fuzzy, tends to have a raised texture, and can come in a rainbow of colors, including deep green and black. Mildew is powdery, looks white or gray, always appears flat, and grows on surfaces.
Baking Soda and Peroxide
Rinse with white vinegar to eliminate the white residue that baking soda leaves behind. Hydrogen peroxide is another way to kill mildew naturally. Just apply it full-strength directly to affected surfaces, let it sit for at least ten minutes and then wipe the mildew away.
Exposure to a large number of mold spores may cause allergic symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itching, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, headache, and fatigue.
In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune- ...
The best way to describe the scent is “musty” or “earthy.” Some individuals even compare it to the smell of sweaty socks.
There's a musty smell in your home
When you walk into your home, you want it to smell clean and fresh. Moisture in the air tends to hold and trap odor, Bautista says. A dehumidifier will dry out the air and take away this moldy scent.