Molds can grow on plant materials as well, but are also commonly found on building materials like walls and flooring and most home contents (books, cardboard, clothing, etc.). The primary difference between moldy and musty odors is in the strength of the smell; musty odors are usually not as strong as moldy odors.
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.
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.
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.
Use the word musty to describe an unclean, stale, and possibly moldy smell. If something smells musty that means it's probably been sitting in a damp corner without any air for a little too long. Musty smells take time to develop: they're caused by dampness and mold, and signal some amount of decay.
The best way to describe the scent is “musty” or “earthy.” Some individuals even compare it to the smell of sweaty socks.
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.
You might notice a musty smell, but not be able to see any mold growing. In this case, you should look for areas that might be exposed to water. Mold needs moisture to grow. If you're smelling mold in a usually dry area, you might have water damage or a leaking pipe.
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.
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 50/50 solution of ammonia and water.
Once the mold is discovered and remediated, the odors will likely go away.
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.
Mold stays “dormant” in the air or on surfaces even when there's no excess moisture to help it grow. If the humidity in a room increases, mold will start growing in patches on walls, clothes, and more. So, to answer your question, dehumidifiers do NOT kill mold, but they do prevent it by reducing humidity.
Is it Mold or Dirt? Most mold is unmistakable, but sometimes small or largely hidden growths just make a surface look dirty. A quick test for mold can be done when you dip a swab in diluted bleach (1 part bleach, 16 parts water) and dab it on the wall.
Whether you find visible evidence of mildew or not, a musty smell signals that you need to increase air circulation in the home. Open windows and doors, turn on ceiling and attic fans, or add fans to each room. Starting your HVAC system can also help draw out odors and capture mold spores in the filters.
Common culprits to watch out for include mold and mildew, dust, dirty laundry, stains and spills, pet accidents and leftover food. Once you determine the source of the smell, dispose of it and clean the area as needed.
Mold is often described as smelling musty. Others have described mold as having an earthy or meaty odor, resembling the smell of wet socks or rotten wood. For many homeowners, the smell is unpleasant and pungent. As mold grows, it can emit gasses known as microbial volatile organic compounds, or MVOC's.
Phantosmia is a condition that causes you to detect smells that aren't actually in your environment. It can happen in one nostril or both — and the odors may be foul or pleasant. Common causes include colds, allergies, nasal polyps and dental issues.
Neutralize the Air
If you are on a budget, musty smells can be absorbed by setting out an open container or baking soda, white vinegar, even cat litter. Heck, even dryer sheets placed in built-in cabinets and closets can help. Another stronger option is setting out bags of odor neutralizers that use activated charcoal.
Black mold is a fungus that grows in warm, damp areas. Its spores may mistakenly trigger an allergic reaction in your immune system. An allergic reaction to black mold may cause various symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, congestion and irritated eyes. However, it rarely makes people very sick.
Known for being found in dark, dank places like many other kinds of molds, black mold has a strange musty odor—definitely not a pleasant scent for human nostrils. Some people have compared this smell to that of rotting wood or paper, while others have said it smells like cedar.
As silly as it sounds, this is not a practical joke. Outlets have better access to the area behind walls, and smelling them can help pinpoint the mold problem. If mold is there, you'll be able to smell it. You should also investigate the areas in your home where mold loves to hide.