Why does my apartment smell musty even though there is no visible mold? Musty odors can be caused by hidden sources of moisture such as leaking pipes, condensation or poorly ventilated areas.
The musty smell is volatile chemicals given off by mold, not necessarily mold itself. It could still be in the air and the place just needs airing out.
Clean surfaces with a mixture of water and white vinegar or baking soda to neutralize odors. Inspect hidden areas like under carpets, behind walls, and inside ducts for any concealed mold. If the smell persists, consider professional mold inspection to identify and address any hidden mold sources.
To check your bedrooms for mould, look for visible signs on the walls, in corners, and behind furniture. Also try checking your dirty laundry, looking for leaks around the ceiling, pipes, and radiators, and for damp patches on your soft furnishings.
Phantosmia refers to detecting smells that aren't really there. It's a symptom of many common conditions, including allergies, colds and upper respiratory infections. It could also indicate a brain-related condition, including epilepsy, stroke or Alzheimer's disease.
Musty Smell
If you don't see signs of mold, but you can smell it, it may be hidden in your walls. A musty smell indicates that mold is growing in your home. The smell of mold feels earthy, like rotting leaves or decaying wood in a dense, damp forest.
Mold, when it flourishes indoors, exudes an odor. Experts liken the smell of mold to a forest lush with earthy vegetation, soil and decaying wood. Others connect the scent of dirt lying beneath decayed leaves with the smell of mold. More homely descriptions suggest mold smells like wet, dirty socks.
Be on the lookout for potential leaks at all times. As well as mould, a musty smell in the bedroom can also be caused by unclean bedding and the build-up of sweat, dust and skin particles. As we sleep, we release carbon dioxide which can become trapped in the room, producing a strong musty smell in the morning.
The biggest difference between moldy and musty odors is the strength of the smell. Musty odors are usually not as strong as moldy odors. If the smell is strong and persistent over time, it's a good indication you should schedule a mold inspection.
A musty odor after water damage or a leak is an easy tell that you may have mold behind your drywall.
The two most common methods used to identify a mold problem are mold test kits or air testing sensors. These kits include the necessary air test devices, chemical strips, or Petri dishes and are available at department stores or online. They'll also come with an instruction manual for any brand-specific guidelines.
Consider investing in a dehumidifier and/or air purifier–particularly if the musty smells just keep coming back. Maintain–or start–a regular cleaning schedule. Cleaning regularly will ensure that dust, mold, and mildew don't build up and prevent musty smells from taking hold.
In some cases, the actual mould growth and source of the musty smell may be hidden from view perhaps behind a wardrobe or in a cupboard.
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.
Summary. 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.
In the bedroom and living areas, look around window seals for leaks and under potted plants that can leak. Check closets for mildew caused by storing damp shoes or clothes. Don't forget to take a trip to the attic, basement, and garage to check for damp areas around windows, water heaters, and vents.
The top causes of musty odors in bathrooms are from fungal growth. Mold and mildew are types of fungus found in damp spaces, like bathrooms. The constant presence of moisture in bathrooms creates an environment where fungus can thrive.
If you weren't able to identify where the moldy smell is coming from, the mold might be growing in hidden areas like ducts, air vents, HVAC, attics, or walls. Check humid and damp areas in your home where mold might be hiding. If these methods fail, consult a professional to inspect your home for mold contamination.
In his California market, the cost can range from $275 for a simple visit to $2,900 for a complex inspection. For homes under 4,000 square feet, Angi estimates the average cost is generally between $300 and $400, whereas larger homes may see prices between $700 and $1,000.
Mold can also grow behind wallpaper or inside the walls. “The main visible sign of mold growth is the discoloration of the wall; even if you paint over it, mold will persist and continue to show signs on the surface,” Rubino warns.
Mold Detection
In the same way that smoke detectors identify smoke, not fire, the Biomatrix Mold Monitor identifies unseen moisture that can lead to widespread mold growth.