Indoor air quality counts for a lot. When there’s no fresh air circulating, musty smells become inevitable. This isn’t an issue reserved for older homes – even brand-new ones can smell musty if there’s an abundance of pet odors, mold, mildew, or cigarette smoke. If you have a musty smell in your house, there are a few ways to combat it.
What Does Musty Smell Like?
If you’ve ever been in an old attic that hasn’t been cleaned or aired out in a while, you’ve experienced a musty scent. Some people describe it as smelling like old socks. Others describe it as a sour or earthy odor. It’s a very distinctive scent that most people immediately recognize. Even if you’re unsure exactly what a musty smell in your house is like, you’ve probably experienced the smell at some point in your life.
In some cases, musty smells stem from mold growth. Such an odor can be a red flag that something is wrong and needs to be addressed. If you’re unsure if your home has mold, a musty odor is a good indicator that it may indeed be an issue.
Musty Smell Sources
Why does my house smell musty, you may ask? There may be several contributing factors. 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. As water droplets seep into the floors, walls, and ceilings, mold and mildew begin to grow. They release foul-smelling gas, which can permeate carpeting, drapes, and other upholstery.
Sources of excessive humidity that cause mildew and mold may include a leaky roof, leaky air conditioner, damp fabrics, poor ventilation, water leaks behind walls, cracked foundations, and water damage. While the mold smell in the house won’t immediately cause harm, long-term mold exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, itchy skin or eyes, and nasal congestion.
How to Get Rid of Musty House Smells
If you’re hoping to eliminate mildew smells in the house, open some windows and circulate fresh air through the space. A dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from specific areas. Keep a fan circulating, too. Dust, mop, and vacuum the floors regularly, then deep clean the bathroom, washing machine, and dishwasher occasionally. You can also invest in houseplants to help naturally clean the air.
Sometimes, a deep cleaning isn’t enough to completely eliminate mold and mildew smells. If foul odors persist, you may want to have a professional perform an indoor air quality test. A professional will also know what to look for and can identify signs of a more serious mold issue. Mold can lurk in surprising spots, so it’s important to have a potential problem checked out by an expert.
Test Your Home’s Air Quality
The best way to measure the effectiveness of your musty smell remediation efforts is to test the air quality in your home. Tests can identify contaminants like radon and formaldehyde, particulates like dust and pollen, and even VOCs (volatile organic compounds). All these can be harmful to your health, so if you suspect you have air quality issues, it’s important to act fast.
Although air quality testing strips can reveal a lot about what is floating invisibly through your air, a test conducted by a professional will give you a more accurate and comprehensive reading of your indoor air quality. Aire Serv professionals can perform this testing, change air filters and clean your air ducts to ensure the quality of your air remains good. You don’t have to live in a house that smells musty when you have professionals who can help remedy the problem!
Get Your HVAC Thoroughly Cleaned, Inspected, and Replaced
A musty smell in your house can be annoying and downright dangerous for you and your family. The good news is that you don’t have to just accept the foul odors. A call to your local Aire Serv team will help you understand what’s causing the musty odor and how to eliminate it. There’s no one size fits all approach to addressing musty smells, which is why calling for help is so important. If your initial efforts to remove the odor haven't worked, schedule an appointment online with Aire Serv today.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Aire Serv is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Aire Serv location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
FAQs About Smelling Mildew in Your House
As an industry leader and a brand that is trusted by homeowners and businesses nationwide for our knowledge and experience, we’re happy to answer your HVAC questions. Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions about the smell of mildew in your house.
What does must smell like?
A musty smell is often described as stale, damp, and earthy, similar to the odor of wet socks, an old basement, or decaying leaves. It's a distinct scent that many people immediately recognize, often indicating the presence of mold or mildew growth.
The must smell arises from microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) released by active mold as it breaks down organic materials in damp environments. While the smell itself isn't the mold, it's a strong indicator that moisture is present and that mold is likely growing somewhere out of sight.
If your house smells moldy or there’s a sudden musty smell in your house and you can’t find the source, schedule professional indoor air quality testing. Businesses with musty odors can consider commercial indoor air quality solutions that may solve the problem.
Why does my house smell mildewy?
A musky smell in your house can have many causes. To find the cause of the mildew smell in your house, start by investigating common sources. If you cannot find the source of the odor, contact a professional for an air quality test.
If you’ve noticed a lingering odor or your house smells musty after vacation, consider the following possible sources:
- Excess moisture: Mildew thrives in damp environments. Check kitchen and bathroom pipes for leaks that may have introduced moisture into walls, floors, and ceilings.
- Poor ventilation: Inadequate airflow traps moisture and prevents evaporation. This is common in bathrooms, basements, and poorly ventilated rooms.
- High humidity: Even without direct leaks, consistently high humidity levels can provide enough moisture for mildew to grow on surfaces.
- Water damage: Past flooding or significant water spills that weren't properly dried can lead to hidden mildew growth within walls or under flooring.
- Condensation: Condensation on windows, walls, or pipes creates damp surfaces where mildew can take hold. This is often seen in colder climates or during temperature fluctuations.
- Damp fabrics and materials: Wet towels, clothes left in the washing machine for too long, or damp carpets and upholstery can develop mildew and contribute to the smell.
- Crawl spaces and basements: These areas are often naturally more humid and prone to moisture issues, making them common sources of mildew odors.
- Air conditioning issues: A malfunctioning or dirty air conditioner may fail to remove humidity effectively. It can also introduce moisture into the air, promoting mildew growth in ductwork or within the unit itself.
- Houseplants: Overwatering houseplants or poor drainage can lead to damp soil and potential mildew growth nearby.
How do I remove a musty smell?
A mildew smell in the home can be difficult to remove and may require professional assistance. However, there are some steps you can take prior to calling in the pros.
Follow these steps on how to remove a musty smell:
- Identify the source: Sniff around to pinpoint where the smell is strongest. Check bathrooms, kitchens, basements, laundry areas, and around windows and pipes for signs of moisture or mold.
- Improve ventilation: Open windows and doors to air out the space. Use fans to circulate the air and help dry damp areas. Consider using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens during and after use.
- Reduce humidity: Employ a dehumidifier, especially in damp areas like basements. Ensure proper ventilation in crawl spaces. Fix any leaks promptly to eliminate moisture sources.
- Clean affected surfaces: For visible mildew or mold on hard surfaces, scrub with a solution of mild detergent and water. For more stubborn cases, a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) can be used with caution and proper ventilation.
- Clean or replace soft materials: Wash or dry-clean items like curtains, bedding, and clothes that might be holding a musty odor. For carpets and upholstery, consider professional cleaning or using a carpet cleaner. If heavily affected, replacement might be necessary.
- Use odor absorbers: Place bowls of baking soda, activated charcoal, or coffee grounds in affected areas to help absorb lingering smells.
- Maintain cleanliness: Regularly clean and dry damp areas to prevent future mildew growth. Ensure good airflow throughout your home.
My kitchen smells like mildew. What should I do?
A mildewy smell in your kitchen signals excess moisture, a breeding ground for mold.
- Check under the sink for leaks, around the dishwasher and refrigerator for condensation, and even inside the pantry for dampness.
- Improve ventilation by opening windows and using the exhaust fan while cooking and washing dishes.
- Thoroughly clean all surfaces, paying close attention to grout and seals. Remove any visible mold with a mild detergent solution.
- For stubborn smells, try placing a bowl of baking soda near the affected area to absorb odors.
If the smell persists or you find significant mold, investigate further for hidden leaks or consider professional mold remediation. Prompt action will prevent further growth and ensure a healthy kitchen environment.
There’s a musty odor in my bathroom. What should I do?
A musty smell in your bathroom likely indicates excess moisture and potential mildew growth. Here are some actions you can take to get rid of the smell:
- Improve ventilation by opening windows or turning on the exhaust fan during and after showers.
- Check for leaks around the toilet, sink, and shower or tub. Inspect grout and caulk for discoloration or mildew, and clean affected areas with a mildew-killing cleaner.
- Wash or replace damp bath mats and towels.
- Consider using a dehumidifier if the humidity levels are consistently high.
If the odor persists or you notice significant mold, investigate further for hidden moisture behind walls or under the flooring. Addressing the moisture source is key to eliminating the smell and preventing future issues in your bathroom.
My old house smells like mildew. What should I do?
There can be many reasons for an older home to smell like mildew. Your first step will be finding out what’s causing the musty odor. Once you’ve located the source of the mildew smell, follow a few steps to start addressing the issue:
- Investigate potential sources: Thoroughly check basements, crawl spaces, attics, and areas around plumbing for leaks, dampness, or visible mold. Pay close attention to areas that may have experienced past water damage.
- Address moisture: Fix any identified leaks promptly. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas, especially basements. Ensure proper drainage around the foundation.
- Improve ventilation: Increase airflow by opening windows regularly. Consider installing or upgrading exhaust fans in bathrooms and the kitchen. Ensure crawl spaces and attics are properly ventilated.
- Clean and sanitize: Clean all visible mildew with appropriate cleaners. For porous materials like old carpets or drywall, professional cleaning or replacement might be necessary.
- Consider professional help: If the smell persists or mold growth is extensive, consult a mold remediation specialist. Older homes can have hidden mold issues that require professional assessment and treatment.
Why do my vents smell musty?
Musty-smelling vents in your home likely indicate mold or mildew growth within your HVAC system or ductwork due to trapped moisture. Turn off your HVAC system immediately to prevent further circulation of spores and inspect accessible vents for visible mold.
Consider changing your air filter, as it might be contaminated. For industrial HVAC systems, consider commercial air filter replacement.
For thorough vent cleaning and to address potential hidden mold, consult an HVAC service professional or duct cleaning service. Services that may help eliminate the musty smell, include dryer vent cleaning, residential air duct cleaning, and commercial air duct cleaning.
Aire Serv offers professional air duct cleaning services that can help remove the causes of the mildew smell in your house or business. For regular vent cleaning and HVAC maintenance, learn more about the Aire Serv Advantage Plan Membership. All of our services are backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise® to ensure your satisfaction.
