Mold Odor Removal: Proven Ways to Eliminate Musty Smells at Home

A musty odor in your home often indicates a mold problem. It’s crucial for homeowners to address mold infestations promptly to safeguard both the health of residents and the structural integrity of the property. Once the mold is removed, follow these steps to eliminate any remaining odors and restore comfortable conditions in your home.

What is Mold?

Mold is a naturally occurring fungi that’s been around for millions of years. Outdoors, the spores eat away at decaying organic matter, like dead leaves and trees, and it is vital to the natural environment. Mold feeds on nutrients, like moisture and an organic food source.

The concern arises when mold grows indoors. Mold can be brought inside on clothing or when windows are propped open. It also flourishes where water damage occurs. This means the infestations can develop behind walls, under carpets, and beneath leaky water pipes.

12 Shocking Mold Facts Every Homeowner Should Know

• Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure. (Source: EPA)
• Around 70% of homes have some level of mold.
• 28% of people have genes that make them more susceptible to mold-related illnesses.
• Indoor mold exposure can increase respiratory infections by 50% in people with asthma.
• Approximately 4.6 million cases of asthma in the U.S. are linked to mold and damp conditions.
• Prolonged exposure to mold can cause chronic sinus infections in 93% of cases.
• Mold remediation costs range from $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the extent of damage.
• Homes with untreated mold can suffer up to a 20% decrease in property value.
• A leaky pipe or roof can create enough moisture for mold growth in less than 72 hours.
• Poor indoor air quality caused by mold contributes to 1.6 million deaths annually worldwide.
• Using a HEPA air purifier can reduce mold spores by up to 99.97%.
• Keeping indoor humidity levels below 50% significantly reduces mold growth.

Related Read: What is the Lifecycle of Household Mold?

Why Does Mold Smell?

Mold produces a distinct musty odor due to the release of microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). These compounds are byproducts of mold’s metabolic processes and are responsible for the unpleasant, damp smell often compared to dirty socks, wet wood, or rotting leaves.

What Causes Mold Odors?

Mold smells don’t just appear out of nowhere. They are a warning sign of an underlying issue, often linked to moisture and hidden mold growth. Here’s why:

• Mold Growth & Gas Release – As mold colonies expand, they release mVOCs, creating that strong, musty odor.
• Excess Moisture – Mold thrives in damp places like bathrooms, basements, attics, and crawl spaces, where moisture lingers.
• Hidden Infestations – Sometimes, mold grows behind walls, under carpets, or inside HVAC systems, making the smell the first clue that there’s a problem.

Mold Odor Removal: Proven Ways to Eliminate Musty Smells at Home

The key to eliminating the moldy odors is to repair the moisture source that feeds the mold spores and remove the mold. Failing to fix the leak or other water source allows the mold to continue flourishing and producing the musty smells in the home.

1. Locate the Water Source

Check moisture-prone areas, such as the bathroom, basement, and laundry room. The hamper and gym bag may be stuffed with wet clothes, which can trigger mold and its lingering smells. Examine the plumbing, attic, and crawlspace for leaks. A moisture meter reveals areas with excessive humidity levels.

2. Address the Moisture Problem

If the gym bag harbors damp clothing, wash the clothing and the bag. Fix any leaks in the attic or water pipes. Remove moldy upholstery, carpets and clean them to remove the unpleasant smells. Use a dry-cleaning service to launder non-washable items responsible for the moldy odors.

3. Increase Ventilation

Once the source of the mold is removed or repaired, increase the air circulation in the vicinity. Open windows, if weather permits, to introduce fresh air. Run several fans in the area to eliminate stagnant air. Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove airborne mold spores.

4. Use Odor Absorbers

If the musty odors linger despite removing the source of mold, a commercial odor absorber may be used. Hang them in areas with limited air circulation. Natural remedies to neutralize mold smells include placing bowls of baking soda, coffee grounds, or activated charcoal throughout the affected spaces.

Household staples like these absorb smells over time. Leave the bowls of baking soda or kitty litter in place for several days or weeks, replenishing as necessary. Or sprinkle baking soda on moldy surfaces, such as the furniture and carpets, for equally powerful odor neutralization.

Vinegar is another natural odor absorber that can be used in place of the abovementioned items. Place bowls of vinegar throughout the moldy areas. Alternately, spray the affected items with vinegar, allow it to sit for several hours, and wipe them down with a clean cloth.

5. Introduce Scents

Introduce refreshing scents into the home by simmering citrus peel in water. Or mix water and a few drops of essential oils with antifungal properties, like tea tree oil, eucalyptus, or lavender, and spray onto affected areas. Similarly, spray a combo of lemon juice and water to remove moldy smells.

6. Use Chemical Remedies

Hydrogen peroxide, found in many homes, effectively eliminates mold odors. Apply the 3% hydrogen peroxide to the moldy spots, allow it to penetrate for 10 minutes, and scrub clean. Practice safety when handling chemicals; wear gloves to protect the skin and a mask to prevent inhaling fumes.

7. Lower Humidity Levels

Excess humidity worsens existing mold odors. Lower the levels of indoor humidity by running a dehumidifier. The ideal humidity level is between 30 and 60 percent. Seal any leaks contributing to the high humidity. Promote good ventilation to control humidity levels, too.

8. Use an Air Scrubber

Whether purchased or rented, an air scrubber effectively eliminates not only mold but its accompanying smells. The equipment utilizes UV light and HEPA filters to remove mold as well as particles and odors in the air. Homeowners can alternately hire mold cleanup professionals who use air scrubbers.

Professional Mold Remediation

While mold is often visible, there are times when you can only notice it through the musty odor or a damp feeling in the air. If you suspect mold but can’t find the source, it’s important to have mold testing or an inspection done to confirm its presence. Once it’s identified, experts can pinpoint exactly where the mold is hiding, whether it’s behind walls, under floors, or in your HVAC system.

When mold remediation specialists arrive, they’ll use advanced equipment to detect even the hidden mold growth. They’ll determine the type of mold, which helps them create a specific plan for removal.

To prevent the spread of mold spores, the affected area will be sealed off before any work begins. The experts then use high-tech equipment to carefully remove the mold and the odors it leaves behind. Once the mold is gone, the air quality is tested to ensure it’s safe to breathe again.

Whether it’s toxic black mold or mold from severe water damage or sewage issues, trained professionals know how to tackle any mold problem. With the right tools and expertise, they’ll handle the cleanup and leave your home safe and healthy.

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