Are you experiencing a damp or musty odor in your home? Some causes of a musty smell are excess moisture, humidity, and heat. The odor may worsen if there’s no proper ventilation. The smell is not only irritating but also bothersome. Thus, the best thing to do is to know how to get rid of the damp smell in your house.
How to differ mold from mildew?
Prior to knowing some guide to get rid of the damp smell, it makes sense to identify the difference between mold and mildew. Both release a smell manifesting fungi. However, they have some differences.
A mold grows more solid and thicker than mildew. It penetrates deeper into an object, and when left untreated for a long time, it can damage the structure of the property. Mold affects concrete or wood materials, clothing, furnishing, books, and even plants. It is also harmful to health. Mildew commonly grows in vegetables, fruits, and other plants.
How to determine if a smell is moldy or musty?
Determining what causes the smell is challenging, especially if it is your first time to encounter it. The main criterion is the strength of the odor. The smell of mold is more repulsive and stronger than mildew.
Inspect the entire area where you can sense the smell, especially hidden areas. Also, check areas at home having high humidity levels, such as a bathroom, laundry room, AC system, underneath carpets or rugs, and back of furniture.
Tips to get rid of a damp smell
A thorough inspection of the place will help you rule out where the damp smell is coming from. As soon as find the source of the smell, the next thing to do is to clean up or get rid of the affected area or things. You can do the cleaning tasks on your own or hire Uxbridge damp proofing services. They will help you solve the problem and give ideas on how to prevent the scenario in the future.
Here are some cleaning tips to get rid of the unwanted smell
1. Address the Source
As mentioned above, the first thing to do is to find the source. Inspect all the areas, especially the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas where moisture may accumulate. We know that excess moisture is one cause of the damp smell and even leftover food. Damp cloth stuck in stuffy place can also cause damp smell, and wet shoes too. If the source is more complex, such as a damaged roof or plumbing leak, you will need professional help.
2. Collect all items affected by the damp
After identifying the source, the next step is to take out everything that is affected by the damp. Be careful in collecting the items because the spores of the mold can be harmful to your health. Taking out all the affected things is essential so that you can clean up the source and eventually get rid of the smell.
3. Open Windows and Doors for Air Circulation
Another way you can do to eliminate the damp smell is to ensure proper room ventilation. If the door and windows of the room are closed all the time, most likely moisture retains. Thus, a musty smell may develop. With this, proper ventilation is necessary. Opening the doors and windows improves air circulation. Let the sunshine in and fresh air.
However, if the weather does not permit opening the windows and doors, use a dehumidifier. It will collect the excess moisture and improve the air circulation in the room.
4. Remove Dirt Particles and Dust
Dust can also cause a damp smell. That’s why it is essential to remove dust and other dirt particles. When cleaning the house, reach every corner. Use a microfiber cloth or a duster to get rid of the dust. Mix warm water and white vinegar and use them as a cleaning agent. Wipe the door frames, window blinds, walls, fixtures, ceiling fans, and behind furniture and appliances.
5. Ventilate Regularly
Proper ventilation is essential to prevent a damp smell. It is also essential to open the cabinets and closets. Pay attention to sink areas and bathrooms. Wipe damp surfaces with water and bleach solution to eliminate the musty smell. Then, wipe the surface dry.
6. Clean and Deodorise Your Carpet
Air out the carpets regularly, and use essential oils or air freshener spray. Mold or mildew may accumulate underneath the carpet. So, make it a routine to air out the carpet at least once a week. If the carpet is seriously affected by moisture, the best thing to do is hire a professional carpet cleaner. If you can do it yourself, wash the carpet using a mixture of vinegar and hot soapy water.
7. Invest in air dehumidifiers
Investing in air dehumidifiers will prevent air condensation that also causes a damp smell. If you don’t have enough budget to buy a dehumidifier, you can make a homemade odor remover. We know that commercial products contain harmful chemicals like chlorine and ammonia.
8. Fix the structural problem
Before wearing your cleaning gloves, identify first the structural problems. Check for any water leak in the bathroom or kitchen sink. Address the problem before it gets worse. Then proceed to clean out the damp smell.
9. Deodorize appliances
It’s not enough to deodorize the room, you must also deodorize the appliances. The washing machine, oven, refrigerator, and other household appliances may also cause damp smells. You can use a natural deodorizer i.e. baking soda. Pour baking soda into a cup and place it inside the appliances and leave it there for 24 hours.
Final Thoughts
The damp smell is a real-life scenario that happens when a place has low light and high humidity. It is essential to take the necessary action immediately to get rid of the damp smell because it poses risks to our health. The information discussed above can help a lot of homeowners.
