How to find and remove musty smells in your house

Mould, mildew, and must are all unpleasant smells that are commonly found in homes.

An earthy smell in the house could be caused by a number of fairly harmless things, from mouldy food in the fridge to wet laundry being left out. However, it could also be a sign of a larger problem, such as a serious damp issue.

If your house smells like mould and the problem is left unchecked, it could become more than just an annoying smell, potentially leading to severe structural damage and even physical health problems. Read on to learn some of the common reasons why your house smells like mildew, the negative effects mould can have, what a musty room means, and some simple tips to eliminate the smell from your home.

● Mould odours: What causes musty odours in your house?
● How to find the source of musty smells
● How to get rid of musty smells in your home
● How to eliminate the mould that causes bad odours
● How nanoe™ X technology in your house can remove mould, mildew, and musty odours

Mould is a structure formed by some types of fungi. It is commonly found on food, such as old fruit, and on surfaces. On surfaces, it usually grows in darkly coloured patches. Mould needs moisture to grow, so it is prevalent in damp, dimly lit areas such as basements, around leaking pipes, and on absorbent surfaces that are exposed to moisture.

Mould produces spores to reproduce, which disperse in the air and can cause detectable smells that you might also describe as “must” or “mildew”.

The smells created by mould around the home can have a negative effect on your health, causing stress and discomfort. Mould growth can also cause an itchy nose, sore throat, coughing, burning eyes, and rashes, and in severe cases and in susceptible people, allergic responses, breathing problems, and lung infections. Due to the potential health impacts, and the discomfort caused by mouldy smells, it’s important that you identify and eliminate their source in your home.

The unique musty odour of mould is caused by volatile organic compounds formed during the growth process. Because of this, a musty smell is an indication that the mould in your house is alive and growing, so it’s important to take action and prevent any further spread.

The first step is to identify the source of the odour. Let’s unpack some of the best places to look.

Bathrooms are one of the most common places to find mould and mildew in the home. The main cause is the high level of moisture usually found in bathrooms, with showers, baths, toilets, and sinks being used daily.

To add to the problem, towels, shower curtains, washcloths, and bath mats are often left damp for long periods of time. It’s also often difficult to ventilate the rooms sufficiently, leading to a build-up of humidity and ideal conditions for mould to grow on fabrics and surfaces.

Use water at 50°C or higher over the entire contaminated area to wash off the dirt. Five seconds or more per point is ideal. Once you’ve done this, remove all moisture with a towel or squeegee.

Firstly, there is usually a lot of water in kitchens around the sink and on surfaces due to spills. Secondly, food stored in kitchens can expire and become the perfect place for mould to grow.

If you suspect the mildew smell is coming from your kitchen, try checking for leaks and damp patches, as well as any mouldy food items on the floor, in the fridge, and in the cupboards.

Mould is more likely to grow in recessed areas where ventilation is poor and humidity tends to accumulate. The simplest solution to this is to open windows and doors in the affected room, but a fan and/or dehumidifier can also be useful.

Closets and storage spaces are often left unchecked for long periods of time. They’re also dark and can trap moisture if you have any leaks or damp issues in the surrounding walls. All of this creates an ideal good environment for mould to grow, so you should check all storage spaces in your home if you detect an earthy smell in the house.

It’s also good practice to avoid overfilling storage spaces with clothing, as well as adding a fan or similar device to ensure good ventilation.

Leaks are common in doorways and windows that open to the outdoors, which can lead to dampness and in turn lead to mould. Entrances to the home are therefore a likely to be a source of damp smells, so try to check around the doorway for signs of mould.

Basements are underground and surrounded by dirt, with poor ventilation and low levels of natural light (or none whatsoever). This can make them a breeding ground for mould and mildew, especially after wet weather. For example, many people detect a musty smell in the basement after rain.

If you think your basement could have a mould problem, try carefully checking the walls and dingy corners for visible signs of dampness and mould.

Dust, dirt, and food debris can feed mould. Mites live in dust, and their droppings and corpses can feed the mould. In addition, stains left after spilling food scraps, seasonings, and soups are rich in nutrients which can further nourish the mould. Because of this, it’s important to keep areas free or dust, and food debris by cleaning frequently.

While living rooms and dining rooms may not be the most obvious places to find mildew, it’s worth checking carefully to see if they’re the source of the musty odours in your home. Food and drink are often consumed in living rooms and dining rooms. When combined with soft absorbent surfaces like sofas, carpets, and rugs, moulds can thrive here.

If there’s a mouldy smell that seems to be coming from your dining room or living room, check for food debris and spills, as well as damp patches on the walls.

Bedrooms are one of the less likely places to find mould growing, but a mould issue where you sleep could put your health at risk, so it’s important to check. 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.

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