Buzz
Image: Imaginima/Getty ImagesWe've all experienced it—entering a room and immediately encountering a musty odor. It's that unmistakable scent, often associated with basements and second-hand stores, but definitely not one you want lingering in your own home. If you ignore it, however, the smell likely won’t fade. Robin Murphy from ChirpChirp Cleaning emphasizes the importance of addressing the issue quickly. 'Dealing with musty odors in your home is vital not just for a pleasant and healthy living environment but also for the upkeep and long-term health of your home,' she advises.
Tackling the odor begins with pinpointing its source. Here are four likely reasons why your home could be emitting that musty smell—and the steps you can take to fix it.
Your Carpets Need a Clean
There are several reasons why wall-to-wall carpeting has lost popularity—one of the biggest being that carpets trap odors. Whether it's from pet mishaps, spilled drinks, or cigarette smoke (especially in older homes where the carpet was installed before you moved in), the smell tends to linger.
Murphy advises that regular vacuuming and yearly deep cleans are essential for maintaining a fresh scent. It might also be worth considering professional carpet cleaning services.
However, if your carpet is quite old, it may be time to replace it. Think about switching to a more easily maintainable flooring option, and if you miss the plush feel underfoot, opt for a washable area rug that you can clean whenever needed.
The Ventilation Needs Improvement
Murphy explains that poor ventilation is another key cause of musty odors. 'A lack of fresh air can create stale, musty conditions,' she says.
Myco Momplaisir, owner of SuperMaids, recommends boosting airflow to tackle this issue. 'When air sits still in a room and moisture is trapped, the combination creates the odor,' Momplaisir explains. 'The first thing I suggest is to improve circulation and let the space air out for a few minutes.'
Even if you have only a small window, try to keep it open. Alternatively, consider installing a ceiling fan or using a portable fan.
For smaller spaces like bathrooms or laundry rooms, a product like DampRid, which absorbs moisture from the air, can be beneficial.
Though it might be tempting to mask bad smells with air fresheners or plug-in devices, Murphy advises against this. 'These can only temporarily cover up the odors and actually contribute to indoor air pollution,' she warns.
A Hidden Leak
Leaks can also lead to musty odors, but the bigger issue is that they’re not always visible. 'Hidden leaks within walls or beneath floors can contribute to persistent mustiness,' Murphy points out.
If rooms that usually smell fresh suddenly start emitting a musty odor you can’t get rid of, it may be time to call a professional to inspect behind the walls. In addition to causing a bad odor, leaks can damage your home’s structure and pose health risks.
Mold Growth
While visible mold on surfaces like walls or ceilings is easy to spot, that’s not always the case, says Momplaisir. 'Sometimes, mold or mildew can grow on clothes or towels, leading to a musty smell,' he explains. 'A mixture of half vinegar and half water can help remove the odor. Let them soak overnight.'
Bathrooms provide the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive. Be sure to open a window or switch on the fan after showering to help ventilate the room.
If you spot mold on the walls or wallpaper, it’s best to tackle it right away. Grab some bleach from your laundry room—it will kill the mold.
If the mold problem is severe or keeps coming back, it could start to impact your health—making the musty smell just the tip of the iceberg. At this point, it might be time to seek professional assistance.
