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A moldy smell is usually quite sweet and can be sickly, which differs to that of a musty smell, which smells stale and old. However, the two terms are frequently mistaken, and a musty smell could be a sign that mold will soon become a problem, so we have included some causes of moldy smells, too. As well as causes, we’ve included the best methods to treat these smells so that you can enjoy a fresh environment once again. Having a musty smell in the house can be unpleasant, tricky to track down, and will usually only get worse if left. And, the good news is, you can track down the smells pretty easily and solve them with good old-fashioned cleaning. Here, we list the most common causes of a musty smell – and their fixes.
FAQ About Musty Air Conditioner Smells
As Home Guides explains, your toilet could be cracked or your vent pipe could be clogged. In those cases, you’ll probably want to call a plumber, although Home Guides does offer steps for fixing the problem if you’re a DIY-er. Electrical problems can be dangerous, so if you suspect your home’s wiring is faulty or its electrical components are overheating, call a licensed electrician. Many professionals aren’t familiar with the “fishy smell” problem, but any good one should have an infrared camera to help pinpoint heat sources. Electrical shielding, wires, and other plastic components emit a “fish” or “urine” smell when exposed to high heat. If you smell something fishy, go around your home and look for outlets and other electrical equipment that looks burnt or melting.
Stale antique furniture
“Black mold is particularly dangerous,” Tracy adds, pointing out that if left untreated, it may lead to health issues caused by mycotoxins. Now that you know the common reasons why a house smells musty, even if there’s no mold, you know how to prevent this from happening. If you know you have a mold or mildew trouble spot in your house, then be proactive. If the bathroom or kitchen is the source of your problem, then clean with mold-killing products.
Next Up In Basements
P-traps are designed to trap water in the pipe, creating a seal that prevents sewer gas from leaking up through the sink or bathtub. If you haven’t used your sink in a while, the water in the P-trap evaporates, eliminating that barrier. In other words, sewage gas passes right on through, stinking up your bathroom. Similarly, gasses can escape when the water level in your toilet bowl drops. Simply flush your toilet or run your sink or bathtub for a bit to clear the pipe. Sewage and rotten eggs share a similar putrid aroma, and a rotten egg smell might indicate a gas leak, which is a lot more dangerous.
However, some musty smells could be signs of something more sinister, like damp and mold, and the causes will need treating as soon as possible. Musty smells in homes can be caused by a range of issues, from improperly dried linens to dampness and mold. No matter the cause, a musty smell is often worrisome and should always be investigated. Make it a habit to change out the air filters after every routine cleaning.
Poor Air Circulation Inside The House
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Even if drain hoses aren't leaking, over time outlet houses get buildup inside. They may also trap and hold water, which grows all manner of “ick”. Both have a funky, musty odor, but mold tends to be stinkier.
Repaint cleaned wall surfaces with latex paint that contains a mildewcide to help stop future mold growth. When cleaning mold and mildew, always take the proper precautions and wear protective clothing, including long gloves, goggles, and a respirator to avoid breathing in mold or mold spores. When cleaning, bag up and put in outdoor garbage all rags and sponges containing mold spores to eliminate spreading. Fortunately, with a bit of investigation, thorough cleaning with supplies you have on hand, and diligence to prevent further growth, you can easily control musty smells. If the musty odor is coming from a smaller space, like a bathroom or laundry room, a product like DampRid which absorbs moisture in the air may be helpful. While the deodorizers are absorbing the smells, clean the entire basement as well as possible.
You may be able to unclog and clean a drain line yourself, but it’s always a good idea to contact an HVAC repair technician if you’re unsure how to proceed. However, if there’s a strange smell wafting around, it can throw off that welcoming, cozy feeling you deserve. And in some cases, the odor can be a sign of a health risk. Once you eliminate obvious explanations such as expired food in the kitchen or dirty laundry piling up, then it’s time to turn your attention to your plumbing, HVAC system, and other areas.
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Even if you vacuum regularly, when the weather turns humid and cool (think right around this time of year), your carpet will be absorbing all the extra moisture in your house. The musty smell results from that moisture 'activating' the dust and bacteria inside your carpet, often including mould spores. The best thing to do is do give your carpet a good deep shampoo, or at least clean it with baking soda. If you have a steam cleaner, that's another great way to get rid of that musty smell.
Whiffs of musty odors are pretty distinctive in the home, and they can come from basements, walls, spoiled food, laundry, or shower stalls. Usually, this indicates that there is a mold or mildew problem. The baking soda will begin to absorb the odors and should make a significant difference over the course of a few days. You can also use bowls of white vinegar or clean cat litter—both will absorb odors as well. For especially foul-smelling spaces, you can also use a product specifically designed to absorb moisture and musty odors, such as DampRid.
The same goes for baby bottles that roll under the couch, or glasses with a dab of milk left in the bottom. Over time, all those food crumbs build up, adding to the “unique aroma” of your home. Cold winter air can't hold as much moisture, plus we add heat, which dries air even more. Trying to work out what humidity your house should be in winter can be difficult.
Finally, if your home’s previous owners had cats, any moisture that comes into contact with wood floors and walls will release the ghostly odors of cats long past. Even people without feline friends may smell cat urine, especially after it rains, and wonder how to get rid of cat pee smell that’s plaguing them. That distinctive odor can be an indication of a mold problem. Certain types of mold smell like cat urine, including dangerous toxic black mold, which should be remediated by a professional.
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