How to Remove & Prevent Musty Smells in a House

PDF download Download Article
How to get rid of mildew and mold smells in your home
PDF download Download Article

No one likes having a musty smell in their house, so it’s important to locate the mold or mildew causing the smell and eliminate it as soon as possible. Luckily, there are some pretty easy solutions. We interviewed cleaning specialist Daniel Olin to teach you how to get rid of and prevent musty smells in your house. Plus, learn what causes musty smells and whether mold and mildew pose any health risks to you and your family.

Best Ways to Eliminate Mold & Mildew Odors from a Home

  • Spray mold or mildew with a bleach and water solution and wipe it away.
  • Repair leaky faucets and pipes around your home.
  • Increase air circulation by opening windows and turning on fans.
  • Use a dehumidifier and air purifier to increase air quality.
  • Steam clean musty furniture or carpets and use bowls of baking soda to absorb odors.
Section 1 of 4:

Removing Musty Smells from Your Home

PDF download Download Article
  1. The first step to getting rid of a musty smell is to find its source. Begin by looking for signs of mildew or mold in areas like your bathroom, kitchen, basement, and attic, as these areas are usually where you’ll find the most moisture. Check other rooms like your living room and bedrooms, as well. Look for any leaks or standing water. Here are some tips for checking specific areas of your house: [1]
    • Bathrooms: Check the tiles in your shower, under the sink, around the toilet, on the walls, and behind small items like soap and shampoo.
    • Kitchen: Check inside, around, and underneath your refrigerator, underneath your sink, inside your microwave and oven, and in and around your trash can.
    • Bedrooms: Check for mold on your mattress, along your windows and windowsills, and in any potted plants you have.
    • Living room: Check your windows, your furniture, and your fireplace if you have one.
    • Attic, basement, and garage: Check in your insulation, around your water heater and furnace, near vents, around windows, and behind storage areas.
    • Other areas in your home: Check for mold in your air conditioning and heating ducts, inside and around your washer and dryer, and in the walls and ceilings around your home.
  2. Cracked or broken pipes can cause water leakage, which will eventually lead to mold and mildew growth. Check all the faucets and pipes in your home for potential leaks, then fix them yourself or call a plumber for some help. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. If there’s mold or mildew in your house, this is likely where the musty smell is coming from. To remove small areas of mold, mix 1 cup (240 mL) of bleach with 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water. Apply the solution to the moldy or mildewy surface and scrub it with a brush. Rinse the surface with clean water to remove the solution, then let it air dry. [3]
    • Bleach can produce strong fumes, so work in a well-ventilated area and wear an N-95 mask , if possible. Wear gloves and goggles to protect your skin and eyes, and never mix bleach with other cleaning products.
    • If you want a more natural solution, spray the moldy area with white vinegar instead. Let it sit for about an hour, then scrub the mold or mildew away with a sponge or cloth dipped in baking soda.
  4. Sometimes, musty smells occur because the air in your home is too humid and still. Increase air circulation by turning on your ceiling fan to dry out the air and eliminate the smell. Open your doors and windows to completely air out the space and let some fresh air into your home. Keeping your home properly ventilated should remove the smell over time.
    • If you don't have a ceiling fan, keep a box fan running where the smell is particularly strong, or turn on a few throughout your home.
    • Starting your HVAC system can also draw out odors and capture mold spores in its filters. Just make sure the filters are clean first.
    • Before attempting to eliminate the musty smell, Olin stresses, “Make sure that mold is not what is causing your issue, because that’s a health hazard that needs to be addressed immediately.” If you’ve already eliminated the source of the smell, proceed with removing the odor from your home. [4]
    EXPERT TIP

    Daniel Olin

    Home Cleaning Specialist
    Daniel Olin is a Home Cleaning Specialist and the CEO of Easyway Maid Service, a home-cleaning company based in Austin, Texas. With over four years of experience, Daniel and Easyway Maid Service specialize in executive-quality maid service, as well as vacation rental cleaning and overall home deep cleaning. Daniel holds a BA in Psychology from The University of California, Los Angeles.
    Daniel Olin
    Home Cleaning Specialist

    Increase ventilation to remove smells. Change your air filters, and open two windows (or a window and a door) across the home from each other to get a draft going. Make a general practice of airing out your house each day for several weeks.

  5. High humidity levels can make a house smell musty. Install a dehumidifier and aim to keep the humidity level at 50%. This helps keep the air nice and dry and eliminate musty odors. Just make sure the humidity level is never over 60%, as this is when mold and mildew begin to thrive. [5]
  6. Air purifiers remove smelly air pollutants like mold, pollen, dander, and dust. For best results, use a true HEPA filter . Replace the filter regularly to keep the machine working as efficiently as possible. Keep the air purifier in your living room or anywhere in your home that smells particularly musty. [6]
    • Air purifiers cost about $50-100 a year to run and maintain.
    • You can also use a HEPA filter when changing the filtration system of your AC and other HVAC equipment in your home. This can keep the air in your house cleaner than a standard filter and can improve the smell as well.
  7. Sometimes, mold spores can linger in carpets and on upholstered furniture, causing a musty smell. Rent a steam cleaner to clean your carpets and steam your upholstery , or hire a professional to do the work for you. [7]
  8. There are plenty of natural odor absorbers that can help eliminate musty smells around your home. Pour some baking soda or activated charcoal into bowls and place them throughout your home, especially where the odor is most noticeable. Replace them every two weeks or so as they absorb the odor to get your home smelling fresh. [8]
    • Another alternative is to use kitty litter.
    • Additionally, add pleasing scents to your home by lighting candles or using essential oil diffusers or commercial air fresheners. This will only mask the odor, however, so make sure to eliminate it first.
  9. Pet bedding can get pretty smelly and musty after a while, especially if your pet goes outside and tracks mud and water into their bed. That moisture seeps into the bedding and contributes to mold growth. To avoid this, wash your pet beds and blankets regularly, and clean up after your pets as soon as possible.
    • Follow the instructions on the bedding’s care label to wash it properly. Most of the time, you can simply wash and dry it like standard bedding.
  10. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), you should hire a professional for mold remediation if the moldy area is larger than 10 square feet or if there is significant water damage. It’s also generally best to hire a professional if the mold is in a hidden or hard-to-reach area, like in your heating or air conditioning system. If you or someone in your household is allergic to mold, it’s also better to have someone else clean it for you. [9]
    11. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

What causes musty smells?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Mold and mildew grow and spread when there is an excessive amount of moisture in a given area. This can be caused by a leaky pipe or roof, inadequate airflow in a humid space, or dirt and debris getting stuck in an HVAC system. When mold spores begin to multiply, they emit a musty smell.
    • Olin says, “You should always be wary of mold when trying to identify a musty smell. Often, that’s the source of the kinds of smells that people refer to as musty. Have a mold expert come out and actually do an inspection, as some kinds of mold can be hazardous to your health in the long term. [10]
Section 3 of 4:

Preventing Future Musty Smells

PDF download Download Article
  1. To prevent mold growth and musty smells, clean your house regularly to take care of any problem areas before they become an issue. Sweep, mop, and vacuum your floors, dust walls and surfaces, and organize any belongings that may trap moisture, like books or piles of paper. [11] Be very thorough with humid areas like your bathroom and kitchen.
  2. When water leaks or spills occur, clean them up as soon as possible. In general, mold and mildew won’t grow if the spill is cleaned and dried within 24-48 hours, so it’s less likely the area will develop a musty smell. Remember to clean up after your pets, as well. [13]
  3. If possible, keep your indoor humidity levels below 60%. Running an air conditioner or dehumidifier can help, as can opening windows and using fans. Turn on exhaust fans in moist areas, like bathrooms and kitchens, and if possible, dry your clothes outside to avoid adding moisture to your home. [14]
  4. Make sure air flows freely through your home by regularly opening doors and windows to let in fresh air. Turn on ceilings or box fans, especially in rooms that don’t get a lot of foot traffic, as well as exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom. Using an air purifier can also help by removing pollutants and contaminants and replacing them with clean air. [15]
  5. Over time, dirt, debris, and moisture can get stuck in your HVAC system’s filter, which can lead to mold growth and a musty smell. To prevent this, have your furnace, air conditioning, or heat pump professionally cleaned, and replace the system’s air filter regularly. How often the filter needs to be changed will depend on the system and filter you have, so refer to your user’s manual for specific instructions. [16]
    • Have your air ducts professionally cleaned every 2-3 years.
  6. How often you need to do this depends on the condition of your home, but aim to inspect all areas of your home for leaks or mold at least 4 times a year, once every quarter. Pay special attention to rooms that are humid, like your kitchen and bathroom, or that don’t receive a lot of foot traffic, like your attic or basement. Fix any leaks and clean up mold as soon as possible so the issue doesn’t worsen. [17]
    • While you’re at it, make sure all your windows are well-sealed to prevent condensation build-up.
  7. If you plan on painting a room, first add a mold inhibitor to the paint. These can be purchased at paint and home improvement stores and help prevent the development of mold spores, making it more difficult for mold to grow on the painted surface. [18]
    • Don’t simply paint over existing mold, however. Remove it first.
    8. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Health Impact of Mold & Mildew

PDF download Download Article
  1. While some people may experience no symptoms when exposed to mold, others are more sensitive, especially if they have pre-existing conditions like asthma. Because mold and mildew can cause respiratory issues, it’s important to remove them as soon as possible. Here are some common issues caused by mold exposure: [19]
    • Stuffy nose
    • Wheezing
    • Coughing
    • Red or itchy eyes
    • Itchy skin
    • Shortness of breath
    • Fever

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do you know if there is mold in the house?
    Daniel Olin
    Home Cleaning Specialist
    Daniel Olin is a Home Cleaning Specialist and the CEO of Easyway Maid Service, a home-cleaning company based in Austin, Texas. With over four years of experience, Daniel and Easyway Maid Service specialize in executive-quality maid service, as well as vacation rental cleaning and overall home deep cleaning. Daniel holds a BA in Psychology from The University of California, Los Angeles.
    Daniel Olin
    Home Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Call a mold expert to come out and do an inspection. It's best to have a professional take a look, as some kinds of mold can be hazardous to your health in the long term.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 8
  • Question
    How do you deodorize a house?
    Daniel Olin
    Home Cleaning Specialist
    Daniel Olin is a Home Cleaning Specialist and the CEO of Easyway Maid Service, a home-cleaning company based in Austin, Texas. With over four years of experience, Daniel and Easyway Maid Service specialize in executive-quality maid service, as well as vacation rental cleaning and overall home deep cleaning. Daniel holds a BA in Psychology from The University of California, Los Angeles.
    Daniel Olin
    Home Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Change your home's air filters and increase ventilation for several weeks. Open a couple of windows and a door across the home from each other, which helps get a draft going through the house.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 8
  • Question
    Why does my house always smell musty?
    Daniel Olin
    Home Cleaning Specialist
    Daniel Olin is a Home Cleaning Specialist and the CEO of Easyway Maid Service, a home-cleaning company based in Austin, Texas. With over four years of experience, Daniel and Easyway Maid Service specialize in executive-quality maid service, as well as vacation rental cleaning and overall home deep cleaning. Daniel holds a BA in Psychology from The University of California, Los Angeles.
    Daniel Olin
    Home Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    It might just be in need of a good cleaning! It could help to hire a maid service to regularly clean your home if you don't have time to vacuum and clean on a regular basis.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 16 Helpful 8
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      Easy & Effective Ways to Clean Dirty Coins at Home
      How to
      Clean Your Own Pool
      How to
      Clean a Derma Roller
      A Simple Guide to Cleaning Old Coins without Damaging Them
      The Best Ways to Clean Copper or Zinc Pennies
      How to
      Clean Your Sink with Baking Soda
      How to
      Clean a Tower Fan with or without Opening It
      How to
      Neutralize Bleach
      How to
      Sterilize Bottles
      How to
      Clean Records without Damaging Them
      How to
      Clean Hair Combs
      4 Quick & Easy Ways to Clean Copper Coins
      How to
      Clean Rubber
      How to
      Dispose of Bleach
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/7287/
      2. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
      3. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/natural-disasters/safety/how-to-safely-clean-and-sanitize-with-bleach.html
      4. ↑ Daniel Olin. Home Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.
      5. ↑ https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1047-1&title=preventing-mold-in-your-home
      6. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/appliances/air-purifier-reviews/a25252001/do-air-purifiers-work/
      7. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/basements/22277188/get-rid-of-musty-smell-in-your-basement
      8. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/basements/22277188/get-rid-of-musty-smell-in-your-basement
      9. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
      1. ↑ Daniel Olin. Home Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.
      2. ↑ https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1047-1&title=preventing-mold-in-your-home
      3. ↑ Daniel Olin. Home Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.
      4. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
      5. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html
      6. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html
      7. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/how-to-get-rid-of-mold-smells-8685007
      8. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html
      9. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html
      10. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 133,527 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Lana

        Sep 13, 2021

        "First vacuum then steam clean. I was just going to steam clean but the steps were logical. Thanks."
      Share your story
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement