How To Prevent Mildew
Once youve removed the mildew odor, how can you prevent it from returning? The best way to prevent the smell from coming back is to maximize air circulation and control the dampness of your home or office. For dark, cool spaces like a basement, consider adding a dehumidifier to control the humidity. For living spaces like bathrooms and kitchens, use existing fans after bathing or cooking to help dry out the space.
Other ways to prevent mildew and mold include:
- Fix plumbing leaks as soon as possible
- Clean fabrics in your home or office regularly and keep them dry
- Before storing any items, be sure they are clean and dry
- Use fans and open windows to reduce moisture and humidity
Even with preventative measures, mildew may still return. If you have a recurring mildew or mold issue, you may want to hire a professional for mold cleanup.
Soak Affected Areas With Apple Cider Vinegar
Next, use either a sponge soaked in apple cider vinegar or a spray bottle filled with apple cider vinegar to treat the affected areas. This may be on the tiles, in the tub, around the sink or on the floor. Let the vinegar sit for a few hours before scrubbing it with a brush.
Youre going to need to scrub these areas well, so be sure to use a coarse brush, or even a toothbrush for the smaller, hard to reach spots.
Pro Tip: If you dont want to use apple cider vinegar, you can use tea tree oil to fight the mildew smell. The antibacterial qualities in tea tree oil will be able to clean the space and eliminate any musty odors.
Why Does Mold Cause A Pungent Odor
Mold growth itself does not smell bad. It is the off-gases that are let off by mold growth called Microbial Organic Compounds .
The dank musty odor signifies the presence of microbial volatile organic compounds . Traditional volatile organic compounds are mainly industrial made chemicals with low molecular weights, high vapor pressure and low water solubility. MVOCs are released from metabolic processes of decay agents like fungi, bacteria and biofilm. The off gassing of MVOCs include a wide range of alcohols, ketones, aldehyde, esters, carboxylic acids, lactones, terpenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, sulfur and nitrogen compounds.
You don’t need to know scientifically how MVOC’s are formed, however, you must know it is caused in most causes by water damaged porous materials. This could mean drywall, clothes, flooring, etc.
Bottom line is this:
If you have had a leak in your home that was not dried up properly or maybe a hidden leak that led to mold growth
Bingo!
You have identified mold as the source of the moldy smell in your home.
Also Check: How To Clean Mold From Boat Seats
How To Get Musty Smells Out Of Towels
Towels arenât really all that different from clothing, so the tips above will serve you well if you have musty smelling towels. With towels, though, the other absolutely critical thing is to really let them dry after each use. Otherwise, youâve got a super damp cloth hanging out in your homeâand by now, you know what that means.
Where To Check For Mold And Mildew
If youre looking for any mold and mildew in your home and cant seem to track down the exact source of those musty odors, here are a few spots you can check.
- Look for any water leaks. You make have water leaks or small puddles under the sinks in your bathrooms or kitchen that have allowed mold to grow.
- Likewise, check your shower! A shower or tub with cracks in the tub caulking could be causing the problem.
- Check and clean your garbage disposal and dishwasher filter.
- Laundry rooms can also be a culprit of that dreaded mildew smell. Make sure no mold is growing in your washing machine! This is especially likely if your washing machine has trouble drying out after a cycle.
- Look in your closets or basement. Check for any areas that are dark, warm, and humid.
- Check your air filters they may need to be replaced to get fresh air flowing again!
Once you find the affected area, there are a few ways to get rid of that mildew problem. Ill get to those in a second, but first, I want to go over some safety precautions.
Also Check: How To Remove Mold Smell From Basement
Why Does Mold Grow Behind Wallpaper
Mold can grow behind wall paper due to the trapping over moisture. This is especially true in bathrooms where there is constantly a dew point created. The presence of a leak can accelerate mold growth behind wallpaper as well.
These problems can remain hidden for a long time because
Who thinks to actually look behind there?
I mean, you have to start removing wall paper just to see what’s going on.
That means if you ever had a leak in an area with wallpaper or humidity issues , the source of your mold smell may be mold trapped behind wall paper.
Taking moisture readings with a moisture meter may be a good first step. If your walls have been holding moisture for a long time, you may want to pull back the wall paper to further investigate.
Mold In The Air Conditioning System
Mold can grow on just about any porous material that is wet, but microbial growth can also form on one very important fixture in your home.
Your air conditioning system.
If you have cental HVAC, an air conditioning system involves three separate components:
- The compressor which is generally outside
- The air handler which is generally indoors where usually the blower and coils are located
- The Ductwork which is how the air is distributed throughout the home
Here is what you must know:
Mold generally won’t grow on most building material that makes up your air conditioning system.
The reason why is because most items aren’t porous.
That being said
In this particular case.
How To Get Mildew Smell Out Of Clothes
Getting mildew smell out of clothing can be a tricky process. Spores and gasses released from mildew are prone to be absorbed into fabrics and can permeate the entire article of clothing in no time. Effectively removing the mildew smell from clothes takes an advanced technology. To remove mildew odors from clothing, the best detergent is one which breaks down the compound structure of odors, like the OdorKlenzLaundry which utilizes an earth mineral technology which is not only safe but effective at removing odors.Rather than simply masking odors, the OdorKlenz Laundry line neutralizes them completely, eliminating unpleasant smells for good. Not only can the OdorKlenz Laundry additives remove mildew smells from clothing, but they can also remove:
Gasoline odors Musty or wet smells Smoke & tobacco
Rather than add more scents to mask the unpleasant smell, OdorKlenz Laundry works by neutralizing, breaking down, and eliminating odors at the source, without the use of toxic chemicals or perfumes.For those who have chemical or fragrance sensitivities, using the liquid, powder, or deodorizer from OdorKlenz offers a safe and effective solution to permanently removing mildew smells from clothing.
Don’t Miss: How To Clean Mold Off Plastic Cutting Board
When To Hire A Pro
Clothing that cannot safely be machine washed in hot water or delicate fabrics may require a trip to the dry cleaner. If you arent sure, you wont want to risk damaging expensive items.
Washing Machines that resist your efforts may have a clogged drain or filter or even mold behind the drum. Unless you are very handy with appliance repairs, it is best to call a licensed repairer.
Carpet that has remained wet for more than 24 hours will probably need to be removed. If your home floods or washer overflows, promptly drying out the area can save you thousands of dollars. Large exhaust fans, along with ventilation, can sometimes dry out the carpeting as long as its not a large spot or allowed to soak into the padding.
Kitchen and Bath cabinets may also need professional help. Unless the area is minimal, black mold is best handled by remediation.
Books and Paintings with sentimental or monetary value should be left to a reputable restoration company.
In short, mold can be hazardous and expensive to remove. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Promptly clean up spills, especially on rugs or wood floors. Hang bath towels so they can completely dry between showers.
Plumbing leaks should be fixed as soon as possible. Dehumidifiers, ceiling fans, and odor absorbers can help prevent mold growth. Being proactive around the home will ensure that everyone is breathing fresh, clean air.
When To Hire A Professional
Mold smells can be more challenging to remove than we may think. When done improperly, one can spread the colonies instead of eradicating them. Here are a few situations when its best to call a professional to help:
- No visual: If you can smell the mold but cant find the source.
- Medium molded area: If mold has expanded over 10 to 30 square feet, a professional should assess the situation and make recommendations.
- Large molded area: If mold covers over 30 square feet, a qualified person should tackle the task. You may also want to address the insulation issue .
- Mold keeps growing back: There may be hidden spores that keep reviving the colony.
Don’t Miss: How To Clean Mold Off Bathroom Ceiling
Vinegar And Baking Soda
Mix equal parts baking soda with water to get a thick paste, and then apply it onto the moldy area.
After 15 minutes or so, wipe off any excess liquid using a cloth that you will be throwing away after this project is complete.
You can also try another method with vinegar and baking soda where you mix equal parts and add that mixture into a spray bottle.
Fill the rest with warm water and use your baking soda solution as a spray instead of a paste.
Spray Your Bathroom With Essential Oils
As you know, essential oils have been known to effectively fight mold. So why not use them to get rid of the moldy smells in your bathroom too?
We suggest using grapefruit seed extract oil to fight the odor. Fill a spray bottle with water, then add a few drops of the essential oil. Spray the mix over the areas where you cleaned with apple cider vinegar. This will not only help tone down the smell of the vinegar, but it will also allow the vinegar to work more efficiently at eliminating the smell!
These three steps will give your bathroom the deep clean that it needs naturally, while fighting unsettling mold and mildew odors.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mold Off Bathroom Ceiling
How To Remove Mildew Odor
By the RestorationSOS Educational Staff
Mold is a common problem related to water damage or excess moisture within the home. If the problem is severe enough that you can smell it, then the time for an extensive cleanup operation has come. Once the mildew is out, however, you may be left with a lingering smell. Here’s how to eliminate that problem and make your home a bit more pleasant to live in.
Closed in areas such as closets are common locations for mold or mildew. To get rid of the smell, open the door and allow some fresh air to circulate. Remove everything in the closet, wash what can be washed, and allow it all to air out. You may also want to use some charcoal briquettes or a box of baking soda placed in the closet as these will absorb odor most efficiently. Air fresheners such as Febreze are also good for eliminating mildew odor.
Causes Of Mildew Sickness
The presence of mold and mildew inside your home poses a significant health risk. Mildew sickness can be caused by direct contact with mildew spores on the skin, or through inhaling them as they travel throughout the air.
For those with skin sensitivities, touching mildew is likely to trigger an allergic reaction. For those with existing respiratory issues, like allergies or asthma, inhaling mildew spores can create serious side effects.Once mildew has been present for a long period of time, the gasses released by the mildew can become toxins, increasing the likelihood of poor health.
Don’t Miss: What Causes Mold On Ceiling In Bathroom
If Nothing Else Works Call The Odor Removal Specialists
Following these tips can help lessen the odors in your home. For professional deodorization services in homes affected by tobacco smoke, fire, mold, or other causes, contact your local PuroClean office.
Get help with odor remediation by calling the PuroClean Local Response Hotline at 800-775-7876. Alternatively, use our office locator to find your local office. Our restoration experts stand ready to come to your propertys rescue 24/7!
The Best Diy Mold Removal
You May Like: How To Remove Hair Dye From Linoleum Floor
Improper Installation Of Ceiling And Walls
Sometimes builders are unfortunately incompetent or are completely rushing through jobs and don’t think about consequences of installation.
Vitutally, the same effect can happen as a not properly insulated areas. If drywall is not installed correctly hot air can enter the wall cavity space.
Here’s an example:
The hot air in the wall cavity mixed with cold air in the living space created a dew point which led to condensation.
This particular house had a potent mold smell and sure enough, there was some mold within the wall space.
How To Get Rid Of Musty Smells In Your Home
Okay, so youâve now diagnosed the underlying problem and have got everything in tip-top shape and mold- and mildew-free . Now, itâs time to deal with the lingering smell.
As a general rule of thumb, increasing ventilation, enhancing natural light , and decreasing humidity are your best friends in the fight against musty smells. Depending on how irritatingâand/or persistentâthe smell is, a full-on, deep cleaning of your home could also be on your horizon .
Below is an easy-to-follow guide that should set you on the right path. By completing these steps, you should be well on your way to an odor-free homeâand equipped with the know-how to keep it that way!
Don’t Miss: How To Clean Mold From Boat Seats
Whats Causing The Mold Smell
Spores are mold seeds, responsible for its expansion and reproduction. Although often accused of creating a repulsive odor, spores arent usually the source of the smell. Mold is.
Mold produces microbial volatile organic compounds which are the root cause of a smelly home. Various MVOC and, therefore, odors are released throughout the bacterias development, digestion, and reproduction .
How To Remove That Mildew Smell In 5 Steps
- Step 1: Find the source of the mildew.
- Step 2: Protect yourself with respiratory protection and gloves, and mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of warm water.
- Step 3: Dip a toothbrush into the bleach mixture and scrub vigorously.
- Step 4: Repeat until the mildew is gone.
- Step 5: Dry the area fully with a rag or towel.
Here are more details on each step of the process.
Recommended Reading: How To Prevent Mildew On Boat Seats
What Is Black Mold
Like other types of mold, black mold is commonly found in dark, humid areas of homes. It releases spores into the air that you can absorb through your skin or breathe in. These spores can also catch a ride from you to other areas, spreading it throughout your home.
Where black mold differs from other common household molds, however, is its reputation for being toxic. Many people refer to black mold simply as toxic mold. When left alone, black mold can cause serious health issues, especially for high-risk individuals.
The most common health issues from black mold are respiratory. You might experience coughing, sneezing or an itchy throat after prolonged exposure to black mold spores. People who are at higher risk, like infants or someone with existing respiratory issues, could experience long-term health consequences.
