A musty smell can transform your cozy place to unpleasant in no time. Be it in your house, car, or storage unit, musty and Mildew smells indicate the presence of mold, stagnant air, or mildew. These odors are not just unpleasant can be a serious issue leading to health hazards, especially causing respiratory problems. However, there are several effective techniques to eliminate the musty smells and freshen up the atmosphere once again. You can execute it with DIY methods or reach out for a professional. In this article, we will delve to explore different ways to bid farewell to musty smells in your Home and develop a fresh, clean surrounding.
What leads to Musty and Mildew smells?
If there is a piece of decaying wood or damp musty towel piled up for a long time, you’ve surely encountered the stale, unbearable odor of mold and mildew. The excess moisture content resulted from a leakage in pipe or roof may provide the perfect stage for the unwelcomed guests. Dark stagnant corners in your house become the prime spots for the growth of these molds and mildew, and they emit harmful gases creating an unpleasant atmosphere as they multiply.
It is mandatory to clean the mildew or mold spots, and also inspect the area for a certain period to prevent the growth again. If the mold region is more than a certain specified area, it is recommended to take mold abatement services. Further, if there are a few mildew colonies on clothes or walls, you can try DIY method to effectively remove the source of the musty odors.
Can Mold and Mildew affect health?
A long time exposure to mildew or mold in your house can surely affect your health over time. It can cause respiratory problems and other several health issues such as coughing, sneezing, breath shortness, wheezing. It can also lead to allergic reactions like itchy or red eyes, skin itching, and runny nose. It can be dangerous to the individuals having asthma. Prolonged exposure to mold or mildew can cause sinus infections, and even severe headaches.
What steps should be followed to remove musty and Mildew smells?
To eliminate the musty smells from your house effectively, follow these steps:
- Identification of source: The primary step is identify the source of musty smells, whether it is on walls, fabrics, or any other surfaces in your house. Discard the affected items such as damp towels, clothing, carpets, furniture, drapes or upholstery. Once removed, check the area thoroughly again including the tile, grout, cabinets, and others areas which may have been unnoticed.
- Disinfect the area: Make a mixture of water and white vinegar in the ratio of 1:1, or a commercial mildew and mold remover to effectively scrub the surfaces. Clean all areas where there is any presence of mildew, especially bath tiles, basement, and shower curtains. Sprinkling baking soda on the affected curtains, fabrics, carpets, can work wonders. Let it sit for a few hours to absorb the musty smell, and then vacuum thoroughly.
- Dehumidification: Mold and mildew grows with high moisture content, so it is necessary to execute intense dehumidification of the affected area to prevent mildew from returning. Install a dehumidifier, enable air circulation, and use fans for complete drying. It is also feasible to use activate charcoal near the affected areas which will absorb the musty odors.
- Prevent Growth in Future: The most important to consider is to prevent regrowth of mold and mildew by inspecting the sources of high moisture content in your house. Regularly check for leaks, increase the ventilation area in damp areas like basements and washrooms, and maximize the use of exhaust fans while taking showers and cooking.
Incorporating these steps will effectively eliminate the mildew and mold from your house eradicating the musty smells and regular monitoring of the affected areas will prevent their regrowth, ensuring a clean and fresh atmosphere for a better living.
