Mold and mildew are the most common causes of an old house smell (and one of the most common hazards of an old house). It creates that readily identifiable musty, mildewy smell.
A lack of ventilation, darkness, and high humidity can all cause mold to flourish, which tends to be the root of that unpleasant “old house smell.” That scent is actually caused by mVOCs (Mold Volatile Organic Compounds), which is a chemical associated with the mold life cycle that is strong enough to emit a bad odor.
Baking soda: Open a container and place it in the area where the smell originated. Coffee grounds: Put used coffee grounds in shallow bowls and place around your house. The coffee grounds will absorb and eliminate smells. White vinegar: Bowls of white vinegar can act as an odor neutralizer.
Turn on fans to create cross breezes or get air into the darker corners of an old house. Opening up a house does more than just allow fresh air to circulate and dry out a house. It also allows sunshine in. The UV light from the sun is a natural disinfectant and provides added dry heat to remove the old house smells.
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. The good news is that most musty smells are not a sign of serious issue, and are often quick to rectify.
If your home has a stale, musty scent, there could be a handful of explanations, including a plumbing leak, high humidity, poor airflow, dirty HVAC equipment, or soiled carpet.
If your home or clothing smells musty, chances are you have mold or mildew hiding out. While other things — like a lack of ventilation or high levels of humidity — can make a musty odor more noticeable, they typically are not the primary cause of the smell.
Most people describe the smell of mold as musty, stale, and earthy — somewhat similar the odor of wet socks or decaying wood. Although mold smells can vary, here are some of the most common characteristics: Musty and Stale — like old socks or a stuffy attic that hasn't been aired out in months.
The most obvious culprits, says scent designer and olfactive expert Dawn Goldworm, are the objects that we buy specifically because of their smells, such as air fresheners and candles. Laundry detergent, soaps and cleaning products also contribute to the overall aroma. So does the food we cook and bring into the home.
A weird smell in a house can come from numerous sources, including appliances, furniture, carpets, fabrics or issues like mold or mildew. Occasionally, odors may be caused by sewer gas, natural gas leaks or animals that have died between walls, in attics or under decks.
Poor ventilation leads to dampness and, when combined with darkness, mold can flourish. That's right – the old-house smell is typically caused by mold.
A bedroom can smell in the morning as a result of body odour, dust, moisture in the room, dirty bedding and a messy room. Poor air circulation at night makes unpleasant odours linger until morning. These smells can be avoided by regularly cleaning the bedroom and making sure to air it out every day.
Just ask. This tactic might get a little awkward, but it's probably the most effective. “The best way for anyone to discover if their home smells is to ask a friend to be truthful and tell them,” says Julie Finch-Sally, also known as “The Guru of Cleaning.”
Known for being found in dark, dank places like many other kinds of molds, black mold has a strange musty odor—definitely not a pleasant scent for human nostrils. Some people have compared this smell to that of rotting wood or paper, while others have said it smells like cedar.
Mildew has a milder, musty smell that some compare to damp socks, but mold smells stronger and more pungent. The reason mold has a more powerful odor is that as it grows, it produces microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs).
Can mold make my family sick? Exposure to mold can cause health effects in some people. Mold spores are always found in the air we breathe, but extensive mold contamination may cause health problems. Breathing mold can cause allergic and respiratory symptoms.
You might notice a musty smell, but not be able to see any mold growing. In this case, you should look for areas that might be exposed to water. Mold needs moisture to grow. If you're smelling mold in a usually dry area, you might have water damage or a leaking pipe.
Use undiluted white vinegar on hard surfaces in kitchens and baths. A bleach solution also works to kill mold. Mix one cup of bleach in a gallon of water, apply to the surface and don't rinse. Mix a 50/50 solution of ammonia and water.
Musty Smell Sources
A damp odor may stem from mold and mildew buildup in a bathroom, attic, basement, or laundry room. These are typically places without a lot of ventilation and where moisture buildup is more common. As water droplets seep into the floors, walls, and ceilings, mold and mildew begin to grow.
You want to look for signs of moisture around pipes, P-traps and drains in rooms or areas with musty smells. Washing machine drain issues: Another common reason your house smells musty but no mold growth is in sight is a problem with your washing machine drain.
A musty or dusty smell is often a sign of mold or mildew, especially in humid or moisture-prone environments like the basement, laundry room, kitchen, or bathroom. Mold and mildew can create severe respiratory problems and can exacerbate allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals.
Stale air occurs indoors where there isn't proper ventilation or circulation – air inside a room or area becomes old and as it sits, it begins to smell musty.
While sweat in and of itself is odorless, the type of sweat produced in your armpits, feet, and groin smells bad when it combines with bacteria that's already on your skin. That's why frequent bathing or showering with mild soap and warm water is important to rinse sweat off the skin.