Bottom line: If you can't actually see mold, it's almost never a problem. The musty smell you ask about doesn't necessarily mean there are mold spores present, but can simply indicate you need more ventilation with fresh air.
? Check For Blockages in Drains and Pipes
Blockages in bathroom drains and pipes can cause sewer gases to escape into the bathroom environment can lead to a mildew smell. Inspect your bathroom pipes for any signs of blockages or obstructions. A slow drain leak from your sink or toilet will have the same effect.
If your bathroom smells damp and musty, it might be that the room isn't drying out fully. This could cause problems further down the line, such as black mould. Not only can this be unsightly, but it's bad for your health too. Ventilation is one of the most important ways to keep this room dry and smell-free.
Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air.
Phantosmia is a disorder linked to a person's sense of smell. It happens when a person can smell something that is not there. The smell may only appear on one side of the nose, or it may affect both nostrils. Phantosmia is relatively uncommon.
An olfactory hallucination (phantosmia) makes you detect smells that aren't really there in your environment. The odors you notice in phantosmia are different from person to person and may be foul or pleasant. You may notice the smells in one or both nostrils.
The short answer to this question is yes, mold does have a distinct odor. The best way to describe the scent is “musty” or “earthy.” Some individuals even compare it to the smell of sweaty socks.
Hydrogen peroxide: Pour a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub the mold away. Vinegar: Pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle and apply to the moldy area.
Charcoal briquettes, an open box of baking soda, or a small pouch of kitty litter can make the bathroom smell fresher by absorbing the odor and the moisture in the air. However, make sure to replace them every month or so. Natural air fresheners, like essential oils or citrus peels, can also cut the stench.
Mold in the bathroom is a hazardous problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. Mold is infamous for producing spores that, when inhaled, can cause anything from rashes to headaches to respiratory problems.
A moldy odor suggests that mold is growing in the building and should be investigated. The health effects of inhaling mVOCs are largely unknown, although exposure to mVOCs has been linked to symptoms such as headaches, nasal irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.
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.
Mold generally looks slimy or fuzzy, tends to have a raised texture, and can come in a rainbow of colors, including deep green and black. Mildew is powdery, looks white or gray, always appears flat, and grows on surfaces.
You'll likely use a mold test kit with tape strips to lift a sample for surface testing. Or, you might use a swab to send a sample into a lab or spread a sample on a petri dish for evaluation. When testing the air for mold, the best option is typically an air pump that collects samples for evaluation in a laboratory.
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.
“Though small amounts of mold probably won't hurt us, there is no species of mold that is 'safe' when inhaled. Those tiny spores could cause a host of health problems; mostly in people with respiratory problems, allergies or a compromised immune system” said Dr. Spahr.
Without constant moisture, mold will become inactive but they never die unless you get rid of them completely. They can always come back to life in the presence of moisture and multiply rapidly causing serious health problems.
When mold is ignored, it will spread throughout the surrounding area and into the rest of your home. The longer mold continues to grow on your walls, insulation, or fixtures, the more damage it can cause. Mold can eat away at your drywall or wallpaper, causing it to crack or become irreparably damaged.
Bleach kills virtually every species of indoor mold that it comes into contact with including mold spores which leaves a sanitized surface making it resistant to future mold growth.
Another way to identify the difference is by smell. 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).
Odor absorbers like baking soda, charcoal briquettes, and even cat litter can abate mold smell and prevent new smells from taking over your home. Fill containers with the odor absorber of your choice, and place them in the rooms where mold is most likely to accrue. Be sure to change these out monthly.
It's dangerous enough that our government and health officials warn the public about the harmful effects of black mould. The negative health effects of black mould include: Respiratory problems. Allergic reactions, including watery and itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose.