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.
Poor ventilation can cause musty smells to linger in the bathroom. Ensure your bathroom fan is working correctly, and run it for at least 20 minutes after each shower or bath. If possible, open windows to allow fresh air to circulate. This will help to remove any excess moisture and prevent mold and mildew growth.
The most common cause of bathroom smells is mould and mildew that can be caused by a leaking pipe or plumbing fitting. Investigate areas that may be damp from a small water leak or water splashing from the shower or vanity. Common spots include inside or under the vanity cabinet or the wall behind the toilet.
Locate the Source of the Musty Smell
Begin your search in areas that are often warm and moist, like a bathroom. Check for mildew growth in the shower, on the shower curtain, and leaks around sinks, tubs, and toilets. In the kitchen, look for leaks around the sink and dishwasher.
Finding where the smell is coming from is the first step you need to do once you start to notice a moldy smell in your home. If you can't find the mold, better work with a mold inspection company. After that, professional remediation is recommended to ensure the complete removal of the infestation.
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.
You might be dealing with plumbing leaks, water damage in hidden spots, or washing machine drain issues if your house smells musty but no mold is visibly present. The first thing to do is identify the source of the smell before attempting to eliminate the unwanted odor.
Sometimes bad smells just mean your bathroom is begging for a cleaning. Gunk that accumulates in the bath or shower, stains in the toilet bowl, a dirty sink, and crusty countertop can cause odors if not cleaned regularly. Clean your bathroom at least once a week, with a more thorough clean once every month or two.
Your pores can be a major source of body odor, and they don't always get an adequate cleaning, Neubrander says. "Despite a superficial scrub with soap, removing compounds and organisms on the surface of the skin, the pores themselves are not easily washed clean and emptied," he explains.
With prolonged condensation dampness, mould spores can thrive and permeate into walls, carpets, furniture and other soft furnishings. In some cases, the actual mould growth and source of the musty smell may be hidden from view perhaps behind a wardrobe or in a cupboard.
It is not something that will go away on its own so if you notice a smell of damp in your home, it is important to take the necessary steps to get rid of it.
If you sense any damp odour, wash the smelly clothes by adding a bit of vinegar mixed with your laundry detergent. Apply the same solution to your bedding, drapery, curtains, pillows, etc. Inspect your walls and treat any infested areas with a mixture of water and baking soda.
Mix baking soda and water into a paste, put on some gloves and scrub tiles, walls and surfaces free of mould. You can also try a hydrogen peroxide and water mixture.
To get the last of the musty smell out of your house, use a natural odor absorber like activated charcoal or baking soda. These products will absorb the smell, so you'll want to throw them away and replace them every two weeks or so.
A Musty Smell
Mold has a distinct smell. It's often described as musty and earthy, and may even smell like rotting vegetables or plants. 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.
Dry air might just be the cause of that unpleasant rotten egg smell in your home. Especially during winter, a P-trap can dry up and allow sewer gas to enter the home.
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.
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.
Mold has a strong, pungent odor that's enough to make you gag. Mildew has more of a musty smell that can make you wrinkle your nose, but it doesn't invade the senses as much. If the smell is reminiscent of wet, forgotten laundry or a damp basement, then you're likely smelling mildew rather than mold.
Mould will easily grow and spread if the right conditions are present. So, dehumidifiers don't kill mould, but they can help to prevent it from growing inside your home by reducing humidity. However, the best way to deal with it is to get rid of its source.
As silly as it sounds, this is not a practical joke. Outlets have better access to the area behind walls, and smelling them can help pinpoint the mold problem. If mold is there, you'll be able to smell it. You should also investigate the areas in your home where mold loves to hide.