As well as mould, a musty smell in the bedroom can also be caused by unclean bedding and the build-up of sweat, dust and skin particles. As we sleep, we release carbon dioxide which can become trapped in the room, producing a strong musty smell in the morning.
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.
Common culprits to watch out for include mold and mildew, dust, dirty laundry, stains and spills, pet accidents and leftover food. Once you determine the source of the smell, dispose of it and clean the area as needed.
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.
Dust and grime build up
If you cannot find any sources of mold in your home then the source may be a little less sinister. 'Musty smells are often caused in the home by a build-up of dirt and grime, which can cause a lingering, unpleasant smell,' explains Amanda Lewis of Elbow Grease.
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.
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.
Bad breath, body odors from sweating, and infrequent change of sheets, pillowcases, or rugs can all contribute to a stale scent in the morning. For those of you who live in apartments with small bedrooms and poor air ventilation, stagnant air is quite common.
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.
Remove Musty Odor in Fabric With Baking Soda
To get rid of odors in fabrics, sprinkle baking soda on the fabric, let it sit for 10 minutes, then vacuum. For particularly dirty fabric, steam cleaning can remove much of the odor along with dirt and stains.
Locate the Source of the Musty Smell
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. Check under and in the refrigerator and small appliances that use water, like coffee makers and tea kettles.
Hair is another place where bacteria like to hide. If you still smell a strong body odor after a shower, consider shaving the hair in your armpits, groin, and chest. The hair's surface is a perfect place for bacteria to call home, and it's harder to eliminate them from the hair than your bare skin.
A moldy or musty smell is frequently associated with the growth of mold or mildew. These smells are due to microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) being released into the air. The mVOCs are produced by mold and as it grows, they can produce strong smells alerting you of mold or mildew growth.
If you've noticed a musty smell in your home, it could be due to mold growth in hidden areas. Having an air purifier running in places that smell musty can not only remove the smell but can also improve the health of the air in the space.
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.
Make a baking soda paste with water and scrub the bathroom tiles, walls and surfaces. You can also try a hydrogen peroxide and water mixture. Scrub and wipe until you're happy it's removed. If you have a serious mould infestation, you may need to use a specialist mould cleaner containing strong bleach.
The smell that arises is due to the bacteria that live harmlessly on everyone's body. When the bacteria mix with sweat released from your sweat glands, it can create an unpleasant odor. If you are regularly experiencing night sweats with a bad odor, it may be worth investigating.
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.
If you see grey, black, green, or bluish specks along grout lines, on walls, or other surfaces, it is most likely mold. Keep an eye out for pink, red, or brown streaks, as well. The texture of mold can be powdery, fuzzy, or slimy. Dark water stains on walls, floors, or ceilings usually indicate the presence of mold.
There's a musty smell in your home
When you walk into your home, you want it to smell clean and fresh. Moisture in the air tends to hold and trap odor, Bautista says. A dehumidifier will dry out the air and take away this moldy scent.
The primary difference between moldy and musty odors is in the strength of the smell; musty odors are usually not as strong as moldy odors.
Phantosmia is a condition that causes you to detect smells that aren't actually in your environment. It can happen in one nostril or both — and the odors may be foul or pleasant. Common causes include colds, allergies, nasal polyps and dental issues.
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is an uncommon condition that causes an unpleasant, fishy smell. It's also called "fish odour syndrome". Sometimes it's caused by faulty genes that a person inherits from their parents, but this isn't always the case. There's currently no cure, but there are things that can help.