Table of Contents
The explanation still might have something to do with mold or mildew, but it might not be as sinister. If your house smells stale after some time away, you have to remember that your house has been sealed shut for as long as you’ve been away, which means there’s no airflow from opening doors and windows.
Why does my house smell musty when I come home from vacation?
When a house is left vacant for extended periods of time, it may begin to smell stale. This scent is caused by lack of air circulation.
Why does my house smell weird after being away?
What could cause my house to smell musty after coming back from vacation? – Quora. It is usually dust with mild molds on the surface of the household things or walls. Just let the air get inside by opening windows and doors for a few hours and wipe of the surfaces of the household things with a cleaning agent.
How do I get rid of a musty smell in my house?
The best ways to get rid of musty smells Open windows to get rid of stale air and bring fresh air into the space. Run a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. Keep air circulating with box and ceiling fans. Decorate your home with houseplants that naturally clean the air. Dust regularly and thoroughly.
What does a musty smell in your house mean?
If your home or clothing smells musty, chances are you have mold or mildew hiding out. Essentially, all mold needs to grow is the presence of mold spores, a surface to grow on, warmth, darkness, oxygen, and moisture. The last ingredient — moisture — is the biggest problem.
Will a dehumidifier get rid of musty smell?
Dehumidifiers take excessive moisture out of the air. Eliminating those unpleasant odors is one of the top benefits of running a dehumidifier. “Dehumidifiers help make a room feel less damp. Otherwise the humidity can bring on a musty smell that reminds me of an old house,” says Eric Ball, a spokesman for Lowe’s.
How do I find a musty smell coming from?
The most obvious thing to look for is where water might be leaking in your home. If you smell mildew, first check for visible leaks near water sources. Then search for signs of water damage such as discoloration or chipping paint which may indicate that the leak is inside a wall, ceiling, or floor.
How do you get mildew smell out of walls?
In a large bucket, mix one part bleach to four parts water. Scrub the walls and floors with the homemade mildew killer you’ve concocted, being sure to sponge away all bleach residue once you’ve finished the job.
Why does my house smell like an old folks home?
That “old people house smell” is caused by our bodies releasing more of the chemical 2-nonenal as we age. It can also be mold and mildew commonly associated with older homes. You can get rid of this smell by cleaning up around the house and managing any damp rooms or mold.
What does mold smell like in walls?
The typical bathroom mold or mildew found growing between shower tiles don’t typically smell like rot, but severe mold growth on walls and ceilings — especially after a flood or leak — can make room smell like rotting wood or fermented cheese.
Why does my bedroom smell musty?
If your room smells musty, it could be caused by something called microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). The Environmental Protection Agency says, “because mVOCs often have strong or unpleasant odors, they can be the source of the “moldy odor” or musty smell frequently associated with mold growth.
How do you get moisture out of your house?
The easiest way to measure your indoor humidity level is by using a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device that serves as an indoor thermometer and humidity monitor.
Does an air purifier help with smell?
Air purifiers work by filtering and removing particles that may cause bad smells. However, the EPA states that no air cleaner or filter will be able to eliminate all the particles that can cause foul odors. The larger the area you’re trying to tackle, the bigger the air purifier needs to be.
What does moldy insulation smell like?
Mold and mildew often have a strong musty smell sometimes described as rotting wood or paper or similar to the smell of dirty, wet socks.
How do I find the source of mold in my house?
Most mold is unmistakable, but sometimes small or largely hidden growths just make a surface look dirty. A quick test for mold can be done when you dip a swab in diluted bleach (1 part bleach, 16 parts water) and dab it on the wall. If the spot quickly lightens (or keeps coming back after cleaning), assume it’s mold.
Can musty smell make you sick?
In some cases, mold in your home can make you sick, especially if you have allergies or asthma. Whether or not you’re allergic to molds, mold exposure can irritate your eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs.
What does toxic mold smell like?
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.
Can drywall smell musty?
When drywall gets wet, it becomes an ideal breeding ground for mold, and even after most of the moisture is gone, the wet, moldy smell can persist. Replacing moldy drywall usually is the best option, but you may be able to avoid that by using bleach, detergent, mud and paint.
Why does my drywall stink?
However, when the drywall made its way into American homes, it was exposed to more water vapor. While there, the drywall chemical slowly reacts to form hydrogen sulfide gas. Not only does it stinks, it is toxic. Hydrogen sulfur causes pipe damage and corrodes wires in the house.
