My Bathroom Smells Like Mildew

Mold growth can cause a mildew smell in your bathroom.

If your bathroom is filled with the musty odor of mildew, then you have mildew growing in there. Removing the mildew will eliminate the smell.

Removal

You can remove mildew from the shower area of your bathroom with a solution of one-half cup bleach to one gallon of water. After you've removed the mildew, rinse the affected area with water and then dry, according to the University of Georgia. For mildew growing on grout, you might need to use a slightly more concentrated bleach solution and a soft-bristled brush to remove all of it.

Freshen

To help remove the musty smell of mildew, combine three cups baking soda with one cup warm water. This creates a paste you can spread over the place mildew was growing. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wash it away with water. It will eliminate any lingering musty odor in your bathroom, according to "2,001 Amazing Cleaning Secrets."

Prevention/Solution

You can prevent the mildew smell from coming back by lowering moisture levels in your bathroom. Wipe down shower walls with a squeegee or a sponge after every use. Running an exhaust fan while showering will keep humidity levels down in your bathroom. Hanging wet towels outside to dry can also help.

References

• University of Georgia: Mildew Prevention and Removal
• "2,001 Amazing Cleaning Secrets"; Jeff Bredenberg; 2004