How to Eliminate Mildew Odor

Mildew is a thin layer of growth caused by mold spores in the air. Besides being unsightly and producing a musty odor, mildew can grow and cause damage to many household items. To eliminate mildew and its unpleasant odor, you need to identify the source of the problem and then take appropriate action.

Instructions

1. Locate the cause of the mildew odor. Check shower stalls and curtains, laundry rooms, unventilated areas, closets, basements and crawlspaces under the home. Look for leaky pipes in the basement as well. Mildew grows in damp and warm areas.

2. Control the mildew odor by getting rid of dampness in these areas. Repair any leaks to pipes and fix any basement walls that have water damage. Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers to cool or reduce the air moisture respectively in the home. Ventilate the home by opening up windows and closets so air can circulate.

3. Install a fan in a closet or poorly ventilated space to control dampness if you find mildewed items or musty odor in these areas. Remove the items and place some gel silica on the floor of the closet to reduce moisture in this area.

4. Clean walls, floors, bathrooms or laundry rooms with a solution of water and bleach to eliminate the mildew odor when these are the sources of the problem.

5. Wash clothes and any washable fabric item that have mildew smells with detergent or chlorine bleach. For non-washable items, take them to the dry cleaners.

6. Eliminate mildew odor from upholstered furniture or mattresses that have mold spores by taking the item outdoors and cleaning off the mold. Then use a vacuum on the item and leave it out in the sun. If the smell still persists then sponge the item with detergent suds on the affected area and wipe with a damp cloth. Let it dry.

7. Remove a slight mildew odor from a carpet or rug by sprinkling a carpet freshener powder or baking soda on it, leave it on overnight and then vacuum. For more serious mildew odor problems caused by water damage to carpets, you should replace the padding if water has seeped through to it. Deep cleaning of the carpet is then necessary.