How to Get Rid of Mold & Mildew Odor in a House

Mold and mildew odor can appear in a home for a number of different reasons; gaps in your windows may allow unwanted moisture to seep in, or water may be leaking from a faulty roof. Whatever the case may be, removing the mold and mildew is the first order of business, but once that's been done, a musty smell can remain. Aside from being unpleasant, it can also lead to some health problems. There are a number of ways to eliminate mold and mildew odor from your home, and it requires only a few basic household materials.

Things You'll Need

• Deep-cleaning vacuum
• Bleach
• Water
• Fans
• Dehumidifier

Instructions

1. Open windows on opposite sides of the room to allow for cross ventilation. Let the area air out as long as possible. This removes the moisture from the area, which should help the unpleasant odor dissipate. Complete this step on a dry day when it's not raining or overly muggy outside.

2. Deep clean the carpets where the mold or mildew was located with a deep-cleaning vacuum. If you don't have a good deep-cleaning wet/dry vacuum, you can often rent them from a local equipment rental shop; even large retailers sometimes rent this equipment out. Often the mold seeps into the edges of the carpet, and bleaching this area only discolors your carpeting.

3. Mix 1 cup of bleach with a gallon of water and mop around the areas where the mold and mildew were located if hardwood or laminated floors are installed in the odorous room. Make sure to spot test the floor to ensure that the bleach will not stain the flooring.

4. Open the windows again and air out the room for at least a few hours--longer is better. Use a fan to better circulate the air throughout the room.

5. Purchase a dehumidifier, which will remove excess moisture from the area and cause the odor to lessen over time.

Tips & Warnings

• If the problem persists, take note of the area where the musty odor is coming from to help you figure out what is causing the problem. If the problem is a spot on the ceiling or wall, the smell is most likely being caused by a water leak. If the odor is coming from a large area, like an entire wall, high humidity is the likely culprit.

• Never let mold remain in a room. You should remove it with bleach and water as soon as you notice it. Inhaling mold can cause severe health problems.

References

• Mold, Mildew, or Musty Odors
• Remove Musty Smell