How to Eliminate Mildew Smell
Mildew is a type of mold that grows easily in moist areas. Mildew creates an odor that is distinctively musty, sour and unpleasant. You have several options for getting rid of the odor, depending in part on what surfaces the mildew in growing on. In some cases, an entire room may have a mildew smell but you may not be able to find the source. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Fan
- Bleach
- Bucket
- Sponge or sponge mop
- Towel
- Silica dessicant
- Disinfectant spray containing fungicide
Instructions
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Open as many windows as you can in the malodorous area. Turn on a fan to help circulate the air. The more air flow to an area, the dryer the air will be and the less likely mildew will continue to grow.
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2
Use a diluted solution of household bleach if mildew is growing on tile surfaces or other surfaces that can handle bleach. The University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences recommends using a half-cup to one full cup of bleach per gallon of water. Mix this carefully in a bucket and apply it to tiles with a sponge or a sponge mop. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse the solution off the tiles with clean water. Dry the surface with a towel.
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3
Place silica dessicant (packs, tubs or sachets) in closets or other enclosed areas to absorb moisture. You can find dessicants at many stores that sell cleaning supplies. Since mildew must have moisture to survive, if you dry out the smelly areas as much as possible, you will prevent mildew growth (and help kill existing mildew, thus eliminating some of the odor).
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Launder mildewed fabrics (if the fabric allows) with detergent and hot water and dry in the sun. Sunlight kills molds and helps remove odor.
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Shampoo all carpets with a steam cleaner, or have them professionally cleaned, if you believe the source of the mildew odor is the carpeting. Spray other areas (inside empty cabinets or drawers, for example) with a household disinfectant containing a fungicide.
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Apply chlorinated lime to musty basement floors. You simply apply this to the floor and leave it until the mildew odor is gone---then sweep up the lime and discard.
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Tips & Warnings
If mildew odor or stains remain after washing and drying fabrics, and the item will not be adversely affected by bleach, try treating the fabric with a solution of lemon and salt (squeeze juice over the stain, shake some salt on it and put the item in the sun). Or use perborate bleach (borax) and water (one teaspoon to one pint of hot water) and apply with a sponge---let it soak for a half-hour and then rinse.
To control humidity in a basement or other rooms, and prevent the return of a mildew odor, use a dehumidifier and keep fans running in the room.
Avoid using bleach on wool, silk or Spandex fabrics.
