How to Get Rid of Mold Odor

Mold odors often lurk in the bathroom, kitchen and basement.

The presence of mold can cause odors in your home. Removing the mold yourself or having a professional perform the task will have a direct impact on the odor in your home. But as the mold is being removed or if odor lingers after the clean-up, you can deodorize your home and freshen it at the same time. Commercial air deodorizers and fresheners are readily available, but you can accomplish the task with home remedies rather than introducing chemicals into your home.

Things You'll Need

• Dehumidifier
• Spray bottle
• 1/2 cup ammonia
• Clean cloths
• Bowls
• Baking soda
• Pot
• White vinegar

Instructions

1. Run a dehumidifier in the room that has a mold smell. Too much moisture in the air promotes the growth of mold and mildew. The dehumidifier removes excess moisture, keeping the humidity level appropriate.

2. 

   Removing mold is the most important step in removing its odor.

   Mix 1/2 cup ammonia and 2 cups water in a large spray bottle and use the diluted ammonia mixture to clean all surfaces where mold and mildew are present. Ammonia is safe for hard surfaces as well as upholstery and furniture. Rinse the surfaces with a clean cloth, dampened with water.

3. Fill small bowls with baking soda and place them in the rooms with the mold odors. Baking soda is a natural air deodorizer and neutralizer and will remove the moldy smell.

4. Change the baking soda in the bowls every few days. As the baking soda absorbs the mold smell it becomes less effective at further deodorizing the room.

5. Boil white vinegar in a pot. The vinegar will waft through the air, killing any mold smell and cleaning the air.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a 1-to-10 bleach-and-water solution to clean moldy surfaces that won't become discolored by the bleach.

• Lemon juice also kills mold and mold smell. Pour it down foul-smelling drains to remove the mold smell.

• Never mix bleach and ammonia, a combination that produces toxic gas.

• If after all your efforts the mold smell still exists, call a mold-removal specialist. Mold in the walls can cause odor and be a health hazard.

References

• North Dakota State University: Keep Your Home Healthy
• Good Housekeeping: Get Rid of Mildew Fast!
• University of Florida: How to Prevent and Remove Mildew: Mildew Removal and Prevention
• Earth Easy: Non-Toxic Home Cleaning Solutions: Air Fresheners