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The best way to get rid of the smell is to find mold spores and kill them. Cleaning the surfaces with bleach will kill spores. Placing fabrics and washable items in the washing machine will also help kill mold smell. Do not apply bleach to fabrics unless the fabric tag indicates that it is okay to do so.
Home remedies such as baking soda and white vinegar can be used to kill bacteria and mold spores. Dilute distilled white vinegar with equal parts of water before using it as a home cleaner for mold. A stiff brush can be used with vinegar or baking soda to brush out the odor.
Scrub surfaces such as plastic, metal, upholstery, wood and carpeting with baking soda or diluted vinegar in order to completely remove the mold. Removing and replacing carpeting as well as padding is a good remedy for getting rid of the smell.
Pouring vinegar into plastic bowls and setting them around the room will help to neutralize the air and get rid of the musty mold smell. Replace the bowls daily until the smell is completely gone.
Baby powder is a home remedy that can be applied to paper products such as books and documents to dry out mold spores and get rid of the musty smell. -
Proper air ventilation helps to get rid of the smell but it also prevents mold spores from growing in the same area. Open up all doors and windows, even basement windows so that fresh air can circulate through the house.
Mold spores grow in damp and humid environments. Turn on the air conditioner or heat vents in order to dry out air in the house. Exhaust fans such as the ones in the kitchen and bathrooms should be run to pull out excess humidity.
Running a dehumidifier overnight will help freshen up air and get rid of the mold smell. Repeat dehumidifier use every night until the air is completely cleared out.
