How to Get Rid of Mildew Smell After Leaks Are Fixed

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Large floor fan, or several box fans

  • Bleaching powder

  • Broom

  • Dustpan

  • Garbage bag

  • ½ cup baking soda

  • 1 cup vinegar

  • 2 tsp. natural vanilla

  • 1 cup of water

  • Spray bottle

  • Sponge

  • Vacuum

  • 8 to 10 tbsp. Trisodium phosphate

  • Water

  • Gallon bucket

  • Sponge

Image Credit: Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

Mildew is a growth, usually white in color, produced by molds and fungi. Mildew thrives and grows in places that are damp, warm and dark. If you have recently had to deal with any kind of leak in your home, chances are you've had to deal with mold and mildew. If you had the leak repaired, but still have a residual "musty" smell in your home, you can do something to make it smell less like an abandoned building and more like a home.

Advertisement

Basement

Step 1

Place fans around the affected area of the basement. Make sure the floor is completely dry before proceeding to step 2.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Sprinkle a liberal amount of bleaching powder on the affected area.

Step 3

Leave powder on the floor overnight, then sweep up the bleaching powder the next day and place in a garbage bag.

Carpets

Step 1

Use floor fans to thoroughly dry the carpet.

Advertisement

Step 2

Combine baking soda, vinegar, vanilla and water in a spray bottle. Spray on the affected areas of your carpet. Do not saturate the carpet. Scrub with the sponge.

Step 3

Sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda on the carpet or rug. You may need more than one box depending on how much of your carpet has been damaged.

Advertisement

Step 4

Leave the baking soda overnight. Vacuum thoroughly the next day.

Wood

Step 1

Dry the wood with fans. Allow the wood to dry completely.

Advertisement

Step 2

Combine water and trisodium phosphate in the bucket. Mix well.

Step 3

Dip sponge in trisodium phosphate solution and scrub the affected wood. Rinse with warm water. Once again, use fans to thoroughly dry the wood.

Tip

Allow as much fresh air into your home as possible when trying to eliminate mildew smells.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references