Sometimes an odor is just a brief interruption in the fresh air — a whiff of something unpleasant passing through your space. But deep, musty odors in your home are typically a little different. They’re not just bad smells; they’re a sign that something needs your attention. Musty odors indicate that your home has excess moisture and may even contain mold or mildew. So, if your house smells musty, it’s essential that you take steps to eliminate that stale, earthy aroma and prevent it from returning to protect both your family’s health and your home’s integrity.
How to Eliminate Musty Odors for Good
Identify the sources of moisture.
As we mentioned above, this isn’t just an olfactory issue. Musty odors typically indicate that your home has excess moisture. Start by checking for leaks in your plumbing, roof, and windows. Look for signs of water damage, including stains, soft spots, and warping. Fix any leaks immediately.
Improve the air circulation.
When air properly circulates, it helps usher out excess moisture. So, if your house smells musty, open your windows when the weather permits and run fans to increase the airflow. Pay special attention to the ventilation in high-moisture areas, like the bathrooms and kitchen. You may wish to consider using dehumidifiers to maintain indoor humidity levels of around 30-50 percent.
Check out your HVAC system.
If you haven’t been maintaining your HVAC system, now is the time to start. Make sure the HVAC vents aren’t blocked, replace the air filters if needed, and have your ductwork inspected for mold growth. If any moldy ducts are found, clean or replace them to ensure your HVAC system is able to maintain good air quality throughout your home.
Address the carpets and upholstery.
Now that you’ve identified the root of the problem and nipped it in the bud, you can tackle the things most likely to trap moisture and odors deep within their fibers: carpets and upholstery. While you can attempt to tackle the odors on your own, this is typically a situation in which professional carpet cleaning is necessary. The pros have the tools and expertise needed to reach those deeply embedded musty smells, eliminating both the odors and the mold or mildew causing them.
How to Prevent Musty Smells on Carpet
If your house smells musty and you often find that those unpleasant aromas emanate from your carpet, there are some steps you can take to keep your carpets clean and odor-free in the long term:
- Vacuum regularly. If you make vacuuming a weekly habit, you’ll eliminate the dust, dirt, and debris that commonly contribute to bad smells.
- Swiftly tackle small spills and stains. After a spill, remove the moisture as quickly as possible by blotting the area with a clean cloth. Then, use a mild carpet cleaner to thoroughly clean the carpet fibers.
- If a large spill or leak soaks your carpet, dry the wet carpet fibers fast. Start by blotting with towels, using your hands or feet to push them into the carpet so they can absorb as much moisture as possible. If you have access to one, you could also use a wet-dry vacuum to extract large amounts of water at once. You could also dry using a dehumidifier, opening windows and doors for air flow, bringing in fans, and applying baking soda to absorb any remaining water and neutralize developing odors. If your DIY attempts aren’t effective, call in a water extraction professional.
- Manage humidity. If you live in a humid climate or your home has poor airflow, you may need to regularly use dehumidifiers in rooms especially prone to high humidity, like basements and bathrooms.
- Schedule professional deep cleanings. Every 6 to 12 months, enlist the services of professional carpet cleaners who can inspect your carpet and give it a deep clean. This will remove lingering dirt, allergens, and odors and prevent them from worsening over time.
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If you’ve been dealing with persistent, persnickety musty smells in your home, we hope these steps help you address the problem head-on. At-home remedies and regular maintenance can be effective, but if they don’t fully eliminate the odors, it’s time to explore professional carpet cleaning services.
Are you looking for a professional carpet cleaner? If you live in Dublin, San Ramon, or Pleasanton, California, contact Legacy Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning today. Our professional-grade vacuum and steam cleaning equipment can tackle even the toughest stains, penetrating deep into your carpet fibers to gently but effectively remove dirt and debris. Our local, family-owned company is known for hard work, friendly customer service, and a dedication to integrity. Plus, in addition to carpet cleaning, we offer upholstery cleaning, area rug cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, wood floor cleaning, and more. When you’re ready to get started, please call us at 925-967-4550 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!