What could be causing a musty smell in my house?
Musty smells in houses may be attributed to several causes, including: Mold and mildew: Leaky pipes, a damaged roof, high humidity, and exposed dirt in the crawlspace may all contribute to moisture buildup. Drywall and other soft surfaces like carpeting soak in the scent of smoke and nicotine.
How do I find a musty smell coming from?
The most obvious thing to look for is where water might be leaking in your home. If you smell mildew, first check for visible leaks near water sources. Then search for signs of water damage such as discoloration or chipping paint which may indicate that the leak is inside a wall, ceiling, or floor.
What causes your house to have a musty smell?
What Causes a Home To Smell Musty? 1 Wet Clothes. If you’re guilty of putting clothes in the washing machine and completely forgetting about them, you’re not alone. 2 Carpets. Keeping your carpet clean is essential for a fresh-smelling home. 3 Mattresses/Bedding. 4 Dish Sponge. …
What to do about musty smell in house after rain?
Open windows or kick on filters or fans to get air moving and disperse the stale smell. Moisture feeds mold and mildew growth. If your house smells musty after a rain, and it’s a significant difference, rain is probably going where it shouldn’t. The first spots to check are the roof and attic, but rain can seep into basements and crawlspaces, too.
Why does my house smell like mildew and mold?
One thing that is well-known, however, is the mildew and/or mold growth in a home will be one of the main sources that will elicit this odor inside of your home and thus it is among the first thing that homeowners look for around their indoor environment when the smell develops.
What kind of mold has a musty smell?
Both have a funky, musty odor, but mold tends to be stinkier. Mildew is usually powdery or downy (think powdery mildew on plants). It forms a thin layer on the surface. For instance, we have a litter box for the cats down in the basement.