Why does my house smell musty after being away?

When a house is left vacant for extended periods of time, it may begin to smell stale. This scent is caused by lack of air circulation.

How do I keep my house from smelling musty when I go on vacation?

Air It Out

Open windows, curtains and doors during a dry, sunny day for as long as possible to help get rid of some of the moisture. A dehumidifier -- or several, if available -- draw moisture out of the air as well. Placing them in the dampest or darkest areas of the home help dry out the biggest problem areas.

Can you have a musty smell without mold?

The musty smell that is harbored within your home's walls can be the cause of several factors residing in the environment and/or conditions that are present in the indoor space. Although most people's initial thought is that musty smells only come from mold development in the environment, this is simply not the case.

What does musty smell in house mean?

The most likely cause of a musty smell in a home is mold. Actively growing molds release Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs) that frequently have a distinct odor. The good news is that when damp conditions in a closed-up house cause mold or mildew to grow, it is usually someplace you can see it.

What does toxic mold smell like?

Mold has a distinct smell. It's often described as musty and earthy, and may even smell like rotting vegetables or plants. You might notice a musty smell, but not be able to see any mold growing. In this case, you should look for areas that might be exposed to water.

How to Remove Musty Smells Caused by Excess Moisture in Your House or RV

Do air purifiers help with musty smell?

While HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are designed to deal with large particles, they do not remove odors, chemicals, gases or VOCs. This means they are primarily ineffective for odors. Making matters worse, HEPA filters may actually serve as a source for musty, unpleasant odors.

Will a dehumidifier get rid of musty smell?

There's a musty smell in your home

When you walk into your home, you want it to smell clean and fresh. Moisture in the air tends to hold and trap odor, Bautista says. A dehumidifier will dry out the air and take away this moldy scent.

How do you test your house for mold?

Most mold is unmistakable, but sometimes small or largely hidden growths just make a surface look dirty. A quick test for mold can be done when you dip a swab in diluted bleach (1 part bleach, 16 parts water) and dab it on the wall. If the spot quickly lightens (or keeps coming back after cleaning), assume it's mold.

Is there a mold detector?

To test for mold spores in the air you're breathing, you'll need to purchase a viable mold detection kit such as Seeml Labs' Mold Inspector in a Box. Most quality mold tests cost between $20 and $45.

What kills mold smell?

Bleach: Bleach's active ingredient, sodium hypochlorite, is effective at eliminating mold and mildew and musty smells. Toothbrush: If the area affected by a mildew smell or mold is small, you can use a toothbrush to dip into the bleach mixture and get directly at the mildew problem.

What are signs of mold sickness?

Do air purifiers help with mold?

Air purifiers help capture mold spores from the air, preventing them from reproducing and spreading throughout your home. While air purifiers won't help treat active mold that's already present on surfaces, they are a great way to control the spread of airborne mold particles.

How long does it take to get sick from mold exposure?

These symptoms usually first appear 2 to 9 hours after exposure and last for 1 to 3 days. Other affected persons have progressive shortness of breath and cough, as well as weight loss. Work-relatedness may only become apparent over long holidays if symptoms resolve and then recur on return to work.

How much does a mold detector cost?

As a rough guideline, a mold inspection costs about the same as a regular home inspection, the kind that is done when you purchase a new home. On average, mold inspection costs $300 to $400 for small to medium-sized houses (below 4,000 square feet). Above 4,000 square feet, the cost increases to the $700 to $900 range.

How do you tell if you have mold in your walls?

What is the difference between mold and mildew?

Mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. The term mildew is often used generically to refer to mold growth, usually with a flat growth habit. Molds include all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments, called hyphae.

How do I find out where the mildew smell is from?

Locate the Source of the Musty Smell

Begin your search in areas that are often warm and moist, like a bathroom. Check for mildew growth in the shower, on the shower curtain, and leaks around sinks, tubs, and toilets. In the kitchen, look for leaks around the sink and dishwasher.

How do I know where the mildew smell is coming from?

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. Once you find and repair the source of the leak, dry out the affected area completely.

How long does it take for a dehumidifier to get rid of the musty smell?

Improper storage can cause biological growth inside the unit that creates a musty smell. This is often due to storing the dehumidifier with water still inside. To properly store your dehumidifier, turn it off and wait 24 hours; then empty the tank.

How do you deodorize a house?

Can a dirty air filter make your house smell?

A dirty air filter can make your home smell musty and stale. A weaker airflow prevents air from adequately circulating through your home, letting bad smells from cooking or other activities linger longer.

How do you stop your house smelling?

Rather than plugging deodorizers into your electrical sockets or lighting an arsenal of scented candles, use a few household staples such as baking soda, distilled white vinegar, coffee grounds, vanilla extract and lemons to get rid of odors once and for all.

What does mold poisoning feel like?

Primarily, mold illness is associated with allergic reactions that mimic seasonal allergies. Respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, watery eyes, and skin irritation are the predominant symptoms.

What kills mold permanently?

Bleach kills virtually every species of indoor mold that it comes into contact with including mold spores which leaves a sanitized surface making it resistant to future mold growth.

How do I know if my house is making me sick?

The “immediate” symptoms of poor indoor air quality can often resemble a cold or allergies. You can feel fatigue or dizziness and may frequently get headaches and experience eye, nose, or throat irritation.