How to get rid of mold odor at home: effective tips

The appearance of mold in the house is often accompanied by a corresponding unpleasant odor. It can be caused by spoiled food in the refrigerator, damp laundry, or a leaking pipe, and the problem needs to be cleaned up immediately.

Mold spores can cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions, as well as damage walls, flooring materials, and provoke other problems in the house. OBOZ.UA tells you how to remove mold if you notice it so that there is no odor left behind.

How does mold smell in the house

Mold spores are naturally present in the air, but they need moisture to grow and multiply. They can quickly form colonies if they find a damp surface, such as soaked clothes left in a pile, wet carpet, or dampness on the walls. A musty odor results from the metabolic processes of mold and mildew as they decompose organic materials such as wood, drywall, and fabric.

A musty odor not only indicates the presence of mold, but also demonstrates that its spores are already present in the air in large enough quantities. In this concentration, they can pose a health hazard. Here's what you should do if you notice it.

Identify the source of the odor

The first step to effectively eliminating a mold odor is to identify the root cause. Inspect the areas exposed to moisture - the bathroom, kitchen, and pipe runs. Go through all textiles, especially the laundry basket and sports and beach bags. Look for signs of mold, such as discoloration on walls, ceilings, and floors. Inspect hidden areas under carpets, furniture, basements, attics, and roofs. Check plumbing fixtures, pipes, roof, and gutters for leaks. If the source remains unclear, you may need to call in professional services.

How to get rid of mold odor in the house

Once you've identified the source of the mold and solved the moisture problem, it's time to start cleaning the area. Here are some ways to get rid of the musty odor quickly.

• Ventilate the area

If you have eliminated the mold colony that caused the odor, be sure to ventilate and dry the entire room where it developed. Open windows or use a fan. A dehumidifier can reduce the humidity level in your home overall, making it less conducive to mold growth. It's also a good idea to install an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove all allergens.

• Odor absorbers

If you have removed the mold but the odor remains, use odor absorbers, especially in areas where air circulation is difficult. Buy a pre-made absorbent from the store or place bowls of activated charcoal, baking soda, cornstarch, coffee grounds, or kitty litter in appropriate places. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, furniture, and other odorous surfaces and vacuum thoroughly.

• Natural deodorizers

Vinegar is a natural remedy that neutralizes odors. Place bowls of white vinegar in the room or spray it directly on the affected surfaces. Leave it on for a few hours and then wipe it off. Essential oils such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and lavender oil also have antifungal properties. Mix a few drops of your favorite oil with water and spray the solution on the moldy surfaces. Lemon juice also has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Mix lemon juice with water and spray it on the moldy areas.

• Chemicals

Hydrogen peroxide can kill mold and remove odors. Apply a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution to the area where the mold was, leave it on for 10 minutes, and then rub and wipe dry. Alternatively, you can use borax, ammonia, or a diluted bleach solution to remove mold and related odors. But don't forget to take care of your safety - use protective gloves, a respirator and goggles to avoid contact with chemicals and inhalation of vapors.

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