How to Get Rid of a Musty Mold Smell

Why does my house smell musty?

A musty or earthy smell is a common early sign of mold growing on damp materials. The source is often hidden: behind drywall, under carpet, in a crawl space or in an HVAC system.

How do you find where the smell is coming from?

Note where it is strongest and when it gets worse, such as in humid weather
Check basements, closets, under sinks, attics and around windows
Look for stains, peeling paint, warped boards and damp carpet
Check HVAC vents, condensate drains and drip pans
Use a moisture meter, or have one used, to find damp materials

What removes the smell for good?

Fix the water source, remove materials that are moldy or that stayed wet, clean hard surfaces and dry the area completely. Once the source is gone, the smell fades.

Can an air purifier fix a mold smell?

An air cleaner can reduce airborne particles, but it does not remove the source. If the smell returns after cleaning, hidden moisture or growth is still present.

What if the smell comes from the vents?

The EPA says not to run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold, because it could spread mold through the building. Have the system inspected and the moisture source fixed.

How do you get rid of a musty smell in a basement?

Basements are close to soil and have less airflow. Control humidity, fix water entry, remove wet carpet or drywall and keep the space dry. Concrete walls can often be cleaned, while soft finishes may need to go.

Next steps and related help

If you would rather have a professional handle it, these are the services that apply:

Emergency Mold Odor Removal in Littleton, CO: Remove musty smells by finding and removing the mold and moisture that cause them.
Emergency Basement Mold Removal in Littleton, CO: Remediation for finished and unfinished basements, walkouts and window wells.
Emergency HVAC Mold Removal in Littleton, CO: Addressing mold on HVAC components and the moisture sources that cause it.

Keep reading:

We help homeowners in Littleton, Southeast Littleton and Centennial, Columbine, Columbine Valley and Bow Mar, Ken Caryl, Highlands Ranch, Roxborough. Call (303) 555-0142 or request a free estimate, or go back to the ZoneGuard home page to see everything we do. We do mold remediation only, so any testing or clearance sampling is done by an independent assessor.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get rid of the musty smell in my house?

Find the damp source, remove affected materials, clean and dry the area. Covering the smell without fixing the cause does not last.

How do I remove mold smell from my house?

The smell comes from growth and damp materials, so removing and drying them is what clears it.

How do I get rid of a musty smell in the basement?

Control humidity, stop water entry, remove wet carpet or drywall and keep the space ventilated and dry.

Why does the smell come back?

The moisture source is still active or growth remains hidden in a wall, floor or system.