Say Goodbye to Musty Smells in Your Old Building with These Simple Solutions

Have you ever walked into an old building and met with a musty odor? 

I’m pretty sure you didn’t like it. 

In most cases, the distinct and unpleasant odor is a sign of mold, mildew or decaying matter. It can be difficult to eliminate such odors.

Furthermore, the musty odors can have an adverse effect on your health. 

In this article, we’ll look at the causes of musty odors, how they can affect your health and discuss how to remove old home smell completely.

Let’s get started.

Causes of old home smell

Some of the most common causes of musty odors in old buildings are mold, mildew and decaying matter or degradation. In this section, we’ll explore these and much more to help you go and inspect your house next time you have musty odors.

Mold and Mildew

This is the most common cause. Mold fungi thrives in damp and humid conditions. As it spreads to other areas of the house, it releases a musty smell. In most cases, mold and mildew grows on walls, ceilings, floors and furniture. Also, they can grow in crawl spaces and attics.

Humidity and Moisture

Another cause of musty odors is high humidity and moisture levels. These promote the growth of mold and mildew as well as affect the indoor air quality.

In most cases, high humidity levels in old buildings is due to age and construction materials. Also, buildings with inadequately insulated walls or windows, for example, may be more prone to condensation, which can cause to musty odors.

Pests and Decay

High humidity levels can promote the formation of mold and mildew, resulting in musty odors. Because of their age and construction materials, old buildings are especially prone to high humidity levels. Buildings with inadequately insulated walls or windows, for example, may be more prone to condensation, which can rise to musty odors.

Previous Occupants and Materials Used in Construction

Musty odors can also be created by the materials used in building construction and the activities of past inhabitants. Older buildings, for example, may have been built with materials that emit a musty odor over time, such as some types of insulation or flooring.

Similarly, former residents may have used items or participated in activities that produced a musty odor, such as smoking or using harsh cleaning agents.

How musty smells affect the health of building occupants 

Continued exposure to musty odors can have serious health complications. It’s important to be aware of the health concerns of each individual in order to mitigate the effects. 

Here are some of the health concerns

Allergies and Respiratory Issues

Prolonged exposure to musty odors can lead to allergies and respiratory problems in some people. For instance, mold and mildew, the main cause of musty odors produce allergens and irritants that can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues. 

Some of the symptoms of mold allergies include.

• Frequent sneezing
• Coughing
• Watery eyes
• Nasal congestion

Risk of Mold-Related Illnesses

Apart from causing allergies and respiratory issues, there is also an increase in the risk of having mold related illnesses. Mold is known to produce dangerous toxins such as mold spores that can have an effect on anyone whether ingested, inhaled or on contact. Some health problems include respiratory infections, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis [1].

Strategies for eliminating musty smells

Now that you know what causes musty odors in old buildings and how they can impact your health, let’s look at how you can get rid of them. In this section, we’ll look at a variety of methods for getting rid of musty odors and making your building more comfortable and pleasurable.

Step 1: Identify the Source of the Smell

To completely eliminate musty odors from your building, you need to identify what’s causing the musty smell at first. This can either be pests and decay, humidity and moisture, past inhabitants and construction materials or the most common cause, mold and mildew.

Here are steps on how to locate the source of the musty smell.

• Check the wall, ceilings, floor and other surfaces. Be on the lookout for visible signs of mold or mildew such as discoloration and growth. 
• Look for leaks or other moisture sources such as dripping pies or faucets, condensation on walls or water damage
• Check for pest indicators like droppings, gnawed items or nests
• Inspect the entire structure. Look for signs of decay and other concerns on crawl spaces and attics’
• Check the materials used in constructions as well as the actions from previous tenants.

Step 2: Implementing Proper Ventilation and Moisture Control Measures

Now that you already know what is causing the musty odors, it’s time to start the process of eliminating it. Depending on the source, you’ll require ventilation and other moisture control methods. Here is how to deal with each source identified.

• For high humidity levels:use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity and discourage mold and mildew growth.
• Insufficient ventilation: open doors, windows, use fans or install ventilation systems to enhance air circulation and lower the chances of mold growth.
• Leaks and other sources of moisture:  fix the leak and dry the area to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Step 3: Cleaning and Disinfecting Affected Areas

Improving air circulation by increasing ventilation and reducing sources of moisture is just the start. You need to clean and disinfect the affected areas to completely eliminate any remaining odors. 

You’ll need to use mold killing solutions to eliminate mold and mildew growth. You’ll also need to use disinfectants to eliminate germs and bacteria causing the musty smell. A detergent or cleaner can also be used to eliminate the dirt or grime adding to the odor.

Here are some of the best mold removing solutions available

• Best Overall: RMR Brands RMR-141 Disinfectant 
• Best Preventative: Mold Armor Rapid Clean Remediation 
• Best Natural: Benefect Botanical Decon 30 Disinfectant Cleaner 
• Best for Bathrooms: Microban 24 Hour Bathroom and Sanitizing Cleaner 
• Best for Stains: CLR Mold & Mildew Clear Stain Remover Spray 

Step 4: Using Air Fresheners and Deodorizers

Cleaning and disinfecting the area might not get rid of the musty odors at once. You may need to mask the remaining odors using air fresheners. 

You can either use aerosol sprays, scented candles, plug in air fresheners, potpourri, or even natural air fresheners made using essential oils. This will help neutralize or eradicate the scents.

Here are some of the best air fresheners for musty odors

• Best Overall: Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag 
• Best for Bathrooms: Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray 
• Best All-Purpose: Fresh Wave Odor Removing Gel 
• Best Room Spray: Aesop Aromatique Room Spray

Simply follow the product’s directions carefully and use it in a well-ventilated place to avoid breathing too much of the product.

Hiring a Professional Odor Removal Service

If you’ve followed all the steps above and still can’t get rid of musty odors, you’ll have to consider hiring a professional to do it.  Odor removal experts specialize in complex and effective ways of eliminating stubborn musty odors that you can’t accomplish on your own. For instance, they can use procedures such as ozone generators or thermal fogging. 

What’s next? 

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