How to Eliminate Musty Smell in Home? [Detailed Guide]

Q: Can a musty smell make you sick?

Yes. The smell indicates the presence of mold spores. inhaling these spores over time can trigger allergic reactions, such as sneezing, red eyes, runny nose, and skin rashes. For people with asthma or compromised immune systems, it can lead to serious respiratory infections or fungal conditions.

Q: Why does my house smell musty only when it rains?

This indicates a leak or foundation issue. It implies that rainwater is penetrating your home’s "envelope." It could be a crack in the foundation, a leaky roof, or poor drainage around the house that directs water into the crawlspace.

Q: Can I use scented candles to hide the smell?

Scented candles and plug-in air fresheners only mask the odor temporarily. They add chemical particles to the air but do not remove the mold spores. The result is often a nauseating mix of lavender and mildew. You must remove the source, not cover it up.

Q: Is ozone a good way to remove musty smells?

Ozone generators are effective at killing odors, but they can be dangerous. Ozone is harmful to lungs, pets, and plants. If you use an ozone generator, the house must be completely empty. For occupied homes, a dehumidifier is the much safer and practical choice.

JAN 07, 2026

Last updated: JAN 07, 2026

305 views , 5 mins read

If you detect a musty smell in your home, it is a clear sign that mold or mildew has begun to grow. This odor can originate from furniture, the basement, spoiled food, walls, clothing, or the shower. If left unaddressed, it may pose a risk to your family’s health. Your primary goal is to locate the source and eliminate the odor.

This guide will teach you how to find the source of musty smells in your home step-by-step and get rid of musty smell for good. With just a few simple steps, you can easily take control of these odors and ensure they never return.

In this article

1. What is Causing the Musty Smell? 2. How to Find the Musty Smell Source? 3. How to Get Rid of Musty Smells in Your Home? 4. How Can I Get Musty Smell Out of Clothes? 5. Why My Air Conditioner Smells Musty and How to Get Rid of it? 6. FAQs about Musty Smell

What is Causing the Musty Smell?

That distinctive musty smell is the olfactory signature of mold and mildew. These fungi release gases known as microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) as they grow and feed. Think of it as their waste product. They aren’t just growing on visible surfaces; they thrive in hidden, damp places. The primary catalyst is always excess moisture.

This can come from obvious sources like a leaking pipe or a flooded basement. More often, it stems from persistent high humidity, poor ventilation, or minor condensation that never fully dries. Common breeding grounds include basements, bathrooms, attics, and inside walls or under floors where a small leak has gone unnoticed. Essentially, any area that combines organic material (like dust, wood, drywall, or fabric) with sustained dampness can become a source.

How to Find the Musty Smell Source?

Locating the source of the smell is often the hardest part of the process. Musty odors can drift, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact location. You need to perform a systematic inspection of your home.

1. The "Sniff Test" Isolation

Start by closing all doors and windows to stop airflow between rooms. Leave the house for a few minutes to reset your sense of smell. Upon re-entering, go room by room. Sniff near baseboards, corners, and inside closets. This will help you identify which room has the strongest concentration of the odor.

2. Check Water Sources

Water damage is the most likely culprit. Inspect the areas around plumbing fixtures first. Look under sinks in the kitchen and bathroom. Check behind the toilet. Inspect the wall behind your washing machine and dishwasher. Even a pinhole leak can release enough moisture to rot drywall and create a massive odor issue.

3. The Visual Sweep

Look for discoloration. Mold isn't always fuzzy and black. It can look like yellow water stains, orange peeling paint, or white powdery substances on wood. Check the ceiling for roof leaks and inspect the bottom of window frames where condensation might gather and trickle down.

4. The Fabric Check

Fabrics are sponges for moisture. Press your hand against carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture. Do they feel slightly clammy or cool to the touch? If a carpet feels damp, the padding underneath may be moldy. Sniff the furniture directly; sometimes the smell is trapped in the foam of a sofa rather than the room itself.

5. Hidden Areas

Don't forget the spaces you don't see daily.

Attics: Check for roof leaks or wet insulation.
Basements/Crawl Spaces: Look for damp walls or groundwater seepage.
HVAC Vents: If the smell gets stronger when the heat or AC turns on, the mold is likely inside your ductwork.

How to Get Rid of Musty Smells in Your Home?

Once you have identified the source, you need a two-pronged attack: clean the existing mess and change the environment so it cannot return.

Step 1: Deep Cleaning with Vinegar

Forget bleach; it often fails to penetrate porous surfaces. White distilled vinegar is your best friend here. It is a mild acid that kills roughly 82% of mold species.

The Mix: Combine equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
The Method: Spray the affected area liberally. Let it sit for at least an hour to break down the mold structure. Scrub with a stiff brush and wipe clean.

Step 2: Use Odor Absorbers

While you are treating the source, you want to pull the lingering smell out of the air.

Activated Charcoal: Place bags of activated charcoal in closets or corners. They trap odor molecules effectively.
Baking Soda: Leave open boxes of baking soda in damp areas to neutralize acidic odors.
Zeolite: This is a natural mineral that absorbs both moisture and smells.

Step 3: The Long-Term Solution – Humidity Control

You can scrub mold away, but if the air remains damp, the spores will return within 48 hours. You must control the humidity. This is where a high-quality dehumidifier becomes essential. We recommend using a Newentor dehumidifier to maintain a dry environment and prevent mold from ever coming back.

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Step 4: Increase Ventilation

On dry, sunny days, open your windows. Cross-ventilation helps flush out stale air and replace it with fresh air. However, do not do this on rainy or humid days, as you will only introduce more moisture.

Step 5: Clean Your Carpets

If the smell is coming from a carpet, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire surface. Let it sit for several hours (or overnight) to absorb the moisture and odor. Vacuum it up thoroughly. If the smell persists, you may need a professional steam clean or, in severe cases, to replace the carpet padding.

How Can I Get Musty Smell Out of Clothes?

If you’ve successfully removed the musty smell from your home but your clothes still have a lingering odor, here is how to handle it:

Clean your washing machine: It is recommended to clean your machine once a month to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Wipe down the inside of the drum with a household cleaner or laundry detergent. Then, add a few tablespoons of baking soda and run a hot water cycle (run the machine empty, without any clothes).

Deep clean your clothes: Use your freshly cleaned washing machine to thoroughly wash your clothes. Mix a 1:1:1 ratio of apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, and baking soda into your laundry detergent.

how can i get musty smell out of clothes

Dry clothes outdoors whenever possible: Ensure your clothes are completely dry by hanging them outside. If it is rainy or cloudy, you can use the "Dry" mode on an indoor dehumidifier to dry them as much as possible.

Remove clothes immediately: Once the washing cycle is finished, take the clothes out right away. Do not leave them sitting in the machine for an extended period.

Maintain spacing while drying: When hanging clothes to dry, keep a distance of at least 5cm between each garment to allow for proper airflow.

Why My Air Conditioner Smells Musty and How to Get Rid of it?

Has your air conditioner been left unused for an extended period (at least several months), or does it emit a musty smell when set at too high a temperature? This is usually a sign of mold or bacterial growth inside the unit.

1. Why Does My AC Smell Musty?

Dormancy (Long-term inactivity): When your AC isn't used for months, residual moisture inside becomes stagnant. Dust and organic matter settle on the internal coils, creating the perfect "breeding ground" for mold and mildew.

High Temperature Settings: When the set temperature is too close to the room temperature, the compressor cycles off frequently, and the unit runs only the fan. In cooling mode, condensation stays cold on the coils, trapping odors. When the fan runs without cooling, the coils warm and dry slightly, releasing the "damp sock" smell of mold and bacteria into your air.

Dirty Filters & Clogged Drains: A clogged drain line causes water to pool in the drip pan, while dirty filters trap moisture and dust. Both conditions directly lead to foul odors circulating through your home.

2. How to Get Rid of the Smell (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Clean the Filters (The Quickest Fix)
Remove the plastic filters from the indoor unit. Wash them with warm soapy water and a soft brush.

Step 2: Deep Clean the Evaporator Coils
The metal fins (coils) behind the filters are where mold often hides.

Purchase a dedicated AC Coil Cleaner spray (foam type).
Spray it evenly onto the coils.
Wait 15–30 minutes for the foam to dissolve the grime. The residue will drain out through the condensate pipe when you run the AC.

Step 3: Flush the Drain Line

Locate the drain pan or the external drain pipe. Check for blockages. Pouring a small amount of white vinegar or a specialized drain tablet into the pan can kill algae and mold.

Step 4: The "Drying Out" Trick
After cleaning, or for faint odors:

Open all windows for ventilation.
Run the AC in Fan Mode or Heat Mode at a high setting for 30–60 minutes. This thoroughly dries the internal components and helps "blow out" lingering smells.

FAQs about Musty Smell

Q1: Can a musty smell make you sick?

Yes. The smell indicates the presence of mold spores. Inhaling these spores over time can trigger allergic reactions, such as sneezing, red eyes, runny nose, and skin rashes. For people with asthma or compromised immune systems, it can lead to serious respiratory infections or fungal conditions.

Q2: Will painting over mold get rid of the smell?

No. Painting over mold is one of the worst things you can do. The mold will continue to grow beneath the paint. Eventually, the paint will bubble and peel, and the smell will return—often worse than before. You must kill and remove the mold before applying any primer or paint.

Q3: Why does my house smell musty only when it rains?

This indicates a leak or moisture intrusion. It means rainwater is penetrating your home’s structure. It could be a crack in the foundation, a leaky roof, or poor drainage around the house that directs water into the crawlspace or basement.

Q4: Can I use scented candles to hide the smell?

Scented candles and air fresheners only mask the odor temporarily. They add chemicals to the air but do not remove the mold spores. The result is often a mix of artificial fragrance and mildew. You must remove the source, not cover it up.

Q5: How long does it take for a dehumidifier to fix the smell?

If you use a powerful unit like the Newentor Dehumidifier, you should notice improved air quality within 24 to 48 hours. However, if the smell is embedded in carpets or furniture, it may take a week of consistent use (along with cleaning) to fully remove the moisture and odor.

Q6: Is ozone a good way to remove musty smells?

Ozone generators can neutralize odors but are potentially dangerous. Ozone is harmful to lungs, pets, and plants. If used, the area must be completely vacated. For ongoing safety and effectiveness in an occupied home, a dehumidifier is a much safer and more practical choice.

Bottom Lines

In summary, living with a musty smell is not something you should tolerate. By systematically finding the source, cleaning it properly, and installing a reliable solution like the Newentor Dehumidifier, you can banish that damp odor forever.

Your home is your sanctuary. Keep it dry, keep it clean, and enjoy the fresh air.

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