Moldy smells aren’t only a warningthey can also be dangerous.
Here’s how to get rid of them.
Mold smells are unpleasant but common in many homes.
Credit:Getty Images / Olga Dobrovolska
Even everyday activities like cooking, showering, and drying clothes indoors can increase humidity.
Mold spores can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and allergic reactions.
Prolonged exposure can exacerbate these conditions, particularly in individuals with asthma or weak immune systems.
Mold can also cause significant damage to your homes structure, including walls, ceilings, and floors.
Over time, this damage becomes costly to repair.
Inspect moisture-prone areas, such as bathrooms, basements,kitchens, and laundry rooms.
Check the laundry hamper to see if wet clothes were left in a heap.
Look in beach and gym bags for damp towels, undergarments, or gym clothes left unattended.
Look for signs of mold, such as discoloration on walls, ceilings, and floors.
Check concealed spots under carpets, furniture,crawlspaces, attics, and roofs.
Examine plumbing fixtures, pipes, the roof, and gutters for leaks.
Mold can also grow in the HVAC systems, soensure the ducts and vents are cleaned regularly.
If the source remains unclear, seek the advice of a professional mold inspector.
Improve Air Circulation and Reduce Moisture
Open windows and doors and turn on fans.
Use your HVAC system to draw out odors and capture mold spores.
Remember to clean orchange the filters to improve efficiency.
A dehumidifier can reduce humidity levels in your home, making it less conducive to mold.
Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, furniture, and other surfaces where the odor is present.
Use Natural Remedies
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer.
Placebowls of white vinegarin the room or spray it directly onto affected surfaces.
Leave it for several hours, and then wipe it down.
Essential oils such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and lavender oil have antifungal properties.
Mix a few drops with water and spray the solution onto moldy surfaces.
Alternatively, lemon juice has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Mix lemon juice with water and spray it on mold-affected areas.
It can help eliminate both the mold and the smell.
Try Chemical Remedies
Hydrogen peroxide can kill mold and remove odors.
When using chemical cleaners, safety is of utmost importance.
Wear protective gear like gloves and masks to avoid skin contact and inhaling fumes.
When using chemical cleaners, ensure you have adequate ventilation and never mix ammonia with bleach.
Use an Air Scrubber
Among commercial mold removal options, air scrubbers are specifically designed to kill mold.
you’ve got the option to buy your own or hire a professional who uses them.
Air scrubbers use a combination of UV light and HEPA filters to eliminate mold.
They also remove particles and odors from the air.
Ensure that your house is well-ventilated and have a regular cleaning routine to prevent mold growth.
Pay special attention to moisture-prone areas, such as bathrooms and basements.
Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers to maintain optimal humidity levels.
Useexhaust fans in bathroomsand kitchens to remove excess humidity.
Repair any leaks in your roof, walls, or plumbing as soon as they are detected.
When renovating or building, use mold-resistant materials such as mold-resistant drywall and paint.
These products can reduce the risk of mold growth.
