Noticing a musty or damp smell somewhere around the house? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! There are a lot of potential causes that can lead to musty smells and odors, from mildew to moisture to old food.
But on the bright side, musty smells aren’t usually serious or permanent, and there are plenty of easy ways to eliminate musty odors! In this post, you’ll find 7 quick and easy tips for getting rid of musty smells, no matter where they might be lurking.
With the help of these tips, your house will be smelling fresh and clean in no time!
7 Effective Ways To Eliminate Musty Odors
1. Locate The Source
To eliminate musty smells, you need to find out where they’re coming from. Start by sniffing around a bit — is the smell coming from one room, or is it in several areas of the house?
Look for any obvious sources of odors, like food that fell behind the sofa. If you can’t find the source, you may need to hire a professional to come and inspect your space.
2. Let In Fresh Air
The easiest way to eliminate musty smells in your home is to open your windows! Letting in fresh air can do a world of good, especially if you open the windows and blinds to get some sunlight into the space too.
Go a step further by opening interior doors, cupboards, cabinets, and closets so those spaces can get aired out too. Because when it comes to musty smells, sometimes the best fix is a good dose of fresh air!
3. Get The Air Moving
Musty smells are generally more likely to develop in dark, damp, and warm areas, especially if those areas aren’t well-ventilated. You can discourage musty odors from developing in these conditions by running a fan to keep the air moving!
Make use of the exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom to discourage musty smells from developing there. In rooms with limited airflow like the attic or laundry room, consider bringing in a small electric fan to get the air moving.
Related: How To Clean Bathroom Ceiling Fans
4. Grab Your Duster
Dust is a common source of musty smells, so grab your dusting tool of choice and get to dusting! Try to think of places that you may not have dusted recently, like behind furniture and on top of ceiling fans and door frames. Use a dusting spray to help discourage dust from settling there in the future.
Related: How To Make A Cheap, All-Natural Dusting Spray
5. Clean Your House
If dusting doesn’t take care of the musty smell, a more thorough cleaning may help. Make sure to sweep and mop hard floors and vacuum carpets! And while you’re tidying up, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for potential smell sources.
More Ideas You'll Love
Related: These 45 Easy Cleaning Hacks Will Save You Loads Of Time
6. Use Deodorizing Baking Soda
If the musty smell is emanating from a small area like a closet or cupboard, place a small dish of baking soda in the area for up to 24 hours. The baking soda will absorb excess moisture and odors, and leave things smelling much fresher.
Another way to take advantage of baking soda’s deodorizing abilities is by making homemade deodorizing disks with essential oils. Both options are simple and effective!
7. Use A Natural Air Freshener
There are tons of ways to make your home smell fresher and cleaner without resorting to expensive store-bought air fresheners. You can use essential oils, citrus peels, baking soda, or even houseplants!
More Solutions For Unpleasant Smells
Have you ever had to remove a musty smell from your house? How did you do it?
I tried the charcoal bags – not worth it. I followed the directions, put it outside in the sun to refresh it and it still did nothing. I don’t get what is so great about charcoal. I’ve tried the charcoal toothbrushes and they did what an ordinary toothbrush does. I really need to stop buying into this stuff!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I just tried using natural oats as an odor absorber instead of baking soda and it worked!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love this post. You never stop amazing us. Thank you so much
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You didn’t mention anything about cleaning the air ducts in the house. My cousin had his cleaned by professionals and whatever was causing the odor, it went away after the ducts were cleaned…..any they had cleaned every surface (hard and soft) in the entire house!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great tip Susan, thanks!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you for not recommending any toxic commercial air fresheners. If anyone is looking for a good air purifier, I recommend Austin Healthmate Junior Plus. I have used them for years, and they really suck bad smells and toxic chemicals out of the air in minutes. The Plus kind is especially effective. I can’t believe how many people expose their little kids to toxic air “fresheners” and strong artificial fragrances and then wonder why they have allergies and asthma.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use ammonia in the washer for musty smelling towels, washcloths, and rags. Works every time, and doesn’t run the risk of bleach spots.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I clicked on your link for dusting spray, of course it’s Amazon.com, I forget that, so I moved to .co.uk, it really is amazing the items you can buy there, but we can’t buy here…no dusting sprays! Maybe that’s a cue for you to see if you can make one Jillee
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I actually have a recipe for one right here: https://jillee.co/2v5OgCr :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use a reed diffuser for areas like our musty basement. I’ve had it a few years and it still smells good.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.What is it ? How do you make it ?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I put a dish full of vinegar in the room.
I actually have a post about making reed diffusers, you can find it here: https://jillee.co/2Rd9aZF :-)
I didn’t make my reed diffuser. I actually bought one.Theres a scented powder you put the reeds in. It’s a very slow releasing process of the scent. I can still smell it 2-3 years later.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.