Musty smell in your home? Here are the main causes and solutions
Suppose you come home from a long working day and you are greeted by a musty smell in your home. This is obviously not pleasant. In many cases, excessive humidity is the culprit.
In this article, you will discover the possible causes of that musty smell and get practical tips to get rid of it for good.
What is this musty smell in the house?
A musty smell in the house is often caused by excessive humidity due to too much moisture in the home. This problem can occur in various rooms, especially in poorly ventilated or humid environments:
However, excessive humidity in the home is not good. A musty smell is therefore often a sign that something is not right and may indicate underlying moisture problems that need attention.
Where is the musty smell coming from?
Cause 1: a moisture problem
The musty smell in the house can have several causes, but in most cases it indicates a moisture problem. There are several moisture problems that can lead to an unpleasant smell in your homes:
Cause 2: inadequate ventilation
In everyday life, moisture is inevitably released into your home through activities such as cooking, showering and drying laundry. This increases humidity, which in itself is not a problem. However, it becomes a problem when this moisture cannot escape due to insufficient ventilation or aeration. The moisture then settles on walls, windows and other surfaces, which can lead to musty odours and eventually even moisture problems and mould. That is why good ventilation essential to maintain a healthy and fresh indoor climate.
What can you do about the musty smell?
To combat a musty smell in your home, there are several effective measures you can take.
Solution 1: thorough cleaning
Starting with a thorough cleaning of your home is a wise choice and helps remove or even prevent unpleasant and musty odours. While you probably clean the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom regularly, it is also important to tackle less frequently used areas such as the basement and attic periodically. When doing so, don't forget to also clean textiles such as curtains, sheets and cushions, as odours can easily settle in them.
Solution 2: ventilate
Besides cleaning your home, it is also important to air your home adequately. Open your windows and/or doors for at least 15 minutes a day to let fresh air in and let the humid air out. You can choose to use this form of natural ventilation supplemented by mechanical ventilation. In fact, this system ensures that the air supply and return is fully automatic, without losing heat in your home. This system offers benefits such as improved air quality, moisture regulation, and the prevention of mould and condensation problems.
Solution 3: dehumidifier or moisture absorber
A dehumidifier or moisture absorber can also be a valuable addition, especially in damp rooms like the bathroom or basement. This is because these help temporarily reduce the moisture level in a room. Note, however, that these do not offer a permanent solution. For structural problems such as leaks or basement moisture, dehumidifiers are often not effective enough.
Solution 4: moisture control
Do you notice that after applying the above solution, the musty smell in your home persists? If so, you are probably struggling with a moisture problem and it is best to call in a moisture specialist in to identify and address the underlying problem. This expert will then conduct a thorough moisture analysis and recommend an appropriate solution.
Suffering from moisture in your home?
Are you also struggling with a wet basement or other moisture problem? If so, you are far from being the only one. Let AquaConsult assist you. Contact us now and our experts will be happy to help you.
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