Have you been asking “how to get mildew smell out of cabinets”? Have you ever noticed an odor coming from your kitchen or bathroom cabinets that were unpleasant and musty?
If this is the case, mildew is most likely to blame. Mildew has a stench that is sometimes described as “wet socks” and may quickly take over your entire home, adding to the ever-growing list of common foul odors in your home.
Mildew and mold are two separate forms of fungi, even though they are commonly used interchangeably. Mildew is a type of fungus that grows on the surface and appears white or gray, whereas mold is usually black, blue, or green and is far more damaging to your health.
Why Does My Cabinet Stink?
You must first determine the source of the odor in your cabinets before you can attempt to fix it. Understanding the source of the odor will assist you in determining how to address it in a way that will produce long-term results.
Your cabinets most likely have a musty odor. Excess moisture in the cabinet causes this, which is a prevalent problem in many parts of the country.
The majority of cabinetry is found in the kitchen or bathroom, both of which are frequently exposed to water. This can create the ideal habitat for mold and mildew to grow, both of which emit an unpleasant, musty odor.
Cabinets with a musty odor are frequent in older homes that have been exposed to higher levels of moisture over time.
Step #1. If you suspect mold or mildew is to blame for your musty cabinet, ensure there are no water leaks near your cabinetry.
Step #2. Grease or other odors formed during cooking are another prevalent source of kitchen cabinet stink.
It could just be the combination of cooking ingredients stored in that cabinet regularly. If one of these kitchen offenders is to blame for the odor in your cabinets, it will most likely be limited to only a few cabinets.
Moisture will leave a musty, or old, odor in your cabinets, as well as in other parts of the house. This is one of the simplest ways to figure out what’s causing the unpleasant odor coming from your cabinets.
Getting Rid Of The Musty Odor
Step #1. Empty the cabinets
The first step in getting rid of the old odor from your cabinets is to empty them. Plates, bowls, and glasses, as well as any shelf liners or paper, should all be removed.
These shelf liners may trap moisture or scents, and they could be the source of the stink in your cabinets. Here’s a recommended article on how to get rid of mildew smell in apartment to give you tips along the way.
Step #2. Examine your cabinets
After you’ve thoroughly emptied your cabinets, inspect them to make sure no mold or mildew is growing inside. If moisture has been trapped in your cabinets, one of these two possibilities is likely to be the source of the musty odor.
Scrub the mold with a mixture of very mild soap and water to get rid of it. To avoid leaving the area wet, make careful to wipe up any remaining water. Moisture will exacerbate the problem.
Wet spots in your cabinets could signal a leak, in which case you should contact a plumber. You can go read more related articles on how to get mildew smell out of wood to widen your choices for cleaning.
Step #3. Go with solutions
The first thing you should do is clean out your cabinets. To get some air moving around the area, leave them open and turn on a couple of fans and open a few windows.
There are a few solutions available after they’ve been aired out. Both vinegar and baking soda have been proven to absorb scents, but don’t mix them unless you want a messy situation!
Leaving a bowl of vinegar in each cabinet overnight, or for up to a day, can assist to get rid of the musty odor. You can also absorb scents by leaving a bowl of baking soda in your cabinets, much like you can in your refrigerator.
Step #4. Remove the stench
Why not replace the old, musty odor with something you want to smell when you reach into your cupboards? Lavender oil or other essential oils with your preferred scent can be quite pleasant.
Another fantastic option is a dish of coffee beans. They will release a soothing scent while also absorbing odors.
Conclusion
During the summer, you should invest in a high-efficiency dehumidifier for your home to prevent moisture from becoming trapped in tight spaces like your cupboards.
Dehumidifiers can be kept in the basement or laundry room of your home and can remove moisture from the air with the push of a button, considerably reducing the growth of mildew and enhancing the effectiveness of any odor-removal items you employ.
Just remember to empty your dehumidifier’s water tank regularly to keep it running smoothly. Now you are all set with the steps on how to get mildew smell out of cabinets.