How To Get Rid Of Mildew Smell Naturally: Easy 4-Step Guide

Though it may sound cliché, a clean home is indeed a happy home. Then, you should read about how to get rid of mildew smell naturally as part of your home improvement.

The smell of mold and mildew would probably irritate your sense of smell due to its nasty smell. It gives off a musty odor in your home atmosphere which is uncomfortable for you and your guests. 

The good news is that you can get rid of the mildew smell from your home since different products of air fresheners and room deodorizers can be bought in various stores. However, you should not get rid of the fact that there are effective and efficient natural ways to ease mildew smell.

 

What Makes Mildew Smell?

Mildew is a type of mold that belongs to a large and diverse kingdom of fungi. In fact, mold and mildews hold toxic compounds called mycotoxins which could be dangerous to human health depending on the level of exposure.

To answer what makes mildew smell, it’s because of the compounds it produces which are directly released into the air. Such compounds are scientifically termed as microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs).

Microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) emits musty odor which is a natural process of off-gassing from biological growth like mold and mildews. According to Environmental Testing Professionals, mVOCs could include a variety of compounds such as ketones, aldehyde, carboxylic acids, alcohol, lactones, sulfur, nitrogen, and hydrocarbons.

Though scientific research and investigation regarding mVOCs are insufficient, one certain thing is that toxins and compounds could impose health risks. Therefore, you should not let these mold and mildews spread, so eliminate them as soon as possible.

Further, people usually link mildew smell to old books, dank cabinets, attic, or basement. Then, if you suspect that your house is colonized by mold and mildews, get a whiff of air in your room and sense those foul stenches. 

 

Natural Steps On Getting Rid Of Mildew Smell

In getting rid of mildew smell, there are natural ways to try and it would not cost you a lot. So without further ado, let’s get to the main objective of this article.

 

Step #1. Locating the source of mildew smell

To be able to apply necessary measures, it is critical to determine first the source of the problem. In the case of mildew smell, the most common problem of homeowners is the presence of mold and mildew. 

Covering up the musty odor without trying to locate its source leads to the probability of returning mildew smell. You could try checking your bathroom, ceiling, cabinets, walls, and other susceptible areas of your home.

If you did find the areas where mold and mildew grows, you would need to clean it off before it gets worse. By chance you are facing serious mold or mildew issues, you should contact the best mold removal companies for professional help.

 

Step #2. Lemon and white vinegar

A combination of lemon and white vinegar is the best solution for you if you ever hate chemicals, since it’s non-toxic, convenient, and a natural disinfectant. All you need to do is steep lemon rinds in white vinegar and let it soak for a week.

The citrus extracts and white vinegar solution could be used to remove unwanted odors in your home. Just remember that the mixture is acidic and therefore could pale marble, granite, and other sensitive stone surfaces.

 

Step #3. Essential oils

Not all essential oils work with mold or mildew, therefore you should know what essential oils kill mold. Naturally, essential oils have an aromatic scent that purifies the air and helps eliminate mold and mildew spores.

The conventional way to use essential oil is through diffusion. This is becoming a home purifying alternative to chemical-based products.

 

Step #4. Scented candles 

After a series of cleaning mold and mildews, a scented candle could make your home feel fresh again. In fact, it is scientifically proven that scented candles help relieve stress, mood swings, and other positive psychological effects.

Scented candles come in a variety of scents like lavender, peppermint, lemon, rosemary, chamomile, jasmine, and more. These 

 

How to differentiate mildew from mold

In a wide kingdom of fungi, mildew is one among abundant species of mold that can thrive anywhere as long as there is moisture, humidity, and in the presence of organic matter. You probably think that mold and mildew are the same, but in fact, they differ in texture and appearance. 

Unlike mold that has different textures and shapes, mildews have a common look of flat and powdery texture. Further, mildew is typically seen in white or gray color with a fuzzy form.

To know more about mold, visit this article and learn what is the key difference between yeast and mold.

 

Conclusion

Naturally eradicating mildew smell is essential to keeping you safe and your home in good shape. Specifically, knowing how to get rid of mildew smell naturally will ease your worry and frustration.

Now that we have gone over the basics, you can get that mildew smell out of your home. Though it may seem like many steps, preventive measures should be taken upfront to kill mold and prevent mildew smell.