What Kills Mildew Smell? Easy 5-Step DIY Removal Guide

If you are dealing with mold growth at home, you are probably wondering what kills mildew smell as well. Fortunately, the products you will need to do this process are easily accessible at home.

As soon as you notice the musty smell inside your bathrooms, kitchen, and living spaces, it is necessary to take action immediately. If you want to know how to do it, then keep on reading. 

what kills mildew smell

 

What Does Mildew Smell Like?

If there’s one word to describe the mildew smell, it would be ‘musty’. It has a similar scent to rotting wood, which is pretty normal in a damp and earthy environment.

You may also confuse this with the smell of mold in different parts of the house. The main difference between the two is that mildew has a milder scent than mold.

If you think that the smell is overpowering, you are probably dealing with a mold problem. In this case, you should seek a professional and even find ways how to get a free mold inspection.

 

Is Mildew Dangerous?

Like mold, mildew can also be dangerous if the issue is not addressed immediately. Problems like this may worsen existing allergies and respiratory diseases.

People with asthma and compromised immune systems are more at risk of the consequences of having mildew at home, so immediate action is required. You will know that you are exposed to possible contamination if you start to have the following symptoms:

  • Itchy eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Runny nose
  • Congestion

In addition to that, ignoring potential mold growth in the house can lead to the decomposition of walls, ceiling, and hardwood floors. Over time, it can also reach furniture and carpets, which is a health risk.

The repair cost of the damaged items will be more expensive, so it is better to do something early before the problem spreads further without noticing. To do this, you can call in for a mold inspection to check all corners of your place.

You can also find the root of the problem by following the faint musty smell of the mildew behind your walls and ceilings. If you start to spot a powdery substance on the flooring, tiles, clothing, walls, that is where the issue is coming.

Knowing what color is mildew will help you identify the necessary solutions to the problem.

 

Materials You Will Need To Kill Mildew Smell

If you choose to address the problem yourself, you can easily do so with the help of the following materials:

  • Rubber gloves
  • Face mask
  • Bleach
  • Toothbrush
  • Sponge
  • Rags

 

How To Remove Musty Mildew Smell

To remove the smell of mildew in a room, this is where to start from:

 

Step #1. Find the source of the rotting smell

Mold and mildew often live within walls and rotting wood, so cleaning the surface wouldn’t be enough. Try to remove as many items as possible where the smell is coming from to find its source.

It can be from all the corners, grout, tub caulking, under the carpets, upholstered furniture, ceilings, walls, and flooring. You might even need to empty the room to find the mildew source and start the cleaning process.

 

Step #2. Create a bleach solution

After finding the source of the mildew, the next step is to mix the bleach solution. Make sure to wear rubber gloves and a mask to ensure that you won’t inhale the mold and bleach mixture.

Open the windows and the door for proper ventilation.

Once you are protected, mix a cup of bleach with a gallon of water. You can put the mixture in a bucket for easy access.

 

Step #3. Remove the mildew

Dip a toothbrush into the mixture and scrub the mildew vigorously. Then, remove the residue with a wet sponge.

Repeat this process as much as needed with the bleach mixture. You can stop once the musty smell and mildew have disappeared from the surface.

 

Step #4. Dry the area 

Dry the area using a clean towel or rag. Letting the residue sit can bring an unwanted smell.

You can also wipe the surface with a damp towel to remove leftover mixture residue and mildew. After that, wash the rags and the clothes you are wearing immediately to avoid contamination.

 

Step #5. Laundry

If the musty smell is coming from your clothes, towels, and other fabrics, there are some things that you can do as well.

  • Apple cider vinegar

Place the contaminated clothes and fabric into the washer. Use hot water and add two cups of apple cider vinegar.

Pause the cycle and let the solution soak the fabrics before continuing. After an hour of soaking, add detergent and wash them.

  • Baking soda

If the apple cider vinegar doesn’t remove the smell, you can use baking soda. Just replace the ACV with baking soda in the mixture and soak the fabrics for an hour before continuing the cycle.

 

How To Prevent Mildew Smell From Returning

To avoid the musty smell from coming back, these are the things that you can do:

  • Put your washed items in the dryer as soon as the cycle stops. Leaving them for too long in the washer will retain the musty smell.
  • Hang your clothes and fabrics in an airy and dry area.
  • Wash your towels and rugs regularly.
  • Make sure that there is always proper air circulation in every room.

 

Conclusion

Now that you know what kills mildew smell, you don’t have to worry about the possible health risks inside your home anymore. It is not a severe threat, but it is still better to be safe than sorry later.

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