How to get rid of a musty smell in house? We moved in with my husband’s parents. They’ve had some health issues. Their house has a disagreeable odor that Febreeze can’t disguise. What should we do?
Amber T., Harrison, OH
A musty smell in the house can come from several sources. Let’s see if I can help you solve the problem. Here are places you should check to see if they are the source of the odor.
Start in the basement if there is one. Investigate water traps near the washing machine and the water heater if the house smells musty. Pour a glass or two of water into the drain to push down sewer gas.
Next, look for water damage that reveals a leak in the pipes. Are there any stains on the walls or ceilings? Leaking water can lead to a strong musty odor, whether it’s from the basement, attic, or crawl space. To get musty smell out of the basement, clean and sanitize moldy areas and clear damp spots. Vinegar and baking soda can be quite helpful for both cleaning and eliminating unpleasant odors.
Now, visit every drain in the bathroom and kitchen. If the bathroom smells musty, the odor could be coming from the sink, toilet, or tub. First, pour soapy water into each drain to clear gas from the P-trap. Then, if the smell persists, you might need to clean out the pipe.
Try using a long-handled brush to scrub away trapped debris with hot water and dish detergent. Plus, you might also experiment with the recipe to unclog drains in our article: https://www.tipsbulletin.com/sewer-smell-in-house/
If you have sewer smell from the toilet, it’s important to give the toilet a thorough cleaning, inside the bowl, tank, and on the exterior. Examine the base to see if it sits flush on the floor. It’s possible that you might need to reseat it on a new wax ring with fresh caulk. Ensure that you have no water leaks from the toilet or sink that may drip and lead to mold – a big cause of a musty smell.
Once you’ve completed this round of inspections, see how the house smells for the next couple of days. If the problem persists, you might need to take further steps. These steps include disassembling the sink stoppers and goosenecks for cleaning or clearing out any vents and replacing air filters. Moreover, you might also clean all the carpets, too.
Sometimes, the smell is more serious and you may need professional intervention. To get rid of skunk smell in the house, utilize the power of peroxide. Spritz carpets, use the mixture in the washing machine for clothing, or add it anywhere the odor is strong.
I hope you get rid of the musty smell as soon as possible and can enjoy living with fresh air in your house again.
Joan