How To Get Rid Of Mildew Smell

Everyone likes a fresh, clean home. But sometimes, the odor is disturbed due to mildew. If you smell mildew in your home, first you need to find out the source because it indicates that the formation of mold has started and if not contained sooner, it will start to spread. Luckily, it is much easier to get rid of the mildew smell and the things you will need to do so are available in your home. Mildew is typically found in the basement, kitchen, or bathroom and can be easily eliminated depending on the surface.

How to locate mildew?

Mildew is caused due to moisture, so if you smell mildew, try and look for a source where there can be moisture. Mildews frequently occur in the bathrooms, they can also affect the walls, roof, and the frames of doors or windows and attack carpets and clothing.

It looks like a powdery, spotty substance but is not always visible to the eyes. It is always identified due to its foul odor.

Here we will learn about different places where mildew can form and how to get rid of its smell:

1. On any hard surface

If mildew is formed on a wall, furniture, bathroom or doors do the following to get rid of the smell:

1. Find the source of the affected area or the area from where it has originated.
2. Add one cup of bleach to a gallon of warm water and mix well (remember to use protection).
3. Use a toothbrush and apply it directly to the area. Scrub vigorously.
4. Keep scrubbing till the mildew is gone.
5. Dry the area with a towel. 

2. In the basement

If there is mildew in your basement do the following:

1. Separate the wet clothing and soggy boxes from your other stuff.
2. Pack the remaining in airtight plastic containers.
3. Clean the mildew with vinegar or peroxides. If there is still mildew on it, throw away the boxes or furniture as it may lead to further molds.
4.  Install a dehumidifier to absorb the moisture.
5. Place bowls of baking soda around the basement to absorb the odor.

3. Mildew smell from the car

Mildew can form in the car and the smell is never pleasant. Follow the steps to get rid of the smell. It is formed due to water being absorbed in the seats and the carpets or roof of the car:

1. Use a hairdryer or a mini vacuum to dry out your seats and carpets.
2. Add baking soda directly to the surface where there is a formation of mildew.
3. Let it sit for a few hours.
4. Use a vacuum to clean it up.

4. Mildew smell from clothes

If clothes are left for a little too long in the basket they can start forming a horrible smell. If you wash it again and again, but the smell doesn’t seem to go away, do the following:

1. Add a cup of white vinegar to the clothes and run it with a cold water rinse cycle (Do not add any detergent).
2. After the cycle is over. Wash the clothes as you would in your regular laundry routine.

5. Mildew smell from delicates

If your delicates are attacked by mildew, follow the steps to get rid of the smell:

1. Fill up a bucket with cold water.
2. Add two tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of mild detergent.
3. Let it soak for an hour.
4. Wash it as normal.
5. Let dry.

How to prevent mildew from forming?

1. The humidity level in your house:

The main reason for the formation of mildew is humidity. If the humidity level in your house is very high then use a dehumidifier. The dehumidifier lowers the level of humidity and mildews cannot grow in low humid areas. Make sure to adjust your dehumidifier to the changing seasons.

2. Use fans 

While showering, make sure you are using the fan to suck moisture out of the air and prevent it from getting absorbed into the walls, floors, and ceilings. Also, if you have ceiling fans in the kitchen and laundry, use them to keep the areas dry.

3. Dry off the wet areas

Mildew formation happens on sitting water so make sure that you keep the areas in the kitchen and bathroom (shower, faucet, sink, bathtub, etc.) dry after use.

4. Use odor absorbers

Place bowls of baking soda in rooms where mildew can be formed. Baking soda will absorb the moisture and keep the mildew at bay. Make sure to change it from time to time so that it works efficiently and add a deodorizer to maintain the odor of the room.

Wrap Up

Through this article, we have seen where mildew smell can form and how to get rid of the foul odor it leaves behind. Take the necessary precautions to keep it at bay and if there is still a formation of mildew, follow the steps accordingly to keep your home fresh.