What does mold smell like? Easy ways to identify that musty odor and how to stay safe are explained in this article.
Ever stepped into a humid basement, or opened an old trunk full of books, or a pair of wet washed clothes that have been left too long in the washing machine? Then you would know the smell of mold. It’s musty, earthy and nasty. Others say it smells like wooden rot, dirty socks or wet dog fur. It’s a smell that makes you scrunch up your nose immediately because it becomes heavy in the air.
Your health and safety matters because it can alter the effectiveness with which you learn to recognize this smell.
Sometimes we might be mistaken to think that mold not only harm walls and furniture. But do you know that it can lead to a more difficult breathing process such as allergies, and an unsafe environment for your kids, your pets, and people who are living with asthma.
Being able to smell mould out early will prevent it further before creating complications.
In this article we will look into how mold smells, why it smells like that and how you can smell it inside your house. We will also give you some handy tips on how to determine if it’s really mold you’re smelling or just damp. Above all, we will remind you why it’s best to call a professional remediation service to get rid of mold for good.
What Does Mold Smell Like?
You know the smell? Maybe you stepped into a wet basement or a closet full of wet clothes left to dry. How does mold smell? It usually contains:
- Moldy notes- Like wet soil or ground.
- Stagnant smell- Air that’s stagnant in a room.
- Sour or putrid notes – People say it’s slightly sweet but rather unpleasant.
- Sweaty socks stink- One of the most used similes for mold odor.
There is no way you won’t know it’s mold when you see it due to its smell. The signs through smells are that it sticks to the air. If you pick up a piece of clothing or stand close to clothes affected by mold, the smell will spike up.
Another way to know is this, if you spend too much time in an environment infested by mold, they will stick to ur skin and its a signal that you were in a mold environment.
Common Places Where You’ll Notice Mold Odors
Mold thrives in moisture.
The most likely places you will detect the dirty damp smell of mold are:
- Bathrooms- The area under the sink, around the bathtubs and inside the showers.
- Basements – Basements are number one because they lack proper ventilation and are usually moist.
- Kitchens – Under appliances, sinks, leaky pipes.* Closets – Closets should not be wet. Damp clothes and shoes can grow mold fast.
- Attics – Roof leaks can cause mold that you can smell before you see it.
- Washing machines and dryers – Laundry rooms can be a moisture trap.
When you smell that sharp musty smell in one of these places, investigate.
How to tell Mold odor at Home
Many times you dont know whether the smell is actually mold or mere dampness. Some of the easy checks are:
1. Sniff Test
Go out to get some fresh air and then move around various parts in your house. When one part of your house has an unpleasant odor and is musty and the others are not, it could be indicating there is mold present.
2. Check Fabrics and Carpets
Clothes, curtains, and rugs are some of the things that absorb the mold odor within a short time. As long as they smell musty, it is probable that mold is growing in the vicinity.
3. Look for Visible Signs
You’ll smell it before you see the mold but still inspect walls, ceilings, tiles and nooks looking for spots, stains or discoloration.
4. Check Health Symptoms
Some people sneeze or cough, get headaches or watery eyes because of mold smell. A clue is when your symptoms increase when you’re in some rooms.
5. See if Odor Gets Stronger When It’s Wet
When you turn on the heat, it rains or the humidity is increased, the mold smell may get stronger.
Mold Smell vs Other Smells
Sometimes we end up identifying mold smell with others. Here’s how to distinguish them:
- Dusty smell – dusty air has a dry and earthy aroma but not moist or stale.
- Foul smell of rotten food – more intense and clear than mold smell.
- Pet smell – usually attached to hair, stains or visible dust.
- Smoke smell – quite different; mold is clammy and musty, smoke is dry and burned.
Knowing the smell of mold will help you not to confuse it with others.
What Makes Mold Smell Musty
The musty smell is caused by the chemicals mold emits as it grows and eats whatever it finds such as wood, paper or clothes. Mold only lives on wetness so when there’s an odor, there’s definitely water problem somewhere in the house.
It might be the result of a leak or improper airflow or an excess of moisture. Without addressing the odor, the mold will continuously expand, the longer it spreads the more damage it will cause.
Mold Odor Hazards
An odor is bad, but the bigger picture is the consequences of that odor. Mold causes:
- Allergies (sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes)
- Asthma attacks
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Skin irritation
The elderly, children and those with low immunity are more sensitive to mold odor and spores.
Safe DIY Method to Reduce Mold Odor
Who knows by the time you call an expert you can already reduce the smell a bit yourself:
- Switch on the fans and open the windows and doors.
- Always make use of an air dehumidifier to help in lowering of moisture.
- Whatever surfaces it is use vinegar or baking soda to wipe them off.
- Make sure that fabrics such as curtains, rugs and other clothing materials are kept clean and dry.
- Check sink leaks, roofs or walls.
These steps can help with the odor but can do nothing to eliminate the underlying issue if mold is present inside walls or ceiling.
Why Professional Remediation Should be Prioritized
After all it’s just the smell itself that’s a symptom of something bigger. Although DIY tricks can hide the odor, they can’t combat it. Mold can be hidden in walls, floors, under or in insulation and are not exactly reachable.
That’s why hiring a mold cleanup service is always the better option. Professionals can:
- Find the root cause of the mold.
- Eliminate mold in a safe manner without spreading spores.
- Eliminate the moisture issue to prevent a recurring problem.
- Protect your health, body and property.
When you wonder what does Mold smell like, you can’t wait longer when moldy smell wafts through your house. A pro will let you breathe fresher and have a safer environment.
Conclusion
So, how does mold smell? It’s that heavy musty smell that brings you back to memories of wet socks, damp basements or old books. The odor of mold is a red flag that most likely warns you that something is not right in your house. With some knowledge on how to identify it, you can treat it early enough when it’s not yet too far spread.Don’t just get rid of the smell in small steps, cleaning is the only way to be safe. Don’t ignore that smell and call a mold remediation company and protect your property and yourself.
Helpful Guide: Can Mold Grow Without Moisture?
