How to get rid of Mildew Smell

5/24/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® can assist in mildew removal tips to restore good indoor air quality and help your family breathe easier.

Musty odors are a sure sign that water has infiltrated your home and caused mold or mildew to grow. That unmistakable smell isn’t just unpleasant—it could also cause health problems if you have asthma, allergies, or mold sensitivities. Follow these tips on how to get rid of mildew smell to restore good indoor air quality and help your family breathe easier.

Identify the Source of Mildew

Sometimes, eliminating a mildew smell in the house is relatively simple. For instance, if you leave wet clothes in the washer for too long, just rerun the wash cycle, and this time, move the clothes to the dryer right away.

Other times, tackling hidden mildew is a major challenge. To find and eliminate it, you must first answer these questions:

• Have there been any recent water events? Mildew needs water to grow, so anything involving a storm, leak, or neglected plumbing appliance could be the source of the unpleasant odor.
• What does mildew smell like? Mildew and mold share a similar stale, musty odor that some might compare to damp, dirty socks. You should be able to follow your nose to whatever room mildew is growing in.
• Is there standing water anywhere in your home? Check around any musty-smelling room for standing water where mildew might be present. Common culprits include windowsills, showers, under-sink cabinets, dishwashers, washing machines, and HVAC air filters.
• Is it mold or mildew? Mildew describes a category of mold and fungus with a flat growth habit. It’s usually white or gray with a dry, powdery quality and presents as tiny dots, like a fine layer of flour, that may turn brown over time.

Treat the Mildew Smell

Before calling a professional, see if you can eliminate the odor yourself. Here’s what to try:

• Open windows and doors to air out the house.
• Address the source of the mildew. This may involve fixing a plumbing leak, lowering the indoor humidity level, or changing the HVAC air filter.
• Wipe up any mildew you find, wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands.
• Spray disinfectant on the affected area and wipe with a clean rag.

Arrange Professional Mildew Removal

If the results of your DIY cleanup are short-lived, stop mildew growth for good with help from a professional. Here’s what a mildew odor specialist does:

• Clean mildewed surfaces: Specialty sanitizing and deodorizing products effectively remove the particles causing the smell.
• Deodorize the space: Professionals use ozone generators, hydroxyl machines, and other specialized deodorizing equipment to draw out and remove mildew odors from the affected surface.
• Seal vulnerable areas: This final step discourages future mildew growth and helps keep odors at bay.

Treating and removing mildew once and for all requires specific equipment, chemicals, and know-how. The experts at SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra would be happy to help you maintain a safe, clean, and mildew-free home. Call us today at (904) 246-6118 to request mildew removal in Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, or the Ponte Vedra area.