It is no secret that the human sense of smell is incredibly powerful. When a human baby is born, the sense to be used is the sense of smell. A normal adult can sense up to 10,000 different kinds of smells. Thanks to our olfactory epithelium located in our noses.
Among those 10,000 one of the most irritating and annoying smells is the musty odor. These odors along with the “decayed” and “pungent” are highly unpleasant. Exposure for long periods can be detrimental to emotional and physical health.
If you have recently suffered from water damages, be prepared for musty odors, unless you have proactive lately. At times household tricks work and the smells can be removed effectively. In severe cases, you will be needing the best odor removal services in your area.
As the year 2020 has begun, let us probe into the top 13 ways to get rid of musty odors.
1. Find The Source
The first and foremost step is to locate the source of the smell. You will have to check all the possible damp places for the presence of mold. The microbial volatile organic compounds are the actual cause of musty smell so your best shot is to get rid of the moldy substances in your home.
2. Let The Fresh Air Circulate
When a room or building is locked for a long time, a minor smell can accumulate and create havoc. It is important to open all the doors and windows and allow air circulation. The musty air needs to be replaced with fresh and clean air.
Open the cupboards and drawers in the bathroom and kitchen to get rid of musty air entrapped within. For a healthy home, ensure proper ventilation.
3. Turn On Ventilation And Electric Fans
Other than opening the windows and doors, make use of the ventilator electric fans at your disposal. The fans will help the air movement and you can get rid of the smells much easier.
4. Use Essential Oil Sprays
A natural way to eradicate smells is the use of essential oils. Mix up the essential oil blends and diffuse them in the air. The lemon essential oil has a very mood-lifting effect. But remember that the oils will only work when you have successfully removed the source of the smell.
5. Boil Citrus Peels
A traditional method of odor removal is boiling citrus peels. However old this method gets, there is n doubt about its effectiveness.
Get some fresh peels of lemon, orange, and other citrus fruits and boil them in water. Take the pot of water to a stinky area of your home and let it sit there for a few hours. The fresh citrus smell will cancel the effect of bad odors.
6. Baking Soda Works Wonders
The baking soda has been used as an odor removal agent for centuries. Sprinkle the baking soda onto the house carpets and let it sit for a night. Vacuum it in the morning and you will feel a significant difference. The pet odors are generally removed using this method. Mix up essential oils and baking soda to make odor removal tablets.
7. Hire Mold Inspection Services
As I have already mentioned, the musty odors can only be treated once the source is eliminated. Identifying the source can be difficult at times.
You can hire certified mold inspectors to locate the source, find the possible causes and extent of mold growth. The professionals are trained to locate the mold and provide a detailed report about the findings.
8. Opt For Mold Remediation Methods
Once the mold inspector has provided you the report, find a mold remediation service near you. Visible mold growth in areas smaller than ten square feet can be washed away with warm water and detergent.
When the mold growth is at a large scale you will need a certified mold remediation professional to safely remove mold.
9. Spray Plain White Vinegar
When the smell is not too strong spraying white vinegar in your home can be helpful.
10. Clean the Carpets
In most of the cases, damp and soiled carpets are the reason for musty odors. Get your carpets professionally cleaned.
11. Regulate Moisture Levels In Home
High humidity levels can be a major reason for mold growth. If you want to eradicate the root cause of the smell, the mold, regulate moisture levels in your home. Buy dehumidifiers and ensure that indoor air has safe moisture levels.
12. Bring In Plants
Plants such as Aloe Vera and ferns are known for their odor removal properties. They absorb the stinky molecules and purify the air.
13. Hire Musty Odor Removal Services
When none of the above-mentioned methods work, hire the most reliable musty odor removal service in West Palm Beach FL.