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How to Get Rid of Mold Smell in Your House and Your Clothes?

Mar 25, 2024
Dan and Tina Benton

Dealing with mold smell in your house and on your clothes can be unpleasant and concerning. But fret not, we're here to guide you through the process of banishing that musty odor. Let's delve into what mold smells like and effective methods to eliminate it from your surroundings. Besides, we’ll give you advice on when is the right time to call in the professionals. By the end, you’ll also find the recommendation for a Springfield mold removal company to assist you during the mold removal process. 


What Does Mold Smell Like?

If you’ve been wondering What does mold smell like? here’s the answer to your question. Mold typically gives off a musty, earthy odor. Imagine the smell of dampness combined with a hint of mildew. If you detect this smell lingering in your house or on your clothes, you're likely dealing with mold.


How to Get Rid of Mold Smell in the House?

Eliminating the pervasive odor of mold in your house can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it's entirely manageable. In this section, we'll explore practical steps to combat mold smell. From tackling mold growth on walls to refreshing musty-smelling clothes and fabrics, we'll provide solutions to help you restore freshness to your living space. Let's dive into the methods to banish that unpleasant mold odor and create a healthier environment for you and your family.


Walls

how to get rid of mold smell in walls

Here are the steps for how to get rid of mold smell in walls: 

  1. Identify and Address Sources of Moisture: Begin by locating any areas of your walls where moisture might be seeping in, such as leaks from pipes or roof, or poor ventilation. Fixing these issues is crucial to prevent mold growth and eliminate the source of the smell.

  2. Clean the Affected Walls: Use a mixture of water and detergent to scrub the walls gently. This helps to remove visible mold and dirt.

  3. Apply a Mold-Killing Solution: After cleaning, apply a solution of water and either vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to the walls. These substances are effective at killing mold spores and neutralizing the odor.

  4. Allow the Walls to Dry: Proper ventilation is essential to ensure that the walls dry completely. Consider using fans or opening windows to facilitate air circulation.

  5. Consider Repainting with Mold-Resistant Paint: To further prevent mold growth in the future, you may choose to repaint the walls with mold-resistant paint. This type of paint contains additives that inhibit mold growth, providing an extra layer of protection.

Clothes

how to get rid of mold smell in clothes

Here are the steps for how to get rid of mold smell in clothes: 


  • Wash the Clothes: Wash the moldy clothes as soon as possible using hot water and detergent. The heat from the water helps to kill mold spores, while the detergent removes any dirt and odor.

  • Add Vinegar or Baking Soda to the Wash: Enhance the cleaning power of your laundry detergent by adding either white vinegar or baking soda to the wash cycle. These natural ingredients are effective at neutralizing mold odor.

  • Consider Pre-Soaking the Clothes: For stubborn mold smells, consider soaking the clothes in a mixture of water and either vinegar or hydrogen peroxide before washing them. This can help to loosen stubborn stains and odors.

  • Ensure Thorough Drying: Make sure that the clothes are completely dry before storing them away. Mold develops in damp environments, so ensuring that your clothes are fully dried will help prevent mold growth in the future.

Other Fabrics

how to get rid of mold smell in other fabrics

Here are the steps for how to get rid of mold smell in other fabrics: 


  • Vacuum Upholstered Furniture and Curtains: Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any mold spores and dirt from upholstered furniture and curtains. Pay special attention to cracks and seams where mold may hide.

  • Clean Washable Fabrics: Follow the same laundering process as for clothes, washing washable fabrics in hot water with detergent and adding vinegar or baking soda to the wash cycle.

  • Consider Professional Cleaning for Non-Washable Items: For items that cannot be laundered, such as rugs or drapes, consider hiring a professional cleaning service. They have the expertise and equipment to effectively clean and deodorize these items without causing damage.


When to Call a Professional?

While DIY solutions can be effective for minor mold issues, there are instances where professional intervention is necessary:

  • Extensive mold growth covering large areas: When mold spreads over large areas in your home, like on walls, ceilings, or floors, it's a bigger issue. Trying to handle it yourself can be too much, and you might not get rid of it all. Professionals know how to deal with big mold issues safely and effectively.

  • Mold infestations in hard-to-reach places: Mold can also grow in hidden spots like ducts or crawl spaces. It's hard to reach and needs special tools to treat. Professionals have the right gear and know-how to deal with mold in these tricky spots. Trying to fix it without the proper tools can be tough and might not work well.

  • Persistent mold smell despite thorough cleaning efforts: Even if you've tried hard to clean up mold, sometimes the musty smell sticks around. This could mean there's still mold hiding in your walls or floors. Certified mold remediation experts can find where the smell is coming from and fix it with success. They use special tools to detect the hidden mold and know how to get rid of it properly.


Reach Out to ABC Environmental Contracting Services in Springfield 

If you're facing extensive mold growth or persistent odor, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional mold removal service for assistance. At ABC Environmental Contracting Services in Springfield, we are fully equipped to tackle all your mold concerns. We are available 24/7! Give us a call at (417) 352-2303 or fill out an online form on our website.

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