Depending on the type of mold, its location, and its source of moisture, mold can have a musty, sweet, or earthy odor.There are different types of mold, among them black mold. All of these kinds of mold emit mVOCs that cause this smell. mVOC health effects are almost entirely unknown but may cause people to develop cough, sore throat, or a stuffy nose in some cases.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Your home does not have to be filled with standing water to grow mold. Mold is ubiquitous, even to the cleanest of homes. Every time you open a window or go outside, mold can be brought in through the air or attached to your clothing and shoes. Mold can grow in walls, carpeting, upholstery and much more.
The truth is, mold is an excellent reproducing agent anywhere with moisture. For millions of years, it survived and learned some tricks for staying alive. Now, here is how to remove a mildew smell, from your clothes, and other textiles.
Does Mold Have a Smell?
Mold in the walls usually has that damp, musty smell reminiscent of what you’d smell if you opened up an old book. Some individuals might notice a sweet, tangy, or earthy smell that smells wet socks or rotting wood. The musty smell produced by mold comes from mVOCs which are naturally given off by the molds as it grows.
Odor is not a reliable method of diagnosing a mold infestation. Indoor molds smell different based on their type, surface on which they are growing, and the source of their moisture. Some individuals do not have an odor sensation at all.
What Does Mold Look Like?
Mold is a type of fungus; some types can look like their fungal cousins, mushrooms, and yeasts. There are thousands of kinds of mold, and the appearance will depend on the kind of mold and where it is growing. Mold can be observed gobbling up the dead organic matter on decomposing surfaces such as fallen leaves and rotting logs.
House mold favors wet, humid conditions and grows well in bathrooms, basements, or rooms that recently experienced flooding. The most common types of household mold are Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus.
There is also another type of black mold, also called Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra), found sometimes in buildings, including houses. This type of greenish-black growth will thrive on fiberboard, paper, dust, and lint and prefers recently flooded or water-damaged areas.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Facts about Stachybotrys chartarum.
Can Mold Make You Sick?
The health effects of inhaling mVOCs are largely unknown. Exposure to some mVOCs has been linked to symptoms like:
- Burning eyes
- Coughing or wheezing
- Skin rash
- Sore throat
- Stuffy nose
People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have extreme reactions. People with a weak immune system or chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold. Only a few dozen types of mold are known to trigger health problems at all.
Can Mold Make You Sick?
The health effects of inhaling mVOCs are largely unknown. Exposure to some mVOCs has been linked to symptoms like:
- Burning eyes
- Coughing or wheezing
- Skin rash
- Sore throat
- Stuffy nose
Extreme reactions are possible for people with asthma or who are allergic to mold. People with a weak immune system or chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold. Only a few dozen types of mold are known to trigger health problems at all.
How to Remove Mold Smell
You should be able to remove mold on your own if the moldy area is small, or in an area less than 3 feet by 3 feet. The CDC suggests wearing an N-95 respirator, protective eyewear, and gloves when working with mold.
Deodorize Fabrics
You can get rid of mildew smell on fabrics by washing them with fabric-safe bleach for around 30 minutes. If the item cannot be machine washed, you can hand wash it. Rinse the bleach off and then wash the fabric as you normally would.
Improve Ventilation
Open the doors and windows, if possible. If you think you have mold, do not run your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ystems, as this could spread mold spores throughout the building.
Install a Dehumidifier or Fan
Moisture and humidity increase the growth of molds.
Environmental Protection Agency. A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home.
You may remove moisture in the air by the installation of dehumidifiers or ceiling fan. These devices would be most beneficial in humid spaces, such as bathrooms and basement.
Use Odor Absorbers
Odor absorbers include baking soda, cat litter, or charcoal briquettes. These substances help reduce and prevent mold smell. Place an odor absorber in containers around your house, making sure to change them regularly.
Use Bleach
You can clean off the mold using a solution of bleach mixed from no more than 1 cup of laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water. You should scrub more ground, particularly where water pools, if you are unsure how widespread the mold has spread.
When To Call in a Professional
If the area of water damage or mold extends to 3 feet by 3 feet or larger, consider hiring a professional. Federal regulations do not address mold, so the CDC advises finding an expert who is credentialed through or certified by the following organizations.
- American Council for Accredited Certification
- American Industrial Hygiene Association
- Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification
- National Environmental Health Association
If you do not see or smell mold but feel it may be hiding, then an experienced professional can help you locate the source. For instance, you might know that there has been water damage behind a wall or under a floor.
