What does Mold Smell Like?

Were you out for vacations, and after getting the home, you feel a musty smell in your house and especially in your basement? And if you are unable to figure them out, let me tell you there isn’t anything mysterious going around in your house. That smell is because of increased moisture content which causes dampness and lets mold grow in your house.

Every house has its own unique smell, and due to mold growth, the smell changes in the house. Often people describe it as a musty smell. As soon as you smell such a scent in your house you need to contact a fumigation or mold remediation company as soon as possible.

The mold smells like that due to microbial volatile organic compounds known as MVOCs, which are released during different phases of mold growth. Make sure to get your air quality tested if you detect the presence of molds in your house, as air cleaners and house fresheners cannot sort out this problem.

What does Mold Smell Like?

Mold’s Smell

If I had to describe the mold smell, I would describe it as an earthy and musty smell that gets stronger with the span of time. Some molds have a very pungent smell from the start, and this smell persists if you have a mold for a long period of time. Not only the surface of your house will be destroyed, but it will give a dirty appearance as well. Air conditioners often develop mold as well however sometimes the smell might be due to freon leakage, therefore you should get it checked either way.

It is necessary to contain mold while growing, and you need to do it in the early stages of mold growth. They tend to spread faster due to increased moisture levels. Identify the growth and call the respective services for it if you have children in your house. Just masking the smell with vinegar and other DIYs as done for odors of smoke or weed is not the solution in this case

Effects of Mold Growth on Health

Mold growth is when going on in any place of the house. Try to make it as airy as possible and remove moisture. Make sure to wear a mask in the area with mold as these pores can give a strong allergic reaction on inhalation. If you observe any leakage, try to remove the leakage and make the environment as dry as possible.

You will feel other symptoms like nausea, dizziness, fatigue, itchy throat, watery eyes, and nasal irritation. Hence you need to remove mold as soon as possible. Sometimes the allergic reaction can be severe, so you need to follow precautionary measures as soon as possible.

Indication of Water Issues

Suppose molds are growing in your house. That is an indication of water issues that are taking place in your house. Increased moisture and humidity content are responsible for their growth. They appear in various colors, including white, gray, black, brownish grey, etc., which can be visually seen on bulging walls. Floods and excessive condensation can also cause mold growth.

Fixing Molds

First, you need to call for proper services for this purpose. Check the water system and get it fixed if there is any leakage present. Keep your house clean and airy as much as possible. Get rid of excessive moisture and water if present. Wash the mold on the surface by rubbing it hard with detergents until it is spotless. Then dry the surface.

FAQs

What do mold and mildew smell like?

Molds and mildew actually smell kind of nasty. They have an earthy, damp, and pungent smell. Sometimes it is familiar to rotting wood and dirty socks, the kind of smell that you cannot stand. These smells are due to MVOC or microbial volatile organic compounds, which are released during mold or mildew growth.

What are the signs of mold in your house?

The signs that will usually appear when you have mold growth in your house includes,

• You will feel a musty and earthy smell.
• There will be an increased concentration of moisture.
• You will observe bulging in the wall.
• The color of the mold will lighten if bleach is sprayed on it.
• It will also cause staining of your walls or surface where it grows.

How do I know if I’m smelling mold?

You will continuously smell musty odor around you due to its presence in your home. This will indicate a high moisture level of your house as well. Other symptoms you will observe include coughing, sneezing, allergic reactions, itchy and watery eyes, and itchy skin.

Conclusion

Suppose you were smelling a musty and earthy smell in your house; that indicates mold’s presence in your house. And if you never knew what mold smells like, I think this is the perfect article for you, and I am glad that you came across this article. I hope that if you ever smell musty again, you will call in the professionals as it is damaging for your health and especially if you have children around you. Stay safe and mold-free!