How to Get Rid of Mold Smell: Practical Tips

Now that we've identified where mold smell can lurk, let's explore some practical solutions to eliminate it.

General Solutions

How to get rid of mold smell in house? Here’s the breakdown of the solutions that apply to different surfaces and help in removing unpleasant musty mold odors:

1. Ventilation: Increase airflow in affected areas by opening windows and using fans. Proper ventilation helps reduce moisture levels, discouraging mold growth and clearing away mold odor.
2. Sunlight: Sunlight can help kill mold spores and eliminate odor naturally. Place moldy items outdoors in direct sunlight for several hours to help freshen them up.
3. Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, upholstery, and other fabric surfaces affected by mold smell. Let it sit for several hours before vacuuming thoroughly to absorb and neutralize odors.
4. Activated Charcoal: Place activated charcoal bags or briquettes in areas affected by mold smell. Charcoal absorbs moisture and traps odor molecules, helping to purify the air.
5. Tea Tree Oil: Mix tea tree oil with water (1 teaspoon oil per cup of water) and spray it onto moldy surfaces. Let it sit without rinsing to kill mold spores and neutralize odor.
6. Hydrogen Peroxide: Mix hydrogen peroxide with water (1 part peroxide to 2 parts water) and apply it to moldy surfaces using a spray bottle. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping away mold and odor.
7. Borax: Create a borax and water solution (1 cup borax per gallon of water) and apply it to moldy surfaces. Scrub gently and let it dry to prevent future mold growth and eliminate odor.

Specific Solutions

For Walls:

If you’re not sure how to get rid of mold smell in walls particularly, here are the most common tips you can use:

• Detergent and Water: Mix a mild detergent with water and use a sponge or cloth to scrub the moldy walls. Rinse with clean water and allow the walls to air dry thoroughly.
• Vinegar Spray: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Liberally spray the affected walls and let the solution sit for several hours before wiping it clean with a damp cloth. Vinegar's acidity helps to kill mold spores and neutralize odor.
• Bleach Solution: Mix one part bleach with three parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected walls and allow the solution to sit for 15 minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth. 

For Clothes:

Next on is: How to get rid of mold smell in clothes? Here are the effective tips you can apply:

• Vinegar Soak: Fill a basin or bathtub with water and add one cup of white vinegar. Soak the moldy clothes in the solution for at least one hour before washing them as usual. Vinegar's antimicrobial properties help eliminate mold spores and the accompanying odor.
• Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the moldy areas of the clothes and allow them to sit in direct sunlight for several hours. The acidity of the lemon juice helps to kill mold spores and freshen the fabric.
• Vodka Spray: Fill a spray bottle with vodka and lightly mist the moldy clothes. Hang them outside to air dry in direct sunlight. Vodka's alcohol content helps kill mold spores and eliminate odor.

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When to Call In the Professionals?

While DIY methods can be effective for minor mold issues, extensive mold infestations may require professional intervention. Consider calling in mold removal experts, especially in the following scenarios:

• Severe Mold Growth: If mold covers a large area or has seeped into structural elements like walls or ceilings, professional remediation is necessary.
• Persistent Odor: If mold smell remains despite your best efforts, professionals can identify and tackle underlying mold sources effectively.

Whether it's tackling mold smell in walls, clothes, or elsewhere, these tips will help you combat mold odor and reclaim your space from unwanted mustiness.

Contact ABC Environmental Contracting Services in Columbia

If you're facing a significant mold problem in Columbia, MO, don't hesitate to reach out to our mold removal experts for professional assistance. At ABC Environmental Contracting Services in Columbia, we have the expertise and tools to tackle even the toughest mold challenges, restoring your home to its mold-free state. You are just to give us a call at (573) 928-2668 or fill out an online form on our website. We offer 24/7 services, and we’ll be there to remove mold smell and refresh your space before you know it.