But it is necessary to deal with this problem to avoid annoying smells getting into your nostrils. Several factors participate in causing a musty smell, such as leakages, a highly humid environment, or improper aeration.
Fortunately, you can get rid of the nastiest smells by following some tips and tricks. In this article, we have shared details on the causes of the musty smell in the house after rain, its harmful impacts, and the ways to eliminate it.
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Why Does My House Smell Musty After Rain
Sometimes it gets difficult to identify the root cause of the musty smell, and without knowing the source, you can’t conclude the right solution. Here are some most common reasons why your house smells musty after rain:
Broken Window Sealant
So, whenever you experience a musty smell after rain, the first thing you should look into is the windows. Keeping fresh air circulation in all rooms is essential to eliminate these smells.
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Musty Smell From Appliances
Appliances such as washing machines, freezers, and refrigerators could be the reason for the musty smell in your house. As these appliances gather water, the lower areas become shelters for molds and mildew due to excessive water accumulation.
You must keep the moisture to a minimum level and use some disinfectants to kill any other pathogen. Sometimes drainage issues in washing machines also cause these smells.
Overly Watered Indoor Plants
No doubt, keeping plants in the house is a great way to get fresh oxygen for breathing, but the problem arises when you put more than needed water into plants.
The water doesn’t seep into the soil and gathers in the pot to cause mold growth. To avoid such circumstances, dry the previously added water and add more if required. Also, make a better way of draining extra water to prevent a musty smell.
Musty Smell Due to Pets
You might be a pet lover and have a variety of them at your home, but pets can cause several problems if not handled attentively. Your pets can bring moisture, mud, or sometimes microorganisms that can provide favorable conditions for the growth of molds.
As pets can’t stay at a particular place and roam around your home, they can spread mold to other areas. The result is a musty smell in your entire house. If your pets are suspected, clean them properly before entering the living area. Wash, clean, and dry their paws to let them be indoors.
Water Leaks Through Roof
Your roof can also be a culprit for the musty smell in the house after rain. Due to cracks or leakages, the water seeps through the roof and can cause several issues if not dealt with on time. How to find out if the problem is with the roof?
- Locate stains on the nearby areas, including ceilings
- Carefully hear if there are water-dropping sounds when it rains.
- Inspect the mold growth on the roof due to high moisture and poor ventilation.
If any of these signs are present on your roof, you must get it fixed immediately.
Clogged Drain Pipes
Cloggings or blockings in the drainage system can gather lots of water to stand in different home areas. The standing water is most suitable for mold and mildews. You will not only be troubled by the musty smell but also experience too much dampness and damage to the materials in that area. Any issue with drains is essential to be fixed to prevent future smells.
How to Get Rid of Musty Smell in House After Rain
The rain itself smells fresh and pleasing, but it can cause a musty smell when it enters your home. Luckily, some ways to get rid of these smells to keep your home’s environment clean and natural.
Spraying Air Freshener
An air freshener is widely used and a temporary way of dealing with musty smells. First, open all the windows and doors of your home to allow proper ventilation, and then spray the air freshener in areas where you feel a strong, musty smell.
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This will work for only some time, but to permanently get rid of this smell, you must try to identify and remove the source of the smell.
Controlling Moisture Levels
Any water leaks through broken pipes or roofs add high amounts of moisture to your home. So you must fix those areas that have leakages or need repairing. If your floor has exposed surfaces, seal them with concrete to remove the musty smell.
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Maintain HVAC System
The air ducts of your air conditioner can get blocked due to several foreign objects that also reduce the system's efficiency by up to 40% or even more. These objects cause microbial growth in air ducts and produce musty smells.
You can fix it by cleaning air ducts, changing filters on a daily basis, and keeping maintenance in check. If you still haven’t gotten rid of a musty smell, the whole HVAC system needs your attention. Repairing or replacing the HVAC system will help in fixing the issue.
Clean Carpets & Curtains
Sometimes wet clothes also start to give off a musty smell. The solution is swapping out carpets and curtains to eliminate stinky smells. Washing and drying will help to a great extent.
Get A Dehumidifier
Installing a dehumidifier in your basement is a great solution against musty smells in the house after rain. A dehumidifier will dry out all the moisture and also prevent microbial growth, including molds, bacteria, and other germs. Keeping the moisture to a minimum level will help keep everything stable.
Is Musty Smell in House Dangerous
Most musty smells result from mold growth breeds in houses' darker and damp places. Though the smell is harmless, it sometimes gets too strong to bear. Mold can cause several health risks, and when you are exposed to them for longer periods, it can cause nasal irritations, allergies, headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Final Thoughts
You might be annoyed by the musty smell in the house after rain, but just like other problems, this one has many solutions. We hope the solutions mentioned in this guide will prove helpful in removing musty, sewer, or other nasty smells.
