How to get rid of Damp smell?

There are many sources of a damp smell in the home. If the issue is limited to a certain space, you can see immediately what the fault is don’t worry, otherwise. We also created a checklist to ensure that any potential perpetrator is addressed. See this article also for more information on how to get rid of damp smell and its results. Heat and moisture are the two big reasons for moisture in your air, so try to keep your air well ventilated to reduce the chance of a wet smell. Keep doors and windows open if you can, and make sure a room does not settle after you cook or bathe.

How Do Kitchen and Bathroom Activities Contribute to Damp Smells?

Everyday activities like cooking and bathing can quickly add extra moisture to the air. From simmering pots to steaming showers, both kitchens and bathrooms tend to trap warm, moist air—making them prime real estate for lingering damp odors if you’re not careful.

To keep things fresh, always use your kitchen’s extractor fans and switch on the bathroom vent when taking a hot shower or bath. This helps whisk away humidity before it can settle and cause that telltale musty smell. Regular airflow is your best friend, especially in these high-moisture areas.

How a Whole House Ventilation System Can Tackle Damp and Mould

If you’ve noticed that simple tricks like cracking the windows aren’t quite cutting it, it might be time to think bigger. While letting in fresh air by opening windows and doors helps, a whole house ventilation system is the real champion when it comes to keeping damp and mould at bay.

These systems work by constantly circulating fresh air throughout your home, balancing humidity levels, and whisking away excess moisture before it gets a chance to settle in. With options like Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) or Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems, they do the hard work for you—moving stale, humid air out and inviting crisp, clean air in. This means condensation, that culprit behind musty smells and peeling paint, doesn’t have a fighting chance.

Not only does a whole house system dry out trouble spots you’ve struggled with in the past (think: persistent patches on walls and ceilings), but it also improves air quality for everyone in the house—ideal if someone’s sensitive to allergens or mould spores. Think of it as setting your home on “autopilot” for fresh, healthy air 24/7, all year round.

What is Penetrating Damp and Where Does It Come From?

While rising damp sneaks up from beneath, there’s another culprit that might be plaguing your home: penetrating damp. Unlike rising damp, which travels upwards through the walls thanks to moisture from the ground, penetrating damp is all about water getting in from the outside—or from rogue leaks inside.

Penetrating damp happens when rainwater, leaks, or persistent moisture seeps through exterior walls, ceilings, or floors. Properties with aging brickwork, worn-out render, or failing guttering are especially at risk. See a suspicious damp patch on a ceiling or wall after a heavy rainfall? That’s penetrating damp making its presence known.

Common sources of penetrating damp include:

• Leaking or overflowing gutters which dump water directly onto your walls
• Cracks in exterior walls or gaps around doors and windows
• Porous or crumbling brickwork, often found in older properties
• Issues with cavity wall insulation or blocked cavities
• Faulty flashing, missing roof tiles, or damaged render

It’s not just the outside to blame—sometimes the culprit is within. Burst pipes, leaky central heating systems, or even a washing machine that’s seen better days can all cause penetrating damp. The tell-tale signs are wet spots that stubbornly return no matter how much you ventilate.

Understanding whether you’re dealing with rising damp or the more horizontal ‘permeate-wherever-it-pleases’ penetrating damp is key for tackling the source, rather than just masking the whiff.

Important steps to the scent of humidity in a room 

Adapt the following steps to the items and surfaces in the room:

Smell your clothes if you have a wardrobe in the room. Try to wash them with a taste of your diluted vinegar solution and your usual laundry detergent on a warm cycle. To ensure that you properly wash each item at the right temperature, check the labels on your clothes. For all bed sheets, curtains, or other items that may contain mildew, you may do the same. When the damp smell seems to be coming from the walls (or there is a place where the damp can be more natural, such as workshop, cellar, and attic), clean your clothes and your water carefully in any moisture patches. Dissolve some baking soda in your water for a little more to extract the mould or, if the issue is serious, add a specialist mould treatment. As always the product label is read first and all safety precautions are given special attention. Test small areas to prevent possible harm

If you find mushrooms inside bathrooms or inside kitchen equipment, wash and clean thoroughly with the washcloth you have picked. Set up a small cup of baking soda for ovens, refrigerators, Hoovers, or any device that could cause your smell – just remember to remove it from your stove before using it again! You may also remove the smells of mildew from a washing machine with a rinse cycle in the detergent box, and a little baking soda.

You will need the following items to minimize the damp smell in a room following the steps above: 

• A bottle full of white vinegar solution (1 part water to 1 part vinegar)
• A Laundromat
• A box of soda bicarbonate (the first attack line to eliminate some kind of odor)
• A Decent toilet, a good household cleaning product that you add to any protection standards according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

1. Find the spring

The first step in removing mouths is to decide from where the scent comes. A little bit sniffing is the scent from one room, or did it spread into other rooms in the house? Look for some possible scent causers, including food that has spilt behind the couch. You may need to employ a professional to inspect your room if you are unable to locate the source.

Why You Shouldn’t Dry Clothes Indoors or Overfill Wardrobes

It may be tempting to hang your freshly washed clothes inside—especially when rainclouds gather outside or you’re in a hurry. However, drying clothes indoors releases quite a lot of moisture into the air. This extra humidity often settles on the coldest surfaces nearby—think windowsills, corners, and behind furniture—creating the perfect breeding ground for that telltale damp smell (not to mention sneaky mould patches).

Similarly, overstuffed wardrobes and cupboards prevent air from circulating around your clothes and belongings. When items are tightly packed together, pockets of stagnant air form, locking in moisture. This trapped moisture is a big contributor to musty odours and can even encourage mildew to take hold—especially in dark or seldom-used corners.

For best results:

• Dry laundry outdoors when possible, or use a well-ventilated area indoors with a dehumidifier.
• Leave space between items in wardrobes and cupboards so fresh air can flow freely—your clothes (and nose) will thank you!

By keeping these spaces less crowded and your drying routine in check, you’ll go a long way towards banishing unwanted damp smells from your home.

Inspections and Checks to Diagnose Damp Problems

When you suspect dampness in your home, it helps to take a careful, methodical approach to figure out exactly what’s going on. Here are some typical checks and measurements you—or a professional—should consider:

• Assess visible condensation and mould: Examine windows, skirting boards, and hidden corners for signs of mould, mildew, or persistent condensation.
• Measure humidity levels: Use a hygrometer or humidity sensor to check the relative humidity in each room. High readings (generally over 60 percent) can indicate moisture problems lurking out of sight.
• Look for leaks and obvious water ingress: Check around sinks, bathroom fixtures, under appliances, and near external walls for water stains or pooling.
• Investigate building materials: Some professionals use moisture meters to detect excess damp in walls, floors, or ceilings—helpful for hidden issues you can’t spot by eye.
• Identify underlying causes: Are there any musty smells near vents, or signs of rising damp (like peeling wallpaper, salt marks, or bubbling paint near the floor)? These may be clues that the damp has a structural cause.

Completing these checks makes it much easier to work out where the problem is coming from, and what steps you’ll need to take next to banish that damp smell for good.

What to Look for in a Damp or Mould Survey

When checking your home for sources of dampness or mould, it’s important to be methodical and thorough. Here’s what a proper home survey should assess:

• Signs of condensation on windows, walls, and ceilings
• Evidence of mould growth, especially in corners, behind furniture, or anywhere with poor airflow
• Measurement of humidity levels in different rooms (aim for below 60% relative humidity)
• Hidden causes, such as leaks from plumbing, roofs, or appliances
• Areas where air circulation is blocked or ventilation is inadequate

After identifying these issues, a clear plan of action can be set up to address the underlying causes.

2. Lets in fresh air

The best way to help remove the scent of musty in your home is to open your windows! Letting in the fresh air will do a positive world when it comes to how your house smells. And make sure that all the windows and blinds are opened, both for ventilation and some sunlight. Letting in the fresh air will do a positive world when it comes to how your house smells. And make sure that all the windows and blinds are opened, both for ventilation and some sunlight. You can also take it a step further by opening all the interior doors, cupboards, cabinets, and closets so that they can all get some fresh air. And when it comes to musty smells, sometimes fresh air is what you need!

Why Windows Open and Doors Closed Matter When Cleaning Mould

When it comes time to tackle mould on your walls, proper ventilation—and a bit of clever door management—makes a big difference. Opening your windows is essential because it keeps fresh air flowing, helping to clear away those pesky mould spores and to minimize strong odours from any cleaning agents you might use (especially if there’s bleach involved). Meanwhile, it’s a smart move to keep interior doors shut during the cleaning process. Why? This simple step helps prevent mould spores from drifting into other parts of your house, saving you from extra cleaning down the line.

Remember, a window open means spores (and smells) head outside; a door closed means the rest of your home stays protected! Before you get scrubbing, don’t forget eye protection, gloves, a face covering, and maybe even some less-fancy clothing—mould and bleach are not known for their fashion sense.

3. Let the Air Travel

Musty smells are more likely to occur in rooms that are dark, humid, or wet. You can boost the conditions of these kinds of rooms by running a fan to keep the air moving! Run ventilation fans in your kitchen and bathroom on a regular basis to prevent musty smells from forming. In rooms with minimal ventilation, such as the attic or laundry room, consider bringing in a small electric fan to get the air moving.

Consider Advanced Ventilation Solutions

For those facing persistent condensation and humidity troubles, advanced ventilation systems can make a world of difference. Modern options like Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) units and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems are designed to keep excess moisture at bay while ensuring a consistently fresh indoor climate.

• Positive Input Ventilation (PIV): These systems work by gently introducing filtered air from outside into your home, diluting and displacing stale, damp air. This continuous airflow helps to prevent the build-up of condensation on walls and ceilings—no more waking up to puddles on the windowsill. Major brands such as Nuaire and Vent-Axia offer PIV solutions suitable for most homes.
• Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR): For those seeking both moisture control and energy efficiency, MVHR units are a step up. These systems extract warm, moist air from areas prone to humidity (like bathrooms and kitchens), passing it through a heat exchanger before it leaves your home. At the same time, they draw in fresh air from outside, warming it via the reclaimed heat—ideal for keeping those heating bills in check. Zehnder and Airflow are among the established manufacturers.

By investing in one of these systems, you’ll enjoy balanced humidity levels, improved indoor air quality, and reduced risk of dampness or mold year-round—especially handy if you live somewhere where rainy weather and steamed-up windows are regular guests at the table.

4. Find the Duster

Dust is a common source of musty smells, so grab the dust tool of your choice and get clean! Try to think about areas you might not have recently dusted, like behind chairs, on top of your ceiling fans or the tops of your door frames.

5. Pick up your home

If the smell of musty is not taken care of by dusting, a more thorough cleaning can help. Make sure you clean and mop hard floors and vacuum carpets! And when you’re tidying up, make sure you have your eyes open for possible sources of scent.

6. Using the Odor Eliminator

If the scent of musty appears to emanate from a small area like a closet or cupboard, take some baking soda! Put a small baking soda dish in the enclosed area for up to 24 hours. Baking soda absorbs extra moisture and odors, leaving foods smelling much fresher. You can also render my homemade disinfectant discs containing soda and essential oils! Learn how to make it through the link below.

7. Using a filtered air freshener

There are plenty of ways to make your home smell fresher and cleaner without resorting to pricey store air fresheners! If you want to use essential oils, citrus peels, baking soda, or even house plants, you’re sure to find your new favorite air freshener among the choices on the page below!

Tips to extract Musty Smell from the cloth:

Apply a cup of bleach or a cup of baking soda to the odors-fighting spray. About using a clothesline to dry your clothes outdoors and get a new outside smell. Using half a cup of pine-scented cleaner in the washer (the fragrance of pine would be lost after a loop in the dryer).

1. White vinegar
2. Baking Soda 
3. Odor Remover Enzyme
4. Sunlight

Fortunately, a variety of approaches may help to remove the scent and clean the air in the space. Follow this easy guide to know-how and tricks to get rid of the damp smells in your home for good. Mould stench can be unpleasant, but becoming accustomed to the scent of mildew, particularly if air conditioning is present, does and does occur. AC units vacuum up the air and dilute the fusty smell to a point where it might be overlooked. Some are all right, thanks to the aromas, but damp poses a danger to those living in the house.  A strong, musty smell is often the first sign—think of the pungent tang that lingers in old basements or forgotten laundry. That scent isn’t just unpleasant; it’s a red flag for hidden mould and mildew, quietly thriving out of sight. Beyond the olfactory offense, these damp smells can spell trouble for your health, aggravating asthma and allergies and prompting sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. So while some scents may be harmless, a damp odour is one to take seriously.

Firstly we need to differentiate between Moulds and Musty Smell:

The only way you can differentiate the two is by the frequency of the scent. Although the scent of mildew is weaker than that of mould, it can be very repulsive.

• Inspect the things you would usually overlook.
• Pinpoint the cause of the scent of dampness.
• Check places where condensation builds up, such as walls in near-bathroom rooms, Air vents, Air pipes, behind large pieces of furniture, look at the window sills, check the carpets, cloths, curtains, and the books. Check where the light does not dissipate and the air scarcely flows.
• Using your nose to count the number of rooms where you have fusty smells. If you notice dampness in all the rooms, it may be a sign of structural failure and also have an effect on the house.

You don’t need a lot of wet smell to feel sick, but getting used to is a real-life situation. Mould prefers humidity-rich and light-low settings, but it can also grow in conditions confined to dark, damp smell, and warm compartments. Upgrade yourself to throw your old belongings into the dumpster. Exposed materials and fabrics can maintain both spores and odor unless they are properly handled. Newspapers, magazines, table runners, and many more could end up as well as garbage if they were infested without interference.

A leaky or condensing pipe and mildew may occur where months may pass before red flags occur. The quicker you get rid of the source, the easier you leave a moist scent behind. Four of the most frequent conditions are leaky drains, faucets, sinks, bad insulation, and condensation-heavy conditions. Often, clogged gutters will make the situation worse and create the smell of moisture, so be sure to check and clean them if necessary.

Tips to keep the damp smell away and to prevent the mildew from growing in the long term: 

And sure you’ve still got fresh air in circulation.

Ventilate the rooms on a daily basis.

Open compartments, such as cupboards, drawers, shelves, etc.

Wipe the wet areas with a combination of water and bleach.

Pay particular attention to the toilets and the surrounding sink areas.

Utilizing air purifiers and dehumidifiers to avoid condensation at home.

How to work with the odor of musty in the Homemade form.

Keep the charcoal in the pot. Cover the usual jar and leave it close to the source of the smell. Leave it to absorb unpleasant odors for a week. Charcoal does not influence the humidity level in the air. You’re going to have to repeat the process and one-time remedies can’t get rid of a wet smell in the long run.

Cook or heat the lemon or the lemon peels. If the fragrance of the lemons is created, turn off your stove and leave the freshly boiled mixture in the space of your choosing. Do not leave the bowl unattended and there is a chance of burns and flames. When the mixture has cooled off, pour it in a spray bottle, and spread all over your house.

Just use the cat litter. It has an average period of use of around two weeks, but it does a better job of removing fusty smells.

Using some roasted coffee. It’s a great absorber, and it’s going to help you conquer a faint smell. Ground coffee is going to work with a moist scent, but not a moulds stench. And keep in mind that this is a temporary solution. If the DIY air freshener is removed, you can only use it to cook with the leftovers as a fertilizer.

Make sure you let the wind flow into your home every couple of days. Fresh air and mould seldom stop.

To get rid of a damp smell in a room, follow the following guidelines:

Open your wardrobes and check your clothes piece by piece. If you notice some damp smell, wash the fragrant parts by adding a little vinegar combined with your laundry detergent.

Apply the same approach to your bedding, sheets, curtains, pillows, etc.

Inspect the walls and treat every infected area with a mixture of water and baking soda.

Scrub any window sill mould with a brush, dipped in a solution of bleach and warm water.

Check all the bathroom and kitchen sinkholes for signs of mould and scrub until the top layer falls off.

For cookers, stand-alone ovens, refrigerators, freezers, or other appliances, fill a cup of soda and let it stay overnight.

Add a little soda to the dishwashers and washing machines and run it for a few cycles.

With the advice above, you should now have a good idea of how to bring home freshness and forget about the smell of the mould – enjoy it!

If you’re too busy or just can’t get those smells out of the dishwasher, Book today @dirt2tidy.com.au When you want to help clean up your dishwasher, a local professional comes along!

Stubborn dishwasher smells can be a real headache. Sure, you’ve scrubbed, wiped, and run every “eco” cycle known to humankind, but that persistent damp odour just hangs around like an uninvited guest. Often, moisture is to blame—leftover water, clogged filters, or sneaky food particles can all add up to that not-so-fresh scent.

Keeping your kitchen well ventilated and making sure your dishwasher is dry between uses can help stop those smells from settling in. But if you’ve tried all the usual tricks and the stink is still staging a sit-in, there might be a bigger issue at play. Think hidden leaks or blocked drainage—sometimes, it’s more than surface deep.

If you’re out of ideas, don’t sweat it. That’s exactly what local pros are for. Book today at @dirt2tidy.com.au and wave goodbye to stubborn smells.