How can you quickly remove the smell of dampness and mold in an apartment or house?

A persistent unpleasant smell of dampness indicates a pathologically high level of humidity in the apartment, and over time this can develop into serious problems. Before you try to get rid of the smell of mold in a room, you need to understand the cause of its occurrence. The use of masking flavors in this case is strictly prohibited, because only aggravates the situation, creating a more favorable environment for the development of fungus. Only after eliminating the cause of the phenomenon is it permissible to use air fresheners of industrial or natural origin.

woman cleaning the wall from mold

Reasons for the development of the phenomenon and methods of their prevention

There can be several factors that provoke the appearance of a persistent characteristic aroma in the house - from quite banal to the most unexpected:

  1. The premises were flooded as a result of heavy rainfall, careless actions of neighbors, and a leak in the roof.
  2. A water supply or heating pipe has broken.
  3. The ventilation system in the house is very poor.
  4. The walls have low quality heat and waterproofing.
  5. In some cases, increased air humidity in the apartment is a consequence of excessive interest in growing flowers without taking appropriate mandatory measures.
  6. The smell of mold and dampness in living rooms can come from the bathroom or kitchen.

Even if there is no risk of influence from the listed factors, it is necessary to regularly ventilate all rooms in the apartment, especially remote and closed ones. To prevent or eliminate problems in your home, you can install an air conditioner that regulates not only the temperature, but also the humidity level. Additionally, it is recommended to use and regularly renew natural absorbents (activated carbon, salt and soda).

mold on the windows

General cleaning using a vinegar solution, bleach or ammonia will help quickly remove the smell of mold. As a finishing touch, it is recommended to diffuse a weak solution of essential oil into the air after each cleaning. This will not only refresh the atmosphere, but also inhibit the proliferation of microorganisms.

How to eliminate the feeling of dampness left after a flood?

After a serious flood, repairs have to be made. In this case, the room is first dried, then work is carried out to eliminate all traces of mold, and as a final manipulation, the walls are primed with compounds with antibacterial additives.

How to get rid of the smell of dampness after minor flooding of the walls, ceiling or floor in the apartment:

  • The humidity level is checked, based on the results of which a heater or special dryer is installed in the room.
  • The affected areas are treated with profile odor absorbers. They can be purchased at a hardware or hardware store.
  • All hard-to-reach places in the house are inspected for signs of mold (behind wallpaper, under linoleum and carpets).
  • To prevent the appearance of a damp smell, it is recommended to dry all textiles in the room, from upholstered furniture to clothing items.

mold in the corner of the room

All surfaces are additionally treated with a weak vinegar solution, which can eliminate subtle notes of dampness. In the case of multi-layer products (pillows, furniture), it is better to additionally treat the material with antibacterial compounds.

Advice: All of the above manipulations must be carried out in conditions of good air movement. If the ventilation does not work for some reason, and ventilation is not possible due to the season, you need to install several fans and use them to achieve the desired effect.

How to quickly get rid of the smell of dampness in the bathroom, closet, basement of the house?

The appearance of signs of mold and dampness in an apartment is not always a consequence of accidents. Most often, failures in creating optimal living conditions act as provoking factors.

mold on the windows

How to get rid of the smell of dampness in the most problematic areas of the house:

  • Bathroom. First of all, the tile seams are damaged, which is the result of poor operation of the hood. In this case, it is necessary to debug the operation of the ventilation system, otherwise the unpleasant phenomenon will constantly return and gradually its consequences will manifest itself throughout the house. In addition, you will need to think about installing a high-quality towel dryer and systematically ventilate the room. It is best to clean surfaces using a steam cleaner or compounds containing bleach.
  • Wardrobe. At the first stage, all things are taken out of the closet, shaken up and dried in the fresh air. This may take up to 2-3 days, but the result will be optimal.The inner walls of the device should be wiped with a weak vinegar solution and left with the doors open until it dries completely and the sharp, specific aroma disappears. If traces of mold appear on items of clothing, then before drying the laundry is washed, and after drying it is treated with a hot iron.
  • Basement. Before getting rid of the smell of dampness in a house with a basement, you must first inspect this particular room. Often, to obtain the desired effect, it is necessary to carry out major work, which involves replacing pipes and updating the insulation of walls and ceilings. Usually it is difficult to cope with this on your own; you have to contact companies that carry out the relevant work. People living in an apartment on the ground floor often face the same problem.

basement

The fight against dampness is a complex, troublesome and lengthy process. If the problem arose once, then without making appropriate changes to the organization of everyday life, you will have to face it again. Only with an integrated and consistent approach should you count on such a desired result.

leave a comment
  1. Kate

    Thank you for the article

  2. Nikolay

    Good afternoon, we were then on the 1st floor, it seems to have dried out, the smell of dampness is a little on the wall, please tell me how to get rid of it

  3. Veronica

    Oh, we suffered a lot with this mold, but we still got it out =) But to eliminate its smell, I can recommend ORGONE HOME, it will eliminate it quickly and for a long time. But again, I repeat, this product will help with the smell, but not with the mold itself. Good luck!

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