How to Get Rid of That Musty Smell in Your Home

Despite Arizona’s generally dry conditions, you may notice a musty smell, especially the first time you turn on the air conditioning for the season. A Phoenix HVAC service can diagnose the units you have and identify if that is the source of the odor. However, that is not the only reason desert homes may have a stale or dank scent. Whether your home is newly built or has stood for decades, here are a few tips to help determine where the smell is coming from and how to get rid of it.

Identify the Source

Put your nose to work and sniff around the house. Is the smell in one room such as a bedroom or family room? Check under and behind furniture, as well as in closets. Smell the carpet or flooring and walls. It is possible that a damp towel or washcloth got missed and it has developed mold. Removing the source can reduce the odor.

If the foul smell comes from the kitchen or a bathroom, sniff the drains. P-traps are the U-shaped pipes under the sink. Over time, they may become clogged with soap scum, hair, toothpaste, and other common debris. Clean the P-trap or use a drain cleaner to remove the build-up. Seldom-used drains may have a bad scent. If you are a snowbird, have someone turn on the water once or twice a month to prevent septic or sewer gases from entering the house.

Does the smell permeate several rooms? Are the room vents the source of the odor? A Phoenix home cooling company can remove the dust and contaminants, improving the smell as well as the air quality in your home.

Increase Ventilation

Once you identify and address the source of the odor, open the windows to clear out the contaminated air. Opening cabinets, closets, and cupboards can help thoroughly air out the house. Sometimes lack of ventilation and dust build-up can cause a stale aroma. Letting in the fresh air can reduce or eliminate the issue. Turn on the central ventilation or bring in fans to get the air moving.

Fix Moisture Issues

If there is a leak or other moisture problem in your HVAC, the musty odor will hang around if it isn’t addressed. Mold can grow in pipes, attics, at the corner of windows, and places that have flooded. Depending on the issue, you may need to hire a professional to handle the project. Once fixed, deep clean the area by using products such as white vinegar and water, baking soda, or commercial cleaning agents. Make sure you use gloves, wear a mask, and ventilate the area to reduce the risk of health issues that could be aggravated by exposure to mildew, mold, and chemicals.

Clean Thoroughly

Sweep the floors and mop with a cleaner made for that particular surface and material. Use a feather duster or damp cloth on ceiling fans, hard surfaces, and to wipe down walls. Vacuum upholstery to get rid of the dust on all household surfaces.

Use Natural Air Fresheners

Boil lemon peels in a pan of water until a lemony fragrance fills the air. Remove the pan from heat and place it in the room you want to air out or wait until the water cools, fill a spray bottle, and spritz around the room. Fans can help increase ventilation. For small areas, such as cupboards or closets, set out a plate of baking soda for up to 24 hours. It can absorb unpleasant odors and moisture.

New Home A/C in Phoenix

If your air conditioner doesn’t work as well as it used to or an odor is coming from your vents, the professionals at Howard Air & Plumbing can help. We install new units and offer a full line of repair and maintenance services that can help your current system last longer. Contact us today at Howard Air & Plumbing in Phoenix to schedule an appointment with our NATE certified technicians.