View Full Version : How to remove musty smell in my house
Any ideas?
I dry washing in the house and my bathroom floor gets wet after showering but the house smells musty and damp?
My bed always seems to smell musty too and washing on floor which is dirty.
Any ideas how to get rid of this smell it's causing me anxiety..
MyNameIsTerry
08-06-17, 02:17
Hi Phil,
Could it be mold? Or just damp?
You could try covering up smells in carpets, beds, chairs, etc with things like odour eliminators or maybe have something in there to keep refreshing the air. But if it's something causing it then it depends what it is as to how you sort that root cause.
Any ideas?
Increase the ventilation in the home. Keep the bathroom window open a little & also the window in the room where washing is dried. When ever possible dry clothes outside.
What I don't understand is in my parents house where I use to stay I soaked the floor and it never smelt.
Also my bed sheets also smell musty. The tumble dryer I got about six months back that leaves clothes with a horrible odour too.
I try to keep the place clean but there's so many musty smells from the drains and washing or bed linen.
I have air fresheners but none are that effecttivd and plug in ones I don't always plug them in..
[QUOTE=phil06;1685814]What I don't understand is in my parents house where I use to stay I soaked the floor and it never smelt.
Also my bed sheets also smell musty. The tumble dryer I got about six months back that leaves clothes with a horrible odour too.
I try to keep the place clean but there's so many musty smells from the drains and washing or bed linen.
I have air fresheners but none are that effecttivd and plug in ones I don't
It could be worth trying a dehumidifier, you can get basic ones that are not too expensive. I always open windows after showers/ baths to get rid of moisture.
A cheap way of getting rid of odours is using bicarb of soda. You can sprinkle it on carpets, mattresses, etc. Leave for some time & vacuum off.
You could try cleaning your dryer, making sure filters etc are clean. We have a condenser & find it helps to shake the damp items out during the drying cycle, helps thingsave dry quicker. I know some people use a sock filled with bicarb of soda & tied in the dryer to absorb smells but haven't tried that one!
Sometimes the odour can be because the washing machine is needing cleaned. Clean the drawer & seals & pour a cup of white vinegar into drum, do a hot cycle. Hope this helps a little x
Come on Phil all these things are easily remedied :)
Iwant2bhealthy
10-06-17, 23:19
I try to keep the place clean but there's so many musty smells from the drains and washing or bed linen.
Not sure what to do with the dryer/bedsheets issue but I think I can help with the drains. Twice a day (or whenever you make a tea) pour at least 1 liter of boiling water down the drain. It worked for me when I was living in a students house with super old plumbing.
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I have a horrible smell come from the washing machine. I have done a 90degrees wash, but still stinks. tried the smelly stuff, but lingers on washing and makes me sneeze. give up.:mad:
Clean all the drains with drain cleaner. Open the windows. Don't leave dirty clothes lying around - get a linen basket with a lid to put them in. How often do you wash your bed linen - once a week ? If you have carpets on the floor, buy some shake n vac next time you hoover. Put some vinegar on towels and put in the tumble drier to dry - that will remove any odour. Buy a washing machine cleaner and use it as per instructions. Febreze spray for curtains and soft furnishings. Don't forget dirty trainers - buy stuff to freshen them or use febreze.
Do you smoke - open the windows more. And plug in your airfreshners.
Is there black mould on any of the walls?
Clean all the drains with drain cleaner. Open the windows. Don't leave dirty clothes lying around - get a linen basket with a lid to put them in. How often do you wash your bed linen - once a week ? If you have carpets on the floor, buy some shake n vac next time you hoover. Put some vinegar on towels and put in the tumble drier to dry - that will remove any odour. Buy a washing machine cleaner and use it as per instructions. Febreze spray for curtains and soft furnishings. Don't forget dirty trainers - buy stuff to freshen them or use febreze.
Do you smoke - open the windows more. And plug in your airfreshners.
Is there black mould on any of the walls?
I don't smoke.
Some mold on bathroom tiles but I clean that regularly and I have to reprint my ceiling all the time.
I don't know why the floor smells can it be the floor boards? Does vinyl floor smell after a while?
I don't understand the sheets smell is my washing machine bust? It's only a year and a half old. Or do you smell worse as you get older that's my theory maybe I don't smell as good. When I had a breakdown I had night sweats so the sheets use to smell awful. It seems my body gives off all sorts of odours i never had this issue in the past.
I use carpet vac but only have carpets in one room rest is laminate floor. I don't use bleach due to my OCD maybe I need more bleach? I don't use washing machine cleaner as it contains bleach so I would worry my clothes would be bleached.
---------- Post added at 22:39 ---------- Previous post was at 22:38 ----------
Also my sheets come out the wash smell fresh day later after a sleep they smell musty?
MyNameIsTerry
12-06-17, 01:28
I have a horrible smell come from the washing machine. I have done a 90degrees wash, but still stinks. tried the smelly stuff, but lingers on washing and makes me sneeze. give up.:mad:
Is it limescale, Magic? Does it need a good cleaning out?
We always use that Calgon stuff each wash to prevent it.
Iwant2bhealthy
13-06-17, 08:11
Also my sheets come out the wash smell fresh day later after a sleep they smell musty?
This indicates that the problem is not with the washing machine but with the air in the house. You probably have mold or moisture in the house. In this case, no matter how good and how often you clean it won't change much.
You can treat the walls with a solution of vinegar, or if the problem is really big with a solution of bleach. You would have to scrap the paint of once the fungus is dead (the paint will chip off anyway) and repaint them with a mold resistant paint.
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try opening the windows and pick the dirty washing of the floor , plus mop the bathroom floor for water till its dry. All this advice should come naturally to you unless your lazy:wall:
Hmm several causes probably. Is it rented accommodation? If curtains are always drawn this will create problems I know this as a house across the road me from had serious damp and mould problems why curtains always closed and now windows were aver opened had to be redecorated through out. new people have moved and do exactly the same the same some ppl never learn . 1. Open your windows it is summer after all, 2 check drains aren't partialy blocked and use a heavy duty drain cleaner :) 3. Don't leave dirty clothes lying around get a laundry basket! 4. Any excess water lying on tiiled or lino/carpets will break down and stink after a while so mop it up straight away, plus it's a slip hazard and you could hurt your self :eek:.5. Dry your clothes out side on a line or clothes dryer. Are there any air bricks in the house? This is a comprehensive list so you should see improvements in the air quality :) Cheers
Is it limescale, Magic? Does it need a good cleaning out?
We always use that Calgon stuff each wash to prevent it.
Thanks Terry will try the Calgon. I have had the washer only fourteen months and there is only two of us.:hugs:
Still where we live in SOT it's very hard water area and lime scale doesn't smell as such but Calgon will extend the life of the washing machine a lot :) Dettol Laundry cleaner will freshen things up some what too :) Cheers
MyNameIsTerry
14-06-17, 01:38
Magic/Dave, my GF's area sometimes takes it's water from a borehole. She said the water smelled & tasted aweful. They had to use those Britta filters to use it.
Is there anything like that? Or even the water coming into the washing machine e.g. limescale up the pipe that goes to the back?
basic hygiene is what's lacking here. 14 month you had your washer and there only 2 of you , there is only 2 of us and the washer is on every day , and we smell sweet has morning dew :shades:
MyNameIsTerry
14-06-17, 09:23
Crikey Brian, you must be best mates with the iron then! Three of us, one big wash a week...then lots of annoyed glances at the pile of ironing.
I can see Lister on Red Dwarf now...He used to turn his boxers inside out and use a hammer on them before he would wash them. :roflmao:
Magic/Dave, my GF's area sometimes takes it's water from a borehole. She said the water smelled & tasted aweful. They had to use those Britta filters to use it.
Is there anything like that? Or even the water coming into the washing machine e.g. limescale up the pipe that goes to the back? Terry it's remotely possible I guess, but saying that if Magic ran some water in a glass/cup and smells it first then if it doesn't smell it cant be the incoming water supply.Does sound like a blockage though in the washing machine even a small one can cause a build up of bacteria so the pump in the washing machine the pipe leading from that and the actual drain pipe that the pipe taking the waste water out all needs looking at. So I would check the last 2 pipes first the main drain pipe behind the machine and any traps and the out let pipe from the machine first at least rule those out first :) Cheers
Crikey Brian, you must be best mates with the iron then! Three of us, one big wash a week...then lots of annoyed glances at the pile of ironing.
I can see Lister on Red Dwarf now...He used to turn his boxers inside out and use a hammer on them before he would wash them. :roflmao:
Terry, my missus is a washing freak , im always looking for things i just took off and the in the washer i may have had it on 1 hour and is gone to the washer, i buy the cheapest new washers because she blows them up in a year. she has routine ( knicker day, tracky bottom day, sheet day, shirt day any time, blouse and ski pant day, sock day, ect ect ect) :wall:
Will pull the washer out and have a good look at the plumbing of it. Is a hard water area. In other parts of England and Wales the water is much softer. Not been to
Scotland so I don't know about there.
I have bought some of that Dettol rinse Bigboy, but will try other when I remember.
I don't use the washer unless I have some washing to wash. that means a full load
I would not want a big electricity bill and pick a good day as I use a washing line.
We both have plenty of clothes and underwear, also enough bedding and towels to start a shop.
Thank you for tips Terry and BB.
Iwant2bhealthy
14-06-17, 22:45
I really don't understand how could it be the water or the washing machine if your laundry comes out smelling fresh. :-/
Will pull the washer out and have a good look at the plumbing of it. Is a hard water area. In other parts of England and Wales the water is much softer. Not been to
Scotland so I don't know about there.
I have bought some of that Dettol rinse Bigboy, but will try other when I remember.
I don't use the washer unless I have some washing to wash. that means a full load
I would not want a big electricity bill and pick a good day as I use a washing line.
We both have plenty of clothes and underwear, also enough bedding and towels to start a shop.
Thank you for tips Terry and BB. DETTOL rinse is 1 off the best ,bang it in :yesyes::yesyes::yesyes:
DETTOL rinse is 1 off the best ,bang it in :yesyes::yesyes::yesyes: Not according to the adverts on tv use it in every wash :) Cheers Np Magic hope you find it helps you :) Cheers
I really don't understand how could it be the water or the washing machine if your laundry comes out smelling fresh. :-/
Yes washing comes out smelling fresh. Done some washing this morning.
will Dettol final rinse.
Washer still smells.:shrug: Will be getting some Calgon shopping day see if that helps. I have the washer insured, so I could give them a ring see what they say. It's one of them phones call that says --press this --press that and so on, so it could be a long wait.
In the meantime the washer door is closed. No smell when closed.
MyNameIsTerry
15-06-17, 15:27
Magic,
Our last one has a little door on the front, bottom right. The new one hasn't. It used to get a collection of water in it so needed sorting out from time to time.
Could it be anything like that?
Magic,
Our last one has a little door on the front, bottom right. The new one hasn't. It used to get a collection of water in it so needed sorting out from time to time.
Could it be anything like that? Good point Terry if water is collecting some where then bacteria will build up hence a smell. Magic check around the door seal make sure that is dry after every wash I always keep the door open slightly to allow clean air in to the machine, still think it the drain off pipe that is connected to the main drain is there a trap/u bend that needs cleaning out? Cheers
Still got smells in the house
Some rooms smell of clean washing. My tumble dryer makes clothes smell bad how can I fix this?
The bathroom still has a smell not as bad even with new floor? Should I get an industrial cleaner in?
Still got smells in the house
Some rooms smell of clean washing. My tumble dryer makes clothes smell bad how can I fix this?
The bathroom still has a smell not as bad even with new floor? Should I get an industrial cleaner in? Hi Nothing wrong clean laundry smells don't you put your clothes away in a drawer etc? As for your tumble dryer you can get tumble dryer sheets that will make it smell nice. AS for your bath room do you have window(s) in there or a air brick get your self a steam mop and regularly the floor is it carpet or tiled? If it's carpet rip it up HTH :) Cheers
MyNameIsTerry
03-08-17, 19:18
Can others smell it? And is it as strong to them?
The only reason I ask is that anxiety can heighten senses, and it is known to also create phantom noxious smells as seen in research. I'm not doubting you but I'm wondering if it's not quite add strong as you are currently finding it because your anxiety has been higher recently. I can remember how I had that issue with bright light & sound when my anxiety was much stronger.
---------- Post added at 19:18 ---------- Previous post was at 19:16 ----------
Just to add, washing can smell aged after. It can be what you use or whether the machines need a clean too. People use things to keep limescale down like Calgon.
Sometimes ours smells stronger but you can get rid of it by giving them a good airing before putting them away. It can takes days sometimes.
Hi Nothing wrong clean laundry smells don't you put your clothes away in a drawer etc? As for your tumble dryer you can get tumble dryer sheets that will make it smell nice. AS for your bath room do you have window(s) in there or a air brick get your self a steam mop and regularly the floor is it carpet or tiled? If it's carpet rip it up HTH :) Cheers
I tried tumble dryer sheets it made no difference.
I ripped the floor up and got tiles it was vinyl. The toilet always smells despite me cleaning it. I don't keep windows open all the time though.
Sometimes the washing smells damp though or it's got that horrible tumble dryer smell. It's only six months old but considering chucking it and getting a new one.
---------- Post added at 19:26 ---------- Previous post was at 19:22 ----------
Can others smell it? And is it as strong to them?
The only reason I ask is that anxiety can heighten senses, and it is known to also create phantom noxious smells as seen in research. I'm not doubting you but I'm wondering if it's not quite add strong as you are currently finding it because your anxiety has been higher recently. I can remember how I had that issue with bright light & sound when my anxiety was much stronger.
---------- Post added at 19:18 ---------- Previous post was at 19:16 ----------
Just to add, washing can smell aged after. It can be what you use or whether the machines need a clean too. People use things to keep limescale down like Calgon.
Sometimes ours smells stronger but you can get rid of it by giving them a good airing before putting them away. It can takes days sometimes.
My partner can't smell it as much but my parents can. Under the cupboard was leaking a while back and it smells a bit. I cleaned the floor with soapy water but it's made no odds.
The house just never smells fresh it's a flat so the hall doesn't have a window this annoys me. Putting plug in air fresheners help but I don't use them 24 hours a day.
The bathroom does get wet but not as much and the titles dry quicker. It's not the floor then not the wall tiles so it must be drains or toilet how can a smell linger so long? I know my damp towels In the bathroom don't help but even without it's not great still a smell. I can't go out and leave window open so either..
MyNameIsTerry
03-08-17, 19:34
Maybe you need dehumidifier solutions in the bathroom?
Do you vent out from the dryer too? We've got one that's moveable as we don't have space in the kitchen. This way we can keep it in the bathroom when not in use. But we bought one of those boxes with balls in and a vent tube that you put out of the window and it gets rid of loads of condensation/steam when in use.
Maybe you need dehumidifier solutions in the bathroom?
Do you vent out from the dryer too? We've got one that's moveable as we don't have space in the kitchen. This way we can keep it in the bathroom when not in use. But we bought one of those boxes with balls in and a vent tube that you put out of the window and it gets rid of loads of condensation/steam when in use.
It's a condensing dryer so we don't have the tube I just wish I could fix the smell. It's had this smell since it's been new?
Yes I have mould on ceiling I have to clean every week that doesn't help. I was thinking a specialist cleaner might source out the smell?
It's damp Phil. Open windows while you're at home and hang washing outside to dry
MyNameIsTerry
04-08-17, 02:21
I agree with Phuzella. You shouldn't be cleaning mould off constantly, that's your problem. It can stink too.
A while back I made a protein drink with some powder & water. Stupid me, I forget about it and left the bottle somewhere where I didn't see if for a couple of weeks. It newly took my head off when I opened it. I didn't want to poor it down a drain so used the toilet. I not someone who gags but I could feel it it a bit doing this and it stunk the bathroom out for hours despite windows open full and lots of air freshener but I didn't want it to burst in the bin. I could smell it on my clothes for hours later in any room in the house.
I would suggest you look at ventilation. The windows are the solution. You can also use things to dehumidify that could help you.
Honestly Phil, too much moisture isn't healthy you know.
Update
I got a new carpet and repainted the room that had the ant infestation.
However there’s still a smell of the ant stuff they used to remove it why is this?
Also still a funny smell lingers in the rest of the house like stale burgers.
Why do these smells linger? I stay in a flat and there’s no hall window so I feel this doesn’t help and it’s too cold to leave windows open this time of year.
Where Can I root out these smells? Surely it can’t be on anything it must be some sort of ploom which won’t go away?
burn you house and claim insurance, its a shit hole man you have been posting: months :wacko::wacko::wacko:
That's a ridiculous answer even as a joke! Phil has serious OCD problems that he needs to get help for I even posted a website for him to look at, Phil can I ask you have had a look at the site yet? BTW Phil and Lola-Lee if you are both renting the properties you live in it's the landlords responsabilty in the uk at least to sort it out I suggest you both have a word with your respective landlords ATB
That's a ridiculous answer even as a joke! Phil has serious OCD problems that he needs to get help for I even posted a website for him to look at, Phil can I ask you have had a look at the site yet? BTW Phil and Lola-Lee if you are both renting the properties you live in it's the landlords responsabilty in the uk at least to sort it out I suggest you both have a word with your respective landlords ATB
OCD I can see that all the more reason to get a sterile rental instead of beating yourself up every day over a shit hole, the points he made are valid the only way he will find peace is to move. you are prolonging the agony for him every post and that's no joke .:shades:
OCD I can see that all the more reason to get a sterile rental instead of beating yourself up every day over a shit hole, the points he made are valid the only way he will find peace is to move. you are prolonging the agony for him every post and that's no joke .:shades: Actually I personally don't think it will help long term as any place he goes to will get contaminated to people with out OCD it wouldnt be a problem
but with phils condition (which wont go away on its own) it could easily become a problem eventually his OCD needs treating imho what do others think? ATB
Phil will take his OCD with him wherever he goes. His OCD is entrenched and in my opinion he will need specialised and lengthy therapy. It's so complex and terribly distressing.
what do others think? ATB
That rabbit hole has been filled in years ago. He'll need professionals to help dig him out and even then, there are roots wrapped around him that need to be dealt with.
Positive thoughts
I think only better ventilation can help in this case, plus you cat try to burn essential oils to make smell better.
I had ants in a bedroom a few months ago got a guy out to spray it however despite new carpet and fresh painting the smell hasn’t left.
Anybody give me any advice on how I can remove the smell? Should I try keeping the window open daily?
---------- Post added at 20:06 ---------- Previous post was at 20:04 ----------
Also bathroom still smells a bit as the floor gets wet.
Is it a case of keeping windows open it’s cold this time of year that’s the issue?
At this time of year it's so expensive to have the heating on I know as I had my bathroom decorated so had heating on more than normal to dry the paint quicker ;) Iam dreading my direct debit going up because of this normally I will sit in a cold house apart from one room where my coal fire is and only have the heating on 1 hr before I go to bed. And Iam not the only one who does this ATB
Lift your mattress and look under it. I think I will always suggest this first because we had a forest of mold that we were sleeping on but I think we were a special case! Lol. Look on, in and behind all furniture for mould patches. If any are there, treat them with anti mould spray and if needed, anti mould paint. Look in the corners of the ceiling. Is there mould there? Take your clothing out of your drawers and look for any mouldy pieces. Turns out I hadn't fully dried a piece of clothing when I put it in there and it grew mould on it even though the rest was fine but it was causing a mouldy smell in my drawers. Get a dehumidifier. Ventilate, Ventilate, Ventilate. Especially in rooms you keep doors closed on most of he time. In the bathroom, open the window after every shower or bath, then close it later. Make sure you have a bathmat to step onto in he bathroom. Give it a wash regularly. Have a day where you ventilate every room thoroughly to kickstart things and then close the windows and heat the house to a comfortable temperature again. Then every day after, ventilate for a bit, and close the windows again to retain heat. Try to add ventilating into your daily routine. Also, a warm house is usually a dry house. So try to keep it warm and dry between ventilations. Those are just some tips.
Yes I had moult on the back of drawers so I had to clean this.
Could an extractor fan in bathroom help? I have a feeling the washing machine could smell. Perhaps that’s making a smell in the house?
My hallway has no window so that doesn’t help and the kitchen door is a folding door so it doesn’t fully close so food smells don’t leave the house well.
Hi Phil, there are different things you can buy from the supermarket for a smelly washing machine. I got rid of the smell from mine with calgon and some smelly crystals you can buy. They work. Also if you have a instruction book for the washer, it should say to do a washing cycle 90 degrees without any clothes in,once in awhile. Then Shut the washer door.
The advice that Raindrops is good. Take notice, and read it.
We have a dehumidifier too, as we had a musty corner in our front room. I had smelly books. ALL GONE. now. Our bathroom window is open day and night.
I would never dream of getting out of the bath without a towel to stand on. Its on top of the bathmat. Just read the tips we are giving you.
We have a extractor/ light fan in the shower room downstairs. No damp no mould whatsoever . BUT having one of them would not really solve your problem with the
germs. Smells are normal. Are you having help Phil?
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