What causes a damp smell?
It is not uncommon for damp smells to occur in a home every now and again. A damp smell is generally caused by mould, mildew or warm and damp air accumulating in a stuffy part of the home. It is not something that will go away on its own so if you notice a smell of damp in your home, it is important to take the necessary steps to get rid of it.
Identify the source of the smell
In order to get rid of the smell of damp, the first step is to identify the source of the smell. It is possible that the musty smell is coming from damp clothing or fabrics. However, in a great number of cases, a damp musty smell is caused by mould. Mould tends to grow in areas with inadequate ventilation so you should start off by examining these areas of your home.
- Mould growth is prevalent in kitchens and bathrooms where excess moisture is created. Moisture that cannot be ventilated will settle in areas around your home such as walls, window sills, ceilings and showers.
- Check under sinks and taps for a build up of water or leaks that may have caused mould growth.
- Check for damp patches or any signs of water damage. This could suggest that penetrating damp is causing the damp smell or mould growth.
How to get rid of smell of damp
- The first step to getting rid of the smell of damp is eliminating its source. Simply wiping away mould on its own is not sufficient because if you do not treat the underlying cause, then the mould will simply keep coming back and thereby the smell will remain. If the smell is localised to one area, it should be relatively easy to find the source of the smell. A more general smell may suggest a more complex problem such as a leak or ventilation issues.
- Opening windows will help to air out the house and may help to remove a lingering damp smell.
- Wash all clothing and fabric that smells of mould. If the smell remains following a wash cycle , then you may need to throw the items away.
- Once the cause of the smell has been treated, deep clean all areas affected by mould with a fungicidal wash. We would always recommend using a brand that carries a Health and Safety Executive approval number. When used correctly, you should start to see immediate results.
Can the smell of damp harm you?
It is unlikely that a damp smell will be the root cause of an individuals health problems. However, damp conditions often lead to black mould growth. Individuals with respiratory illnesses may see their symptoms aggravated if exposed to black mould over an extended period.
How to prevent smell of damp
The most effective way to prevent damp smells in your home is to ensure it remains well ventilated. Excess moisture that is not ventilated will settle around your home and lead to condensation and mould growth. Condensation can generally be prevented by improving ventilation. Opens windows regularly in rooms with high humidity such as bathrooms and kitchens. If necessary use dehumidifiers to help extract excess moisture in your home.
Contact your local damp specialists
If you are unsure about a damp problem in your home, don’t hesitate to contact a professional damp specialist who will be able to assess and diagnose the extent of your damp issue. Rentokil Property Care offer damp proofing solutions all over the UK. For expert property care services, call us now on 0808 271 9065 or alternatively fill out our brief contact form and one of our damp specialists will be in touch.
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