Have you ever walked into your house, taken a big sniff, and thought, “Ew, what is that?” It smells kinda old, kinda damp. That’s a musty smell.
It’s a problem we all face sometimes, and it’s no fun. It makes your cozy home feel less cozy. You might be embarrassed to have friends over. And you just want it GONE.
Well, good news! You don’t have to just live with it. Getting rid of that smell is easier than you think. Let’s break it down into simple steps to help you remove a musty smell from your home once and for all.
First Things First: Find the “Why”
Before you can remove a musty smell, you have to play detective. Where is it coming from? The most common culprits are:
- Moisture: Damp basements, bathrooms, or even a leak under the sink.
- Stuff that Holds Smells: Carpets, rugs, couches, and curtains can trap that odor.
- Poor Airflow: When air doesn’t move around, smells get stuck.
Go around your house and take a big sniff in different rooms. Find the strongest spot!
How to Get Rid of Musty Smell in House Naturally
You don’t always need harsh chemicals. Nature has some awesome smell-fighters!
1. Let the Fresh Air In!
This is the easiest and cheapest trick. Open your windows! Even for just 20 minutes, letting fresh air blow through your house pushes the stale, musty air out.
2. The Power of Baking Soda
Baking soda is like a tiny vacuum for bad smells. You can use it in two ways:
- Sprinkle it: Put a thin layer on your carpets or rugs, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then vacuum it up.
- Make a smell-buster box: Put a cup of baking soda in a small bowl and place it in a stinky room (like a basement or closet). It will quietly absorb odors for weeks.
3. The Magic of Vinegar
White vinegar is a super-cleaner. Combine equal amounts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray it in the air (it will smell like vinegar for a few minutes, but that goes away fast!) and on surfaces like countertops and walls. Wipe it down. The vinegar smell disappears and takes the musty smell with it.
Consider professional carpet cleaning in Chicago to remove odors trapped deep within carpet fibers.
What If the Smell is Super Strong?
So, what about when you need to know how to get rid of a strong musty smell? If the simple tricks aren’t enough, it’s time to level up.
This usually means there’s a bigger moisture problem. You might need to:
- Buy a dehumidifier for damp rooms like basements. This device extracts water directly from the atmosphere.
- Check for leaks or mold. If you find mold, you might need a special cleaner to safely clean it up.
Tackling the Big Stuff: Carpets and Furniture
Carpets and couches are like giant sponges. They soak up smells from spills, pets, and just daily life. To remove a musty smell from your carpet, you can try a deep clean with a carpet cleaning machine you can rent from a store.
But sometimes, the job is just too big. That’s when it’s smart to call the pros.
Getting professional carpet cleaning in Chicago, IL can make a huge difference. The pros have powerful, hot-water machines that get deep down into the fibers and pull out the dirt and smells that home machines can’t.
And it’s not just for carpets! If your sofa or favorite chair is holding the smell, look for our Upholstery cleaning services in Chicago. We can clean your furniture beautifully, making it look and smell brand new again.
How Much Does This All Cost?
Let’s talk numbers so you’re not surprised. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Method | Estimated Cost | Good For… |
| Baking Soda & Vinegar | $5 – $10 | Small, everyday smells. |
| Renting a Carpet Cleaner | $40 – $70 | A DIY deep clean for carpets. |
| Professional Carpet Cleaning | $150 – $300+ | A guaranteed, powerful clean for your whole home. |
As you can see, starting with the cheap, natural solutions is a great first step. But for a sure-thing, powerful clean, the pros are worth it.
Final Thoughts:
A musty smell doesn’t have to win. Start with the simple stuff, open those windows and get that baking soda out. If that doesn’t do the trick, don’t be afraid to call for backup from a local pro. Your home should smell fresh and feel welcoming when you remove a musty smell. Now you have the tools to make it happen.
