If you’re selling your home in Midland but you know it smells a bit musty, there are a few things you can do – and this guide explains.
What Should You Do if Your Home Smells Musty?
Older homes and those that are in damp environments often develop mildew problems – and for the most part, that’s where musty smells come from. With a little sleuthing work on your part, plus a little elbow grease, you can eradicate musty smells from your home for good long before you put it on the market.
First, you’ll need to locate the source of the smell. Check out the areas under cabinets, where pipes may be leaking or dripping moisture. Look in the shower, on your shower curtain, and behind your toilet tank, too. If you haven’t found the source in those places, pull out your dishwasher, look under (and behind and inside) your refrigerator, and around any small appliances that use water. Pull out the trash bag in your trash can, too, and check the can itself. Look around window seals and beneath potted plants, check your closet floors and look around your washer in the laundry room. Then, head to the attic and garage to look for moisture around windows, your hot water heater and any vents.
Pro Tip: Make sure your dryer vent is clear. When it’s clogged with lint, it puts your home at risk for a fire – and it’s a common source of moisture build-up.
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What to Do When You Find Mildew
If you notice any mildew, you’ll want to clean it up right away – and then you’ll need to strategize to keep the area dry.
Cleaning thoroughly is incredibly important. Use diluted chlorine bleach, which can kill mildew on tile, grout, cement and even washable fabrics (just as long as the fabrics are white).
Looking for a more natural approach? Try spraying the area with distilled white vinegar; let the vinegar sit for an hour, then scrub it away with a cloth dipped in baking soda.
Related: 5 essential tips for new real estate investors
Tips to Prevent Mildew From Coming Back
After you’ve eradicated the source of the mildew, the last thing you want is for it to come back. You can help prevent mildew from settling back in by using these tips:
- Increase air circulation in your space. Open your windows and doors (weather permitting), turn on the ceiling fan or bring in a regular fan to move the air around at least once a week.
- Use your HVAC system. Your HVAC system should draw out odors and capture spores in its filters, and it keeps the air moving.
- Deep-clean all your upholstered furniture and your carpets. Deep cleaning the fabrics in your home can help get rid of mildew spores and freshen up your space. You can hire a professional to clean your furniture and carpets; that way, you can be sure they’ll dry thoroughly.
- Get a dehumidifier. If you don’t already have a dehumidifier, now may be a great time to invest in one. You can take it with you to your new home to prevent mildew from taking hold, too.
- Clean and declutter everything. Paper, books and clothing – as well as just about anything else that piles up – can hang on to dampness and lead to musty odors in your home.
Related: What happens if a seller doesn’t complete repairs before closing?
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