All homes need a certain amount of humidity to be healthy. It’s when the humidity level gets too high for too long that things get smelly. Here are 7 expert tips for eliminating that unwanted damp smell in basements, bathrooms and laundry rooms – as well as on clothes, sofas, carpets and even in ventilation systems! And see which odor removal products are safe for you and your family.
Tip 1: Identify the source of the damp smell
If you’re noticing a damp smell in your home, the very first thing you should do is try to identify and correct the source of the problem as quickly as possible. Until you do, the damp smell will just keep returning. Be on the lookout for tell-tale signs such as damp walls and floors, condensation in windows, mold in corners or white streaks on concrete. These can all be indications of a moisture problem that needs fixing.
While you’re inspecting your home, keep the following in mind:
- Have you ever had a water infiltration problem?
- Are there any cracks in the foundation or leaky windows?
- Is the house standing on mostly loamy soil?
- Is the plumbing in good condition?
- Did the sewer ever back up?
- Is the distance between the gutters and the home to regulation?
Once you’ve identified and corrected the source of your humidity problem, you can begin treating the affected surfaces with the right odor removal products. The good news is that you only need two products.
Tip 2: Remove stale odors from closets and clothing
First, check the closet for mildew and signs of water damage. If you find any signs, you’ll obviously need to address this bigger issue.
If you don’t see any traces of mold or water infiltration, clean your closet with Purodora Damp Odor Neutralizer – a cleaner and odor neutralizer specifically formulated for musty and damp odors.
Check the clothes as well, since they can sometimes turn musty if left untouched in closets for a long time.
To neutralize musty smell on clothes, spray Purodora Smoke Odor Neutralizer for Fabrics directly on clothes and allow to air dry. No need to rinse.
(Don’t be fooled by the name; Purodora Smoke Odor Neutralizer for Fabrics also does a great job of eliminating musty odors on all fabrics.)
Tip 3: Remove damp smell from floors and walls
If a room in your house or apartment smells damp, treating the walls and floors can often help. Dilute one part of Purodora Damp Odor Neutralizer in five parts of water and wash the floors and walls. Allow to air dry. No need to rinse.
Tip 4: Neutralize the damp smell in the ventilation system
The ducts in a ventilation system or air exchanger can sometimes develop unpleasant odors that eventually spread throughout the home. Dilute ½ cup (120 ml) of Purodora Damp Odor Neutralizer in 1 gallon (4 L) and spray the ventilation or air exchanger filters. Then turn on the ventilation system or the air conditioner for one hour. You can repeat this treatment on a regular basis to keep the inside of your home smelling clean and fresh.
Tip 5: Remove the damp smell in carpets
If you have a carpet in a room with an odor problem, chances are it has absorbed the smell, too. Mix ½ cup (120 ml) of Purodora Damp Odor Neutralizer in 1 gallon (4 L) and add to a carpet cleaner. Clean the carpet with the machine and use fans to dry.
(Before cleaning the carpet, we recommend you test a non-visible area first to ensure the product won’t discolor the carpet.)
Tip 6: Get rid of damp odor on upholstered furniture
If you have upholstered furniture in a damp basement or room, it will probably develop a musty smell, too. Spray Purodora Smoke Odor Neutralizer for Fabrics directly on the fabric. Press down on the cushions with your hand to help the product penetrate deeply. Let the product work and then air dry.
If the musty smell has seeped really deep into the cushions, inject the product with a syringe and needle directly into the cushions. It may sound strange, but it really works!
Did you know?
Purodora Smoke Odor Neutralizer for Fabrics is an alcohol-based odor removed. That means it won’t damage fabrics or create mildew in cushions when injected. It works as soon as it comes into contact with the odor-causing molecules, and then quickly evaporates to leave the cushion dry.
Tip 7: Get rid of damp odor on concrete or untreated wood
To eliminate the damp smell on concrete or rough wood walls and floors, dilute one part of Purodora Damp Odor Neutralizer in five parts of water and spray the diluted product directly on the surface. Then let the product do its thing.
To treat really old, deep-set odors, simply repeat the treatment.
No more damp smell!
Eliminating the damp smell in your home is just the beginning. We have odor removers for virtually any odor. Struggling with a particularly smelly situation? Contact us by email, phone or live chat! We can help your world smell good again!
