Will a Dehumidifier Get Rid of Musty Smell? | Musty odours in a home can be unpleasant and embarrassing. A persistent musty or mouldy smell indicates excess moisture and possible mould growth.
While cleaning and airing out the area may temporarily reduce musty odours, a dehumidifier is often needed to eliminate the smell.
Here is a detailed look at why dehumidifiers effectively remove musty odours and how to use them for the best results.
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What Causes Musty Smells in a Home?
Musty smells originate from excess moisture in the air. When surfaces, fabrics, and materials become damp, mould and mildew can grow, releasing unpleasant “damp smells.”
Common causes of increased humidity and musty odours include:
- Water leaks or flooding
- Plumbing leaks
- Rainwater seepage
- Overflowing sinks, tubs, washing machines, etc.
- High humidity
- Lack of ventilation in basements, closets or bathrooms
- Wet clothes or towels piled up
- Warm, moist climates
Even a tiny moisture issue can promote mould growth and musty smells.
The musty scent is caused by microbial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released as the mould feeds and spreads.
Even if the mould source is not visible, the smell indicates mould is growing somewhere.
Health Risks of Musty Smells
Besides creating unpleasant odours, mould and mildew release spores and mycotoxins into the air, which can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues in some people.
Long-term exposure to high indoor mould levels may lead to a weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to illness.
Children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk when exposed to mould.
Getting rid of musty smells quickly reduces health risks and prevents further mould damage in a home.
Physical symptoms associated with mould exposure include:
- Wheezing, chest tightness, coughing
- Sore throat, runny nose, sinus congestion
- Dry, itchy skin, rashes, hives
- Watery, reddened eyes
- Headaches, dizziness, fatigue
- Aggravated asthma, recurring colds or flu
- A dehumidifier is the most thorough way to eliminate musty odours because it addresses the root cause – excess moisture.
How a Dehumidifier Gets Rid of Musty Smells
A dehumidifier removes dampness from the air through a refrigeration process that condenses and collects water into a bucket or drain.
Reducing relative humidity below 50% stops mould growth in its tracks.
Without enough moisture in the air, existing mould cannot multiply and create smelly byproducts.
As the number of mould spores and mVOCs decrease, musty smells fade. Running a dehumidifier keeps the humidity down, stopping the mould and bacteria from rebounding.
Getting rid of the excess moisture deprives mould of its growing conditions.
Not only does this eliminate musty smells at their source, but it also prevents decay from spreading, protecting your health.
Tips for Using a Dehumidifier to Remove Musty Odors
A quality dehumidifier is designed to lower humidity in large areas – a whole basement, open living spaces, etc. To effectively eliminate musty smells, it is best to:
- Choose a dehumidifier size suitable for the affected area – measure the square footage to determine the needed pint capacity.
- Place the dehumidifier in the main problem area or nearby so the air is directly drawn into the unit.
- Keep interior doors open so air circulates freely through the space.
- Set the relative humidity level to 45-50% or lower.
- Run the dehumidifier continuously until all musty smells are gone.
- Check the collection bucket frequently and empty it as needed to prevent overflow.
- Clean filters regularly so the dehumidifier operates efficiently.
- Use the unit for preventive maintenance to prohibit mold regrowth and future musty smells.
In damp areas like basements, it may take a couple of weeks of dehumidifier use to entirely remove a persistent musty smell at its source. But once mould growth is under control, musty odours will dissipate.
Dehumidifier vs Air Purifier for Musty Smells
While air purifiers are great for capturing airborne irritants like pollen and pet dander, a dehumidifier is more effective at eliminating musty odours.
Air purifiers use filters to remove some mould spores and smells, but they do not address the underlying moisture source.
Dehumidifiers prevent mould growth itself by drying the air.
However, using an air purifier alongside a dehumidifier provides extra odour-removal power.
The combination attacks musty smells on two fronts – stopping mould growth and filtering smelly air.
Air purifiers also capture any remaining mould spores. For severe musty smells from a known water issue, focus on dehumidification first.
Then, maintain humidity levels with a dehumidifier supplemented by an air purifier for air filtration.
Conclusion
A musty, mouldy smell in the home should never be ignored, both for health reasons and to prevent structural damage.
While a dehumidifier is highly effective at clearing typical musty odours, persistent bad smells may indicate more considerable moisture and mould problems needing professional remediation.
Contact a specialist if the stench lingers after diligently using a dehumidifier and cleaning. With proper moisture control, the musty odour will eventually clear, leaving your home fresh again.