"Foul odors indicative of musty smells emerging from an attic? Get the solution straight from 5 professionals on eliminating these persistent smells."
Get rid of that musty, unpleasant smell in your attic without breaking a sweat. Here's how to banish those funky odors for good.
First things first: why is your attic smelling so bad? Josh Mitchell, HVAC whiz at AirConditionerLab, explains that musty smells typically stem from trapped moisture, insufficient airflow, and moisture-absorbing materials. Often, attics don't have enough airflow to expel warm, humid air, which can lead to condensation on surfaces, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria – resulting in that pesky, damp, musty smell. Lane Martin, co-founder of Modern PURAIR, adds that the funk can also come from old dust and debris that's lingered for quite some time.
Ready to kiss that odor goodbye? Here's the lowdown on our top tips from HVAC pros for getting rid of musty smells in your attic.
1. Improve ventilation
By far the easiest and quickest way to get rid of musty odors is to ventilate the attic. Many older homes either lack the ideal ventilation combination – intake from soffit vents, and exhaust from ridge or gable vents – or these vents are clogged with insulation, dust, or even critter nests. Clearing out the vents can help alleviate the problem and allow warm, damp air to escape before turning into condensation. Some HVAC experts might even recommend installing a powered attic fan, such as the Gable Mount Power Attic Ventilator available on Amazon, to help pull air through the space, keeping it dry. If you prefer a more portable solution, you can always opt for a small table fan, like the Honeywell Turbo Force Power Table Fan available at Walmart. Just remember to keep an eye on any electrical items to prevent potential fire hazards.
2. Clean and remove moisture sources
Now that the airflow is improved, it's time to deep clean. Musty smells often stem from mold, mildew, and bacteria growing on surfaces, so you'll want to remove these unpleasant little critters. Josh suggests using a mold cleaner with hydrogen peroxide or a mold enzyme, as these are safer alternatives to bleach. For fiberglass surfaces like roof sheathing, beams, and even cardboard boxes or furniture, the Zep Mold Stain and Mildew Stain Remover available on Amazon is recommended. Another option is the Old Dutch Multi-Purpose Bleach, available on Amazon, though keep in mind that this won't address black mold effectively, and professional assistance might be necessary in those cases. After cleaning, make sure the area is dry to prevent the return of that musty smell.
3. Use a dehumidifier or passive moisture absorber
To help keep your attic dry and neutralize odors, investing in a dehumidifier is a great idea. A compact, energy-efficient model like the one listed below can make a significant difference in just a few weeks. For attics without power, hanging calcium chloride bags (such as Vacplus Moisture Absorbers, available on Amazon) or desiccant tubs can work wonders to pull humidity out of the air in small areas.
4. Check your insulation
If your insulation is old or damp, it might be time to replace it. Fiberglass batts and cellulose can absorb moisture and become hotspots for mold if there's a roof leak or ventilation issue. Fresh, dry insulation can work wonders in clearing the air.
5. Seal air leaks and address roof problems
Don't forget to inspect for leaks around chimneys, vents, missing shingles, or damaged boot seals around plumbing stacks, as these problems can contribute to the musty smell in your attic. Sealing leaks is crucial to preventing ongoing humidity issues and subsequent odors.
Ongoing prevention
To keep your attic fresh and smelling fantastic, it's essential to maintain proper ventilation and address any humidity concerns promptly. Keep attic vents open year-round, perform regular inspections, and consider installing a dehumidifier or whole-house dehumidifier ducted into the attic space if your area is humid most of the year.
With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to a fresher, cleaner, and more pleasant-smelling attic. Happy de-mustifying!
What to shop
Best budget pickThese portable, compact dehumidifiers are Lightweight, efficient, and perfect for small spaces – ideal for keeping odors at bay without breaking the bank.
High accuracyStay on top of humidity levels in your attic with this handy hygrometer, featuring a compact LCD display and easy-to-read numbers that refresh every ten seconds.
FAQs
Can a house smell musty without mold?
Yes, a house can smell musty without mold. Poor ventilation, high humidity, or other microorganisms like bacteria can cause musty odors[1].
Using proper ventilation, cleaning, and moisture-absorbing methods can help reduce musty smells in your attic. Consider installing a dehumidifier like the compact and energy-efficient one from the suggestions, or opt for a passive moisture absorber like Vacplus Moisture Absorbers. Additionally, sealing air leaks and addressing roof problems can prevent ongoing humidity issues and subsequent odors. Regular maintenance, especially during humid seasons, can help keep your attic fresh and smelling great.
