How Do I Get Rid of Mold Smell in My House?

For hard surfaces like tile, glass, and metal, you can scrub mold with a detergent and water, then dry the surface completely. For porous materials like wood, drywall, and carpet, mold can penetrate deep, and cleaning alone may not remove the smell. In many cases, the material must be cut out and replaced.

After cleaning, use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the space. Keep windows open when weather allows. In dry climates, you can often dry out small areas quickly, but if mold has been growing for a while, the smell may linger until the contaminated material is removed.

• Wear gloves and a mask while cleaning to avoid inhaling mold spores.
• Do not mix bleach with other cleaning products, as toxic fumes can form.
• Use a HEPA vacuum after cleaning to pick up remaining spores.
• Discard absorbent items like carpets, mattresses, or furniture that smell moldy.
• Check and clean your HVAC filters, as they can spread the odor.

If mold has soaked into drywall, insulation, or wood framing, the material often needs to be removed and replaced. Surface cleaning will not eliminate the smell because mold roots can penetrate deep. This is especially true after a flood or a major leak, where water has wicked up walls and under flooring.

Removing water-damaged drywall and flooring is a job that involves safety precautions, such as sealing off the area and disposing of contaminated materials. The pros can handle this work, including checking for hidden moisture and ensuring the space is dry before rebuilding. They also help with cleaning and sanitizing the affected space.

• Cut away drywall at least 12 inches beyond visible mold growth.
• Remove and replace wet insulation, as it cannot be effectively cleaned.
• Inspect wood framing for rot, which may need professional repair.
• If you have a health condition like asthma, consider leaving the cleanup to the pros.
• Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.