Remove Musty Odors

Getting rid of musty odors depends on where they are. There are many techniques for freshening up the musty odors around you.

Steps

 * 1)  Cloth: wash cloth (clothing, drapery, linens) in a washing machine adding 1 cup of white vinegar to a normal load and let soak for 30 minutes. Continue regular wash cycle adding a liquid, scented fabric softener during the rinse. Put a scented fabric softener sheet in the dryer as well. If needed, repeat process.
 * 2)  Appliances (refrigerators, chest freezers, ovens) not in use: make a paste of baking soda and water and spread on interior surfaces. Crumble up newspapers and fill the space with the papers. Let sit 24 hours or more. Remove papers and rinse with water. If needed, repeat.
 * 3)  Refrigerator in use: tear the top off a box of baking soda and place in the back of the fridge. Odor will be absorbed in a few days.
 * 4)  Basements, crawl spaces, other damp places: get several bags of crushed volcanic rocks (available in hardware and do-it-yourself stores in mesh bags.) The bag instructions will tell you how many are needed per square foot area. Place the bags at different levels in the room. There are also sprays, such as "Oust" that help temporarily eliminate odors until the source of the mustiness is eliminated. Check for any patches of mold that might be contributing to the odor. Be careful if extensive mold is found as it may be toxic and should be handled by a professional.
 * 5)  Closets, closed rooms, cabins, cars: open them up, air them out, liberally sprinkle a baking soda carpet and room deodorizer throughout the area. Follow package directions on testing for colorfastness and length of application time. Vacuum up.
 * 6)  Cupboards, trunks: use baking soda and newspaper as for an unused appliance.
 * 7)  Suitcases: Open up the suitcase and put it in the sunshine for a few days.
 * 8) If mold is the problem, kill the mold spores using chlorine dioxide. This is used on boats to control musty odors, and in libraries to control outbreaks of mildew.  There are several convenient sources of small amounts of chlorine dioxide that are sold for use in boats and closets.
 * 9) *One product that can be used is called Starbrite M-D-G Mildew Odor Control Bags and can be purchased from West Marine: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/3849/0/0/starbrite/All_2/mode+matchallpartial/0/0
 * 10) *Another product that is nearly identical but comes in larger quantities is available from Quip Labs (this site has good information about chlorine dioxide as a deodorant biocide): http://www.quiplabs.com/products/deotrex_30sachets.htm

Tips

 * In order to truly get rid of the musty odor you have to get rid of the cause, such as dampness or bacteria.
 * Most room sprays just mask mustiness not remove it, but there are products (such as "Oust") that temporarily fool your olfactory receptors (sense of smell) into thinking it has been eliminated. These are useful until the actual problem is solved.

Warnings

 * Extensive mold found in basements, attics, crawl spaces and vents could be toxic. If found, wear a mask, avoid breathing the spores, wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after encountering.
 * Contact your local County Services Office for recommendations for mold treatment companies. Get competing offers before signing any contracts and make sure the contract has a re-treatment clause.
 * Chlorine dioxide is an irritant. If you are using chlorine dioxide, air the room out before occupying it. Or keep the door closed if you are deodorizing a closet.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Remove Cigarette Smoke, Chemicals and Odours from a Bedroom
 * How to Remove Musty Smell from Clothes
 * How to Remove Onion Smell From Hands
 * How to Remove Odors from Your Car
 * How to Get Rid of Unpleasant Smells