5 Tips for Getting Rid of Musty Odor from Water Damage
Water damage is one of the most common types of property damage. If not properly mitigated, the excess water will get absorbed into various materials where it can cause damage and mold growth. Fixing the source of the water damage must be the first step before trying to eliminate the odor. If your home recently had a flood or leak and your nose knows there is a smell, it’s time to get to the source of the smell.
Following these 5 tips will help to eliminate the musty smell:
1. Identify the Source - Ding ding ding! Found it!
Musty smells are often the first sign of water damage or mold. Start by looking for puddles, leaking pipes, cracks in foundation walls, sewage backups, wet foundation walls, or soft and spongy floors or ceilings.
2. Remove the Source - Yuck! Now what?
Repair any leaks in the pipes, fill cracks along the foundation walls, and your home’s roof. Remove damaged materials to avoid contamination. Make sure your downspouts have enough drainage away from your home’s foundation.
3. Dry out the Affected Areas - Goodbye water
Dry every part of your home that was affected. Use dehumidifiers and air moving fans to dry out moisture. Commercial grade drying equipment is more powerful and will provide a faster more thorough job than residential grade equipment.
4. Remove the Mold(if present)! Hit the Road (mold) and don’t you come back!
Anytime mold is present, it’s best to leave the removal up to the professionals like Abedngego Restorations. We have the proper equipment, suits and masks required to safely remove the mold. However, if you can easily remove the mold, you should do so before it spreads to a large area and becomes more difficult to remove.
5. Ventilate & Deodorize
Open doors and windows for proper ventilation. To deodorize a room, slice a handful of lemons and limes. Place the slices in a pot of water on the stove and bring to a boil. Keep in the affected areas. You can also use moisture charcoal for removing the odors but only after the mold has been removed
So now what?
If you experience water damage and it has affected your carpet, you must call a professional like Abednego Restorations for proper drying techniques with the carpet and padding. Trapped water under your carpet will produce a musty smell in your home.
Our team of professionals at Abednego Restorations are ready to mitigate and repair your water damage and if necessary, perform mold remediation. Let Us Help You.