How to Get Rid of Musty Odor in House?
The fastest way to get rid of a musty odor in your house is by improving ventilation, deep cleaning carpets and upholstery, scrubbing damp areas with vinegar or baking soda, and using dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture.
For long-lasting results, schedule a professional move out cleaning service that targets hidden mold, mildew, and trapped dirt — restoring a fresh and healthy indoor environment.
Why Your House Smells Musty
A musty odor in your home usually means one thing — moisture buildup. When areas like bathrooms, basements, kitchens, or carpeted rooms stay damp, mold and mildew start growing. These fungi release gases that create that old, stale, or “wet towel” smell.
Other common causes include:
- Poor ventilation
- Hidden water leaks
- Dirty carpets or upholstery
- Unclean air ducts or filters
- Neglected soft furnishings like curtains and mattresses
Whether you’re moving out, renting, or just maintaining a fresh home, identifying the source is the first step to removing the odor completely.
Improve Ventilation
Open all windows and doors to let fresh air circulate through your home. This simple step helps dilute stagnant air and reduce humidity.
If your home has poor airflow, consider:
- Installing exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens
- Using an air purifier or dehumidifier
- Keeping interior doors open to improve air movement
Good ventilation not only removes odor but also prevents mold regrowth — a crucial step in move out cleaning inspections.
Eliminate Moisture Sources
Moisture is the biggest trigger for musty smells. Check for:
- Leaking pipes under sinks or behind walls
- Condensation around windows
- Damp basement corners or laundry areas
Use a moisture absorber, such as silica gel or activated charcoal, to trap humidity.
If the issue persists, call professionals like Clean Effortlessly, who can handle deep cleaning and vacate cleaning tasks that address both visible and hidden damp spots.
Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery
Carpets and furniture fabrics trap dust, dirt, and moisture, which feed bacteria and mildew.
Here’s how to refresh them:
- Vacuum thoroughly using a HEPA filter
- Sprinkle baking soda and let it sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming
- Steam clean with a mixture of warm water and white vinegar
If the odor still lingers, book carpet cleaning services from professionals. Our move out cleaning Sydney experts use eco-friendly products and hot water extraction to remove deep-seated odor sources.
Wash Curtains, Bedding, and Cushions
Textiles are odor magnets. Wash curtains, cushion covers, and bed linens in hot water with a cup of vinegar added to the rinse cycle.
This natural deodorizer breaks down mildew and leaves fabrics fresh.
Tip: Use sunlight whenever possible — UV rays kill odor-causing bacteria naturally.
Clean Hidden or Overlooked Areas
Odor often hides in corners you forget to clean. Make sure to check:
- Under furniture and behind appliances
- Inside cupboards, closets, and drawers
- Bathroom tiles, grout, and shower curtains
- Air conditioning vents and filters
A deep cleaning service ensures these hard-to-reach areas are properly sanitized and deodorized.
Neutralize Odor with Natural Deodorizers
Instead of masking smells with air fresheners, use natural odor absorbers:
- White vinegar: Place bowls of vinegar in rooms overnight
- Baking soda: Keep an open box in damp areas or closets
- Activated charcoal: Great for neutralizing pet and mildew smells
- Lemon and essential oils: Add freshness and antibacterial benefits
These eco-friendly solutions are safe for children, pets, and the environment — ideal for maintaining a clean, healthy home even after a move out cleaning session.
Disinfect Mold-Prone Areas
If you notice black or green mold spots, don’t ignore them.
Mix 1 cup of bleach with 4 liters of water, spray on affected areas, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Always wear gloves and ensure good ventilation while cleaning. For larger mold infestations, rely on professional cleaning services to avoid health risks.
Deep Clean the Kitchen and Bathroom
Kitchens and bathrooms often trap the most moisture.
Focus on:
- Cleaning drains and sinks with baking soda and vinegar
- Scrubbing tile grout with a disinfectant
- Wiping surfaces with lemon water to remove grease and bacteria
Regular maintenance of these areas helps prevent recurring musty smells and improves hygiene standards — especially important for end of lease cleaning checks.
Check Air Filters and HVAC Systems
Your HVAC filters may be circulating stale or moldy air throughout your house.
Replace them every 2–3 months or schedule an air duct cleaning. This not only removes odor but also improves indoor air quality — an essential step before a vacate inspection.
Hire a Professional Move Out Cleaning Service
If the smell persists even after trying all DIY methods, it’s time to call experts.
Clean Effortlessly offers move out cleaning in Sydney that covers:
- Carpet and upholstery steam cleaning
- Bathroom and kitchen sanitization
- Mold and mildew removal
- Deodorizing and air purification
Professional cleaners use industrial-grade equipment and eco-safe products to eliminate musty odor at the source — ensuring your home is spotless and inspection-ready.
Why Choose Clean Effortlessly
- Experienced in end of lease and move out cleaning Sydney
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Safe, non-toxic cleaning solutions
- Affordable packages for tenants and homeowners
We help you move out effortlessly with a home that smells as good as it looks.
Final Thoughts
A musty smell in your home doesn’t just make it uncomfortable — it can indicate hidden mold or poor air quality.
By improving ventilation, removing moisture, cleaning fabrics, and hiring professional move out cleaning services, you can eliminate musty odors permanently.
Whether you’re leaving a rental property or simply refreshing your home, Clean Effortlessly ensures every corner is spotless, sanitized, and fresh-smelling — ready for a new beginning.