The appearance of a musty aroma in the house often signals a violation of the microclimate, which not only spoils the mood, but can also harm the health of the residents. It is useless to mask the problem with air fresheners, since they only temporarily interrupt bad smellbut do not eliminate its cause. To make the air fresh again, it is necessary to act comprehensively, starting with finding the source of the problem and ending with neutralizing the consequences.
Search for hidden causes of mustiness
The first step should always be a thorough inspection of the premises. More often source of moisture hiding in unobvious places, such as corners behind cabinets, the space under the bathtub or window slopes. If you notice condensation on the windows or dark spots on the wallpaper, this is a sure sign of poor performance of the hood. Disturbed ventilation leads to stagnation of air, due to which moisture does not evaporate, but settles on surfaces, creating an ideal environment for the development of fungus.
Effective surface treatment products
If there are no visible traces of mold, but the smell is present, proven absorbents and neutralizers will help. Ordinary table vinegar copes well with bacteria that cause the “aroma” of dampness. It is enough to mix it with water in a one to one ratio and wipe hard surfaces, floors and cabinet shelves.
For upholstered furniture and carpets it is better to use baking soda. It works like a sponge, absorbing excess moisture and odors:
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Sprinkle baking soda in an even layer on your carpet or mattress.
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Leave for several hours (preferably overnight).
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Vacuum the surface thoroughly.
You can also place containers with activated carbon or salt, which will act as passive dehumidifiers.
Controlling indoor humidity levels
To prevent the problem from returning, it is important to stabilize air humidity. The normal level is considered to be 40–60%. For accurate measurements, it is recommended to purchase hygrometer. If the indicators are too high, you should use an electric one. dehumidifier or turn on the air conditioner in “dry” mode.
Pay special attention to drying clothes. Hanging wet clothes in a room without ventilation instantly increases the humidity level, which provokes the appearance of a rotten smell. Try to dry things on the balcony or use a dryer.
Regular ventilation of rooms with a draft for 10–15 minutes daily can completely renew the air masses and prevent moisture stagnation. This is a simple but most effective way to maintain a healthy atmosphere.
Maintaining the correct temperature conditions and timely removal of condensate create conditions in which mold and its accompanying odors simply cannot exist.
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