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It’s not unusual for people to maintain a clean home, but what is surprising is that no matter how much you scrub and mop, there are persistent odors in any home that can make it feel not as pristine as you might like.

So if you feel that your home has developed a persistent musty or moldy odor, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face this issue, which can stem from various causes such as high humidity, hidden leaks, poor ventilation, and maybe even mold growth.

Fortunately, there are several strategies that you can do to eliminate these unpleasant smells and enjoy a fresh, clean living space. But first, you need to identify and address the root causes of these odors.

Check the Humidity Level

High humidity is one of the most common culprits behind musty odors. When the relative humidity in your home exceeds 60%, it creates a perfect environment for mold growth.

The first thing you have to do is measure the level of humidity in your house or in the specific rooms where the musty odor persists. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels in your home. These affordable devices can give you real-time readings, but make sure to place them away from direct sunlight and at least five feet in the air.

If your humidity levels are high, you can install a dehumidifier to pull excess moisture from the air, preventing mold and mildew from taking hold. Make sure to choose a dehumidifier with the appropriate capacity for your space.

You should also check your basement or any room that is prone to water accumulation, and check that drainage systems are working effectively. This helps prevent water buildup that can lead to high indoor humidity.

Deal with Hidden Leaks

Hidden leaks are another major cause of mold growth and musty odors. These leaks provide moisture that supports mold growth on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. Mold releases microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), which cause the distinctive moldy smell. It can even smell similar to wet dirt or wet cardboard when building materials get wet and stay wet for over 24 hours.

Look for leaks under windows, near plumbing fixtures, and in ceilings. Pay special attention to areas around sinks, toilets, and air conditioning units. If you find visible mold growth or discoloration, it is often a sign of a hidden or bigger water problem.

If you suspect a hidden leak but can’t locate it, consider hiring a licensed plumber to find the leak and/or a professional inspector and mold assessor. These professionals use specialized equipment to detect leaks and assess mold-related air quality issues. Indoor Environmental Professionals of IEPs also specialize in assessing the indoor environment as a whole for the safety of the occupants. They can be helpful not only in finding the problem, but also in assisting with a plan to remediate it.

Improve Ventilation

Poor ventilation can cause stagnant air, leading to musty and stale smells in your home. This is especially common in areas like closets, cabinets, or vacant spaces that don’t get regular air exchange.

Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, especially when showering or cooking, to reduce moisture buildup. You could also open doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate. If you’re in a region with high humidity, use air conditioning to maintain airflow while controlling moisture levels.

For spaces like closets, louvered doors can help maintain airflow, reducing the chance of odors developing.

Overhead and box fans may also be utilized to make sure the air is moving throughout the rooms and areas in a home. Moving air is also dryer air, so just improving ventilation will also lower your indoor humidity naturally.

Purify the Air Naturally

Using natural air purifiers like beeswax mold candles is an effective way to tackle moldy and musty smells while enhancing the ambiance of your home. EC3 Beeswax Purification Candles infused with citrus seed extracts are particularly powerful.

These candles release negative ions that bind to positively charged particles like allergens, dust, and airborne mold spores, effectively neutralizing pollutants.

The citrus seed extracts in these candles disrupt the cell walls of mold spores, making them less viable and preventing them from spreading. They inhibit the growth of mold spores, making any room smell naturally fresh and relaxing.

And unlike synthetic air fresheners, these mold candles are free from toxic emissions and synthetic fragrances, offering a safe and sustainable solution for your home. Additionally, the natural honey scent of beeswax candles creates a calming atmosphere, making them an excellent addition to your odor-fighting toolkit.

Where to Place Mold Candles in Your Home

Mold candles are a practical solution for removing musty or moldy odors,  but should you place them in areas where there is no musty scent? These candles can also be used to maintain a fresh atmosphere in your home.

Placing them in areas where there is no moldy scent can help prevent mold as well, as the heat and the anti-mold properties of the candles can maximize the effectiveness of your mold prevention strategies. Here are the best spots to place them.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are high-moisture areas where mold thrives, especially around showers, sinks, and under cabinets. Placing a mold candle on the countertop or shelf can combat humidity-related odors, ensuring the space smells fresh.

Kitchens

Kitchens can accumulate moisture from cooking and dishwashing, especially around sinks and under counters. Position a mold candle in areas with less airflow or near problem spots like leaky pipes.

Living Rooms and Bedrooms

If you notice musty odors in your living areas, place mold candles in open but inconspicuous spots, like on a shelf or table. This helps purify the air without disrupting the room’s aesthetics.

For maximum effect, you need to place the mold candles in the center of the space or near the source of moisture, such as near windows, sump pumps, or walls prone to water seepage. This helps neutralize mold spores and odors lingering in the air.

Always ensure proper ventilation and keep mold candles away from flammable items. With strategic placement, mold candles can significantly improve air quality and maintain a fresher home environment.

Prevent Future Odors

Once you’ve eliminated the current odors, take proactive steps to prevent them from returning. First, make sure to conduct regular utilities maintenance. Inspect your home periodically for leaks, especially after heavy rain or snowfall. Check plumbing fixtures and HVAC systems for signs of wear.

Clean any area thoroughly, and use mold cleaning solutions like EC3 Mold Solution Concentrate in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and basements. Ensure surfaces are dried completely after cleaning.

It’s also best to store items properly, and avoid overcrowding them in small spaces. Storing items like cardboard boxes or fabrics in damp areas only make it possible for mold and mildew to grow, so use plastic bins instead to protect belongings from moisture.

A Healthier, Fresher Home with Micro Balance Health Products

Removing moldy and musty smells requires identifying their source and addressing it effectively.

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to purify your home’s air while combating mold, consider Micro Balance products such as our EC3 beeswax candles infused with citrus seed extracts and EC3 Mold Solution Concentrate.

They’re a simple, sustainable choice that goes beyond masking odors—helping you create a healthier and more comfortable living space.