Mould is more than just an eyesore — it’s a health hazard, and the musty, unpleasant odour it produces can make your home feel uninhabitable. If you’ve noticed that distinctive damp, earthy smell lingering in your rooms, you’re not alone. Millions of homeowners deal with mould smell every year, and the good news is that you can tackle it effectively with the right strategies.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to eliminate mould smell — from identifying the root cause to using proven remedies and preventing future outbreaks. Whether the odour is coming from your bathroom, basement, bedroom, or wardrobe, this guide has you covered.
What Causes Mould Smell?
Before you can effectively remove mould odour, it’s important to understand what’s causing it. Mould and mildew release microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) as they grow and digest organic materials. These MVOCs are responsible for the characteristic musty smell that most people associate with damp homes.
Common causes of mould growth and the resulting smell include:
- Excess moisture or humidity — typically above 60% relative humidity
- Poor ventilation — especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements
- Water leaks — from pipes, roofs, or windows
- Condensation — on windows and walls during colder months
- Flooding or water damage — that wasn’t properly dried out
- Damp clothing or fabrics left in enclosed spaces
The smell itself can be mild or overwhelming depending on the extent of the mould growth and how long it has been present. In some cases, you may smell mould before you can even see it, which is a sign that it may be growing behind walls, under floorboards, or inside air ducts.
1: Find and Identify the Source of the Mould
The most critical step in eliminating mould smell is locating and removing the source. Masking the odour with air fresheners or candles without addressing the underlying problem is only a temporary fix.
Where to Look for Hidden Mould
- Behind bathroom tiles and around grout lines
- Under sinks and around plumbing fixtures
- In the corners of ceilings and walls
- Inside wardrobes and cupboards
- Behind large furniture pushed against exterior walls
- In the attic, basement, or crawl space
- Underneath carpets or flooring
- Inside HVAC systems and air ducts
Use a torch to inspect dark corners and look for black, green, or white fuzzy patches. If you suspect mould is inside walls or beneath flooring, a professional mould inspector can help with detection using specialised equipment.
2: Remove the Mould
Once you’ve found the source, it’s time to remove it safely and thoroughly. Wear protective gear — including a face mask (ideally N95), rubber gloves, and goggles — before you begin.
DIY Mould Removal Solutions
Several effective, affordable solutions can kill surface mould and help eliminate the smell:
1. White Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural antimicrobial agent that can kill approximately 82% of mould species. Spray undiluted white vinegar directly onto the affected area, leave it for at least an hour, then scrub and wipe clean.
2. Baking Soda
Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray the area, scrub with a brush, and rinse. Baking soda not only kills mould but also absorbs odour, making it doubly effective.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
Spray hydrogen peroxide directly onto mouldy surfaces, leave for 10 minutes, then scrub away. It’s antifungal, antibacterial, and effective at removing staining.
4. Bleach Solution
For non-porous surfaces like tiles and sinks, mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of water. Apply, leave for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia — the fumes are toxic.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Add two teaspoons of tea tree oil to two cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray on affected areas and do not rinse. Tea tree oil is a powerful natural fungicide with long-lasting effects.
Important: For large-scale mould infestations (covering more than 1 square metre), it is strongly recommended to hire a professional mould remediation service to ensure safe and complete removal.
3: Deep Clean the Affected Area
After removing the mould, deep cleaning the surrounding area is essential to fully eliminate mould smell.
- Wash fabrics such as curtains, bedding, and clothing in hot water with a cup of white vinegar added to the wash cycle
- Steam clean carpets and upholstery — steam kills mould spores and deodorises
- Wipe down walls, floors, and surfaces with a diluted vinegar or disinfectant solution
- Clean out air vents and replace air filters in HVAC systems and air conditioners
- Dispose of porous materials like cardboard, paper, or ceiling tiles that have been heavily contaminated — these cannot be fully cleaned
4: Neutralise and Eliminate the Lingering Mould Smell
Even after the mould has been removed, the smell can linger. Here’s how to neutralise and permanently eliminate that musty odour from your home:
Natural Odour Absorbers
- Activated charcoal — Place bowls or bags of activated charcoal around the affected area. It’s one of the most powerful natural odour absorbers available.
- Baking soda — Sprinkle generously on carpets and soft furnishings, leave overnight, then vacuum up.
- White vinegar bowls — Leave bowls of white vinegar in the room for 24–48 hours to absorb and neutralise odours.
- Coffee grounds — Fresh coffee grounds in open containers can effectively absorb musty smells.
Commercial Odour Eliminators
Look for products containing enzymes or activated charcoal rather than simply masking fragrances. Popular options include:
- Febreze Fabric Refresher with OdourClear technology
- DampRid moisture absorbers
- OdoBan Disinfectant and Odour Eliminator
- Zinck or Mould and Mildew Odour Remover sprays
Air Purifiers and HEPA Filters
Investing in a quality HEPA air purifier can dramatically improve indoor air quality by trapping mould spores and other airborne particles. Look for models that also include an activated carbon filter, which is specifically designed to eliminate odours.
5: Improve Ventilation and Reduce Humidity
Removing existing mould and odour is only half the battle. To prevent the musty smell from returning, you must address the root cause — moisture and poor airflow.
Tips to Reduce Indoor Humidity
- Use a dehumidifier to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30–50%
- Open windows and doors regularly to allow fresh air circulation
- Install extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens and use them during and after cooking or showering
- Dry clothes outdoors or use a vented tumble dryer — avoid drying clothes on radiators indoors
- Fix any leaking pipes, roofs, or windows promptly
- Insulate cold surfaces to reduce condensation
Ventilation Strategies
- Install trickle vents in windows
- Ensure loft and roof spaces are adequately ventilated
- Consider fitting mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems for whole-house ventilation in older or poorly ventilated homes
How to Get Rid of Mould Smell in Specific Areas
Eliminating Mould Smell in the Bathroom
Bathrooms are prime environments for mould due to constant moisture. Clean grout lines with a baking soda paste, ensure your extractor fan is working properly, and leave the window open after showering. Treat any visible mould with white vinegar or a commercial tile mould remover.
Getting Rid of Mould Smell in the Basement
Basements often suffer from rising damp and poor ventilation. Use a heavy-duty dehumidifier, seal concrete walls with a damp-proof sealant, and place activated charcoal around the space. Consider professional waterproofing if moisture is entering through walls or floors.
Removing Mould Smell from Wardrobes and Closets
Place silica gel sachets or activated charcoal bags inside wardrobes to absorb moisture. Ensure clothes are fully dry before storing them, and don’t overstuff closets — air needs to circulate between garments. Wipe down the interior of wardrobes with a white vinegar solution regularly.
Eliminating Mould Smell in Cars
Sprinkle baking soda on car seats and carpets, leave for a few hours, then vacuum. Use an activated charcoal car deodoriser and run the car’s air conditioning on fresh air mode (not recirculate) regularly. Check under floor mats for signs of water ingress.
When to Call a Professional
While many cases of mould and mould odour can be handled as DIY projects, some situations warrant professional help:
- Mould growth covering more than one square metre
- Mould that returns shortly after cleaning
- Visible mould inside air ducts or HVAC systems
- Structural damage caused by damp or water penetration
- Persistent health symptoms such as respiratory problems, headaches, or skin irritation
- Mould in hidden areas such as inside walls or under flooring
Professional mould remediation teams have the equipment, expertise, and protective gear to safely remove large infestations and treat the underlying causes.
Preventing Mould Smell: Long-Term Strategies
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some habits and home improvements to keep mould — and its smell — away for good:
- Monitor indoor humidity with a hygrometer (widely available and inexpensive)
- Clean and dry bathrooms after use
- Regularly inspect potential problem areas like under sinks, around windows, and in the loft
- Upgrade insulation to reduce condensation on cold surfaces
- Act quickly on any signs of dampness, water damage, or leaks
- Use mould-resistant paint in high-moisture areas
Learning how to eliminate mould smell is about more than just making your home smell pleasant — it’s about protecting your health and the structural integrity of your property. By identifying the source, removing the mould safely, deep cleaning affected areas, neutralising lingering odours, and addressing the root causes of moisture and poor ventilation, you can enjoy fresh, clean air in every room of your home.
Take Action Today
Don’t let mould take over your home. Start with one room, identify the problem, and work through the steps outlined in this guide. If you’re unsure about the extent of the mould in your home, consider booking a professional inspection — it could save you thousands in repairs down the line.
Have you found a particularly effective method for getting rid of mould smell? Share your experience in the comments below, or share this article with a friend or family member who might be struggling with the same issue. Fresh air and a healthy home are just a few steps away!
