Hire professionals to remove moldy ceiling tiles, carpet, linoleum, or drywall. These cannot be cleaned and are potentially hazardous to your health.
You can also tie blends of spices or potpourri in pantyhose and place them next to a heating vent when the furnace is running.
Sprays such as “Oust” also help temporarily eliminate musty smells.
Read the instructions provided on the bag. This will tell you the size and number of bags needed per square foot area.
To disinfect surfaces and kill mold, mix 3/4 cup (6 oz. ) of bleach with warm water. Wear rubber gloves and use a sponge to wipe-down surfaces. Let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing with water. Air dry. [6] X Research source Regularly check windows, doors, and walls for mold or mildew spots or if the musty smell returns. Disinfect as needed.
The vinegar smell should dissipate after drying. You may be using too much laundry detergent or fabric softener. This can cause soap to accumulate on clothing, making them less absorbent and causing musty odors.
Bleach can remove both stains and odors caused by mold. However, check any garment label to determine if the item can be bleached, as chlorine bleach discolors items that are not white. Bleach can permanently discolor or damage clothing or fabrics. Natural fabrics such as silk, wool, or animal fibers are very likely to suffer bleaching effects. Check clothing tags for any “do not use chlorine bleach” warnings. Do not over wash clothes with chlorine bleach, as it can weaken fabrics such as linen, cotton, and rayon over time. The occasional bleaching will not do a lot of harm.
Keep an eye on the weather and bring all fabrics inside if it gets damp or rainy. Do not leave out overnight if possible. Prolonged exposure outside in damp weather can cause mold and must in clothing.
Remove all food from refrigerators and defrost freezers before cleaning.
Freezer temperatures will cause vanilla extract to freeze, making it ineffective as a deodorizer.
Mix together 1/2 cup (4 oz. ) dish soap, 1 1/2 cups (12 oz. ) baking soda, 1/4 cup (2 oz. ) white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon (0. 166 oz. ) vanilla extract in a glass bowl. Add enough water so your mixture forms a thick paste, but is not watery. Coat or paint the interior surfaces of your oven and leave overnight (6 to 8 hours). You want the mixture to “foam-up” so it can lift grime from the surface. Use a scrubber and water to wipe down the oven. Repeat if needed. Alternatively, fill a spray bottle 1/2 full of white vinegar and fill the rest with water. Spritz the inside of your oven and wipe with a moist sponge. This will help remove odors, but not baked-on food or grease. [11] X Research source Sprinkle salt on burned-on food in the oven. Wait until the oven cools and wipe with a damp cloth. [12] X Research source
Periodically leave the lid or door to your washer open when not in use to prevent mold and mildew formation. Clean the interior and exterior surfaces of your washing machine with a diluted bleach (2 teaspoons per 1 gallon cool water) or vinegar solution (2 tablespoons white vinegar per 1 gallon cool water). [13] X Research source [14] X Research source Wipe all surfaces with a paper towel moistened with water. Let sit for 12 hours or until completely dry before using.
If you can’t find chlorine dioxide in your local hardware store, order it online.
Test the solution first in a non-visible part of carpet as hydrogen peroxide can bleach or fade colors.
You may have to vacuum the carpet twice, and move the vacuum in opposite directions. [18] X Research source You can also have your carpets professionally shampooed, or rent a do-it-yourself shampooer from a grocery or hardware store. Clean small throw rugs or doormats in a washing machine. Check the manufacturer’s label for cleaning instructions first.
You can also wipe cupboard, trunk, or drawer surfaces with a 50-50 solution of baking soda and water, then add a liner to keep the area clean. A small opened can or container of fresh coffee grounds can also be effective in small spaces. Leave it for 2-3 days before removing or replacing. Alternatively, remove all items from the storage space and sprinkle a thin layer of coffee grounds or baking soda on the floor of the surface. Let sit for 2-3 days and then vacuum it up or wipe it with a damp cloth. Leave it open and let it air dry.
You can also sprinkle Odor Eaters powder in your shoes. Pack wet shoes (especially sneakers or cleats) with crumpled newspaper. Replace newspaper when it becomes soaked through. This will help the shoe dry faster and prevent wet shoes from developing musty or bad odors.
You can also wipe down the items with disinfectant wipes, especially if the item is made from plastic or another hard material. Place several dryer sheets in your suitcase or backpack or fill fabric packets with cat litter that contains baking soda. [21] X Expert Source Melanie GarciaProfessional House Cleaner Expert Interview. 10 October 2019. Keep suitcases and backpacks fresh when not in use by placing wrapped bars of soap. Place throughout the main compartment as well as in any large pockets. [22] X Research source
After camping, make sure the tent is completely dry before rolling-up and storing.
Leave an open container of coffee grounds or a pan of cat litter in your trunk overnight to absorb odors. Spray rubber mats with a diluted bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach to 1 gallon hot water) and then hose them down with water. Do this on a warm, sunny day so you can leave the mats outside to air dry. [24] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source [25] X Research source
Lay a mesh bag with crushed volcanic rock on the floor of a clean plastic bin with a lid. Set a clean milk crate directly on top of the volcanic rock, and lay books vertically in the crate. Cover the bin and leave it sealed for several days before removing your books.
