Flooding waters can be upsetting to any homeowner. Whether it’s a burst pipe, leaky bathtub, or overflowed sink, it can lead to water damage and ruin your valuables. If you have ever experienced water damage, I presume you may also have dealt with musty odors in your home. These mainly result from mold, which thrives in damp places, and there are multiple ways to expel them.
How can I get rid of nasty odors after water damage?
1. Inspection goes a long way.
Foul smells may result from dampness and humidity in your property. However, mold growth plays a significant role in this. If there’s mold growing in your home, which is common anyway, you’ll likely smell musty odors. It’s then vital to inspect all areas of your home for mold and mildew growth.
Why is this vital? Mold is toxic and can adversely affect your health. You should t consult a flood and water restoration company to avoid further spread and damage. The professional will guide you on how to deal with mold growth in the future.
2. Clean up!
If the mold affects area is small, or less than 10 sq feet, clean and scrub using water and detergent. Remember to wear gloves and avoid bleach. It kills live mold and not the spores, resulting in accelerated growth.
Moreover, dry the affected area using a humidifier or fan.
Wash any washable items like clothing, seat covers, and curtains. Add two cups of vinegar to the washing water or washer drum. This will eliminate the odor and kills the mold and mildew.
For more extensive areas, it may be tricky to contain the mold. And it’s best to engage a professional remediation company.
3. Remove the source
Foul odors may emanate from leaky pipes or crack in the walls and ceiling. Repairing this helps eliminate the smells for good. However, the smell may be from other items in your home. These can be furniture, clothes, rugs, curtains and many more. Recognize the source of the smell and remove the affected materials to avoid contamination. Also, dry them out completely to get rid of moisture and dampness that can encourage mold growth.
4. Deodorize
Open the windows to ensure adequate ventilation. You can also switch on an overhead fan to dry the area thoroughly. Also, use lemons to help flush hot any traces of the nasty smell. Cut and boil some lemons and put the boiling water in the affected spot. This will circulate the sweet scent in your home and expel the odor.
Carpets are also excellent absorbers, and it’s advisable to deodorize them. Dry them out in the sun and sprinkle baking soda. Allow the baking soda to sit overnight and remove it using a vacuum.
In summary
Pungent smells in the home can be a put-off to visitors. If you notice foul smells from your home after water damage, act immediately. This can be an indication of mold growth and can cause further damage to your property. To eliminate the odors for good, hire leading water damage and remediation firms. They use high-quality products to ensure a safe and better-smelling home.
More Stories
Everything You Should Know About Capacitor for AC Unit