The smell of mildew is one of the most unpleasant of all. When searching for a new home, it is this very smell that can turn buyers off. This is because mildew both smells bad and can make the occupants of the home quite sick. If your home smells musty, it's important to tackle the problem before welcoming potential buyers. Here's how to take care of mildew and get your home smelling clean and fresh again!
Clean
The first thing you will need to do is clean the affected area. When mildew affects things like cabinets or other furniture, it is best to remove these items. This is because the mildew and the smell have become part of the wood and, no matter how much you scrub, you will never remove it entirely. Wood and similar materials are extremely porous and will house the spores which allows them to grow again at an alarming pace. Fabric can usually be cleaned and sometimes needs to be cleaned with care. Harder surfaces like grouting in between tiles can be thoroughly scrubbed. Bleach is effective when it comes to killing the spores and making the area easier to wipe clean. When using bleach, you should always dilute with water, wear old clothes, consider wearing gloves, and make sure that you leave at least one window open for ventilation. You might need to allow the bleach to set for a few minutes before wiping the area. Allow the area to dry and you will notice a difference right away!
Absorb the odor
Despite cleaning the area, you may still notice that musty scent in certain parts of the room. There are dozens of products on the market that claim to work miracles when it comes to eliminating such odors. However, instead of spending a fortune on these chemicals, you can try this DIY approach: put some charcoal briquettes in empty coffee cans and place them around the affected area. These briquettes absorb the odor as well as moisture which is an added bonus! Don't forget to replace the briquettes every month since they will not prove effective for an unlimited period of time. Baking soda is another great option for removing odors. It's often used in smelly refrigerators and can help get rid of that mildew smell too. Open a box of baking soda and place it in the affected area. This box, like the charcoal, will need to be replaced regularly (every two months). Cat litter can also help but it tends to only last for about two weeks before you need to replace it. It is a great backup plan if you have run out of charcoal or baking soda.
Keep odors away
Keeping the smell away is sometimes the greatest challenge. This is because we only usually notice mildew once we smell it. Make sure that you check and clean the area or areas that are usually affected by mildew on a regular basis. Regular cleaning prevents mildew from taking hold and making itself at home. Air your whole home every day – even when it's freezing outside! This helps moisture escape and prevents the growth of mold and mildew.
Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier in the affected room or rooms is an excellent investment. You don't need to invest in an expensive electric one. There are a number of dehumidifiers on the market that make use of an absorbent insert and catchment area. Remember, moisture forms in the coldest parts of the room. So, if you notice that a particular corner gets really cold in winter, it's best to place the dehumidifier in or near this area. It will help prevent water from building up and this helps prevent mildew from growing.
Now that your home smells great again, it's time to welcome possible buyers with confidence! When putting your Toronto home on the market, don't forget to contact Marina Rigenco. Call (647) 834-2292 for expert assistance finding the perfect buyer for your property!
