What Does Mold Smell Like?

There’s nothing like the smell of home—every house has its own unique smells that reflect the nature of the home and those who live in it. Sometimes there are factors that change that smell, and one of the worst is mold. Mold does not always have a strong smell but when it is present, it’s important to address it as soon as possible.

What Does Mold Smell Like?

Mold is often described as smelling musty. Others have described mold as having an earthy or meaty odor, resembling the smell of wet socks or rotten wood. For many homeowners, the smell is unpleasant and pungent. As mold grows, it can emit gasses known as microbial volatile organic compounds, or MVOC’s. Technically, it is not just the mold itself you are smelling, but also the chemical compounds that are released at different stages of the mold’s growth.

Mold Odor and Air Quality Testing

Some people may think that they are able to air out the musty mold smell, but that isn’t always the case. It is strongly recommended to get your air quality tested by a certified mold testing and inspection company. It is better to act early when you smell mold than wait and see if the smell will go away on its own, because chances are it won’t! Household cleaners or air fresheners will only mask the smell for a short period of time. Inhaling mold spores can be the cause of allergic reactions or symptoms like coughing, irritated eyes and throat, headaches and sneezing.

Persistent Smell Points to Mold

If you’ve cleaned, opened windows, and aired out a space and the smell persists, there could be mold growth in your home. A persistently musty smell can be an indication of mildew in your home. Mildew is an early stage of mold that can grow on surfaces in your home, and can sometimes be mistaken for a surface just looking dirty. The biggest difference between moldy and musty odors is the strength of the smell. Musty odors are usually not as strong as moldy odors. If the smell is strong and persistent over time, it’s a good indication you should schedule a mold inspection.

Does Mold Smell Behind Walls?

Mold behind walls is particularly tricky because it can develop unnoticed until it becomes a major problem. While you might not see mold, its presence might still be noticeable due to a distinct odor. Mold growth behind walls often produces a musty smell that seems to permeate throughout the room or even the entire home. This odor is a result of the microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) that mold releases as it grows. If you notice an unexplained musty odor that doesn’t go away with cleaning or ventilation, it could very well be mold hidden behind your walls. In such cases, it's crucial to have a professional mold inspection to assess the situation and prevent further damage to your home and health.

Signs of Mold Infestation

Recognizing the signs of mold infestation is key to addressing it before it escalates. Apart from the distinctive musty odor, other indicators can signal mold growth. Visual signs include dark spots or patches on walls, ceilings, or floors, especially in damp areas. Peeling wallpaper, discoloration, and warping of materials are also red flags. Health symptoms such as persistent coughing, sneezing, headaches, or eye irritation among residents can further suggest mold exposure. If you observe any of these signs, it is advisable to seek immediate mold inspection and remediation services to ensure a safe and healthy environment in your home or business.

BioClean Can Tackle the Smell of Mold

BioClean’s mold inspection, removal, and remediation experts have been serving Connecticut and Westchester County for over 30 years, and we know what mold smells like. We would be happy to provide a free inspection of your home or commercial property to help determine if an unpleasant odor is caused by mold growth. Contact us today to get started.