Why That Musty Smell Could Be a Warning Sign
You walk into your basement or crawlspace and smell... something. It’s earthy, damp, and unpleasant. You spray some air freshener and move on. But that musty odor could be telling you something important: there may be mold growing behind the scenes.
Here’s what you should know about that smell:
Mold Has a Signature Scent: The musty smell often comes from microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), which are gases released by mold as it grows. If you smell it, there's a high chance mold is nearby.
You Won’t Always See It: Mold often hides behind walls, under carpets, or inside HVAC systems. Just because you don’t see visible damage doesn’t mean the problem isn’t real.
Air Fresheners Can Make It Worse: Covering the smell with sprays or candles won’t solve the issue and could add more irritants to your air. It’s like putting a Band-Aid on a leak.
Moisture Is the Root Cause: Musty odors usually follow water issues — leaks, high humidity, or poor drainage. Fixing the moisture source is critical.
It’s Not Just About Smell — It’s About Health: Breathing in mold-related particles can affect your health, especially if you have allergies or asthma.
Bottom Line? Trust Your Nose.
If something smells "off," get it checked. MacLean Environmental specializes in identifying and addressing the source of indoor air problems so you can breathe easy again.
