So you’re still having a tricky time figuring out why your house smells musty when it rains. Besides being annoying to the nostrils, these odors could also mean problems you need to fix immediately.
Neglecting to correct this issue straight away will just lead to two possible outcomes. First, you’re just going to be in for even nastier smells before you know it. And second, you and your household could be prone to serious health issues in the long run.
Make sure you follow along to find out the reasons why your house smells musty when it rains. We’ve also included a few straightforward yet very useful tips to help you solve the problem without a fuss.
The Top 7 Reasons Why Your House Smells Musty When It Rains and How to Fix Them
Your window sealant could be already deteriorating.
One of the probable reasons why your house smells musty when it rains is leaky windows. It could be that the sealant used to act as a barrier against the elements is breaking up. There’s also a possibility that your windows were not installed or sealed the way they should be.
Make it a point to carefully inspect your window panes for signs of discoloration, hazing, and moisture. It’s also recommended to check that everything is as aligned and secure as it should. Contact a professional at once if the problem requires technical expertise.
Your roof could be unknowingly letting water and moisture in.
Regardless of how durable your roofing material is, it will become vulnerable to damage over time. Keep in mind to frequently examine your roof and ceiling for any traces of water seepage. This is best done immediately, right after rainfall.
There are several options you can go for if you do find holes and leaks in your roof. If the damage is not that extensive, you can use a polyurethane, silicone, or rubber sealant to fill them in. Professional help is already needed if the issue requires more than DIY power to fix.
Your appliances could be the culprit if your house smells musty when it rains .
This may sound a bit surprising at first, but your appliances could be causing that musty smell in your house. These include any device that could potentially gather water buildups like refrigerators, washing machines, and freezers.
Keep in mind to check them for any water accumulation, especially in their bottom areas that typically act as catchments. Make it a point to clean the affected areas thoroughly and apply disinfectant to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Moreover, it is also crucial to examine if your washing machine’s drain mechanism is working properly. Besides ensuring that you won’t be dealing with musty odors, your clothes will stay fresh and clean, too.
Your indoor plants could be overwatered if your house smells musty when it rains .
Having plants around the house is actually beneficial in increasing oxygen levels inside your abode. But the thing is, overwatering your houseplants without appropriately draining them can already lead to musty odors.
Besides allowing them to dry sufficiently in between waterings, make sure you get rid of any dead leaves and branches. These could be a hotbed for the development of mold and mildew if not taken care of.
While you’re at it, remember to empty the bottom part of the pots that serve as basins for water runoff. Apart from causing that annoying musty smell, these could also be a breeding ground for disease-causing mosquitoes.
Your pets could be the source of that stinky smell.
Did you know that pet hair and dander can give your house a nasty dose of musty odor? This rings true, especially if you’ve got several pets at home. The musty smell could be from the accumulation of fur around your place or your pet’s unwashed bedding and accessories.
Keep in mind to regularly give your pooch or kitty a thorough bath and get rid of their stray hairs. Additionally, don’t forget to give their bedding, toys, and other stuff a meticulous washing every two weeks or so.
Interestingly, pets can take on a funky smell when exposed to moisture, and they don’t get the chance to dry off properly. Remember to empty their water and food dishes while you’re at it since they could also be potential problem areas. Click here to find out more tips on how you can keep your home smelling nice if you have pets.
Your drain pipes might be clogged if your house smells musty when it rains .
Your drain pipes serve two very important functions in your household. First, they get rid of unwanted, dirty water. Second, they take it to a place where they should be. If something’s wrong with your drain pipes, then you could be in for lots of musty smells in your house.
Try having a visual inspection of your drain pipes first. Make sure you start with the most crucial ones, like in the bathroom, garage, or utility room. Check for any buildup of hair, grime, and any similar stuff that could prevent the water from flowing properly.
Once you’ve finished with your visual check, make sure you remove all of the possible blockages by sweeping and scrubbing. Take time to also test if the drain pipes are working properly by hosing it with a bit of water. This will help you determine if a more technical solution is needed.
Your home might be lacking sufficient ventilation if your house smells musty when it rains .
While the word “ventilation” may sound rather technical, it actually just means getting rid of bad air and putting good air in its place. Stagnant air, especially when combined with external factors like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), will give your house a musty smell.
There are many simple options that you can go for when it comes to increasing your home’s ventilation. Here are some of them to help you get started:
- Take time to open the windows. Making it a point to open your windows regularly helps the air inside your home to circulate. Apart from taking away stagnant air, this also helps drying out moisture in your household that you might have missed.
- Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. Having exhaust fans in your abode helps get rid of nasty odors almost immediately at a touch of a switch. They also help dry wet areas at a much quicker pace. Just be prepared for a bit of noise when they’re on.
- Invest in a dehumidifier. Just as its name suggests, a dehumidifier helps prevent excessive humidity that can lead to musty smells. Additionally, this device also staves off the growth and development of mold and mildew as a cool bonus.
Home Air Quality is founded by Bernard K to provide information on Indoor Air Quality in Homes and enlighten people about what they need to know about creating and maintaining a comfortable and healthy home environment.
We believe that “Quality air brings a healthy life.”
