PuroClean of Melbourne 
Have you noticed a persistent musty, damp odor in your Melbourne home? That distinctive smell often described as earthy, stale, or like old socks is more than just unpleasant. It’s a warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored.
At PuroClean of Melbourne, we help homeowners identify and eliminate mildew problems every day. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what causes that mildew smell, where to look for the source, and most importantly, how to get rid of it for good.
What Causes Mildew Smell in Your Home?
The musty odor you’re smelling comes from microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) that mold and mildew release as they grow and break down organic materials. While the smell itself isn’t the mold, it’s a strong indicator that excess moisture is present and mildew is likely growing somewhere in your home.
Moisture issues in a home can lead to mold and mildew exposure, which can result in respiratory irritation, significant allergic reactions, skin rash, asthma attacks, or even chronic disease. This is why addressing the problem quickly is essential for both your home’s integrity and your family’s health.
The Most Common Causes
1. Excess Moisture and Water Leaks
The presence of water where it shouldn’t be is a leading cause of musty smells in homes, whether from a leaky pipe hidden in a wall, a humid basement, or even wet towels piled up in the bathroom.
2. Poor Ventilation
When air is stagnant inside your home, contaminants get trapped indoors, resulting in that “old house” smell. Areas like basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are particularly vulnerable when airflow is inadequate.
3. HVAC System Issues
HVAC systems that aren’t regularly cleaned can circulate musty air throughout your home, with dust, debris, and moisture trapped in air ducts contributing to stale, musty smells.
4. Water Damage After Rain
After heavy rain, clogged gutters can push water into walls, roof leaks may allow moisture to seep into the attic, and poor grading around your foundation can cause rainwater to collect and seep into the basement.
Where to Look: Common Hiding Spots for Mildew
Your nose is your best tool for tracking down the source. Here are the most common culprits in Melbourne homes:
Bathrooms
Check shower curtains, grout and tile lines, under sinks, around drains, and in poorly ventilated corners. Consistent moisture from showers creates ideal conditions for mildew growth.
Basements and Crawl Spaces
Look for water seepage through foundation walls, condensation on pipes, and damp corners with poor air circulation. Foundation issues allow water to infiltrate the space, and when the foundation is compromised, rainwater has no barrier to stop it from seeping into your home.
Attics
Inspect for roof leaks, inadequate ventilation, and moisture accumulation. Remember, heat rises, making attics susceptible to condensation and moisture buildup.
HVAC Systems and Air Ducts
If the musty smell intensifies when your heating or cooling system runs, mildew may be growing inside the system or ductwork.
Behind Appliances
Water can accumulate behind dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators, creating hidden mildew breeding grounds.
Carpets and Upholstery
If a drink spills or a pet urinates on carpet, liquids can easily get absorbed by the soft surface, pad, and subfloor, and if not cleaned up quickly, these liquids can lead to bacteria or fungus growth.
Professional Solutions: When to Call PuroClean of Melbourne
While minor mildew issues can sometimes be addressed with DIY methods, many situations require professional intervention:
- Hidden water damage behind walls or under flooring
- Extensive mildew growth covering large areas
- Recurring odors that return despite cleaning efforts
- Health concerns or visible black mold
- Structural issues like foundation cracks or major leaks
Why Choose Professional Remediation?
At PuroClean of Melbourne, we don’t just mask odors—we eliminate the source. Our certified technicians use:
- Advanced moisture detection equipment to locate hidden water sources
- Industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers for thorough drying
- Professional antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mildew and prevent regrowth
- HEPA filtration systems to remove airborne spores
- Comprehensive documentation for insurance claims when applicable
DIY Prevention: Keeping Mildew at Bay
Prevention is your best defense against mildew smell. Here’s what Melbourne homeowners can do:
Control Humidity Levels
Use a dehumidifier in areas with high moisture levels, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens, as reducing excess moisture helps prevent the conditions that lead to musty smells. Aim to keep indoor humidity between 30-50%.
Improve Ventilation
- Run exhaust fans during and after showers
- Open windows when weather permits
- Use ceiling fans to promote air circulation
- Ensure adequate ventilation in crawl spaces
Address Leaks Immediately
Fix plumbing problems as soon as you discover them. Even small, slow leaks can create significant mildew problems over time.
Maintain Your HVAC System
Change air filters regularly and schedule annual professional maintenance to keep your system clean and efficient.
Clean and Dry Promptly
Don’t leave wet towels, clothes, or other damp items sitting around. Clean up spills immediately and ensure items are thoroughly dried before storing.
Regular Inspections
After heavy rain, check your home for signs of water intrusion. Inspect gutters, downspouts, and areas around your foundation regularly.
Quick Fixes for Immediate Relief
While you investigate the root cause, these temporary solutions can help:
- Improve air circulation by opening windows and using fans
- Use natural odor absorbers like bowls of baking soda or activated charcoal in affected areas
- Run a dehumidifier in the most humid rooms
- Clean visible mildew on hard surfaces with appropriate cleaning solutions
Remember: these are temporary measures. To permanently eliminate mildew smell, you must address the underlying moisture problem.
The Health Risks You Shouldn’t Ignore
According to the EPA, Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, where pollutants—including mold spores—can be 2–5 times higher than outdoors, making indoor air quality a major health concern.
Prolonged exposure to mildew and mold can cause:
- Respiratory irritation and difficulty breathing
- Allergic reactions and increased asthma symptoms
- Headaches and fatigue
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Skin rashes
If anyone in your Melbourne home experiences these symptoms, especially in conjunction with a musty smell, professional remediation is essential.
Why Choose PuroClean of Melbourne?
When you’re dealing with mildew smell in your house, you need more than just a quick fix—you need experts who understand moisture dynamics, building science, and proper remediation techniques.
Our comprehensive services include:
- 24/7 emergency response
- Free moisture inspections
- Complete water damage restoration
- Professional mildew and mold remediation
- Odor removal and air quality restoration
- Insurance assistance and documentation
- Guaranteed results with follow-up inspections
We’re committed to “The Paramedics of Property Damage®” standard—responding quickly, working efficiently, and restoring your home to a safe, healthy condition.
Take Action Today
That mildew smell won’t go away on its own. In fact, the longer you wait, the more extensive (and expensive) the problem becomes. Unless the root cause is fixed, you’ll find yourself stuck in a cycle of recurring odors and potential damage.
Don’t let mildew compromise your family’s health or your home’s value. Contact PuroClean of Melbourne today for a professional assessment.
Call us at 📞 (321) 378-2400 or visit https://www.puroclean.com/melbourne-fl-puroclean-melbourne to schedule your free moisture inspection.
Your home should smell fresh and feel healthy. Let us help you achieve that peace of mind.
PuroClean of Melbourne is your trusted partner for water damage restoration, mildew remediation, and property emergency services throughout the Melbourne area. With certified technicians and state-of-the-art equipment, we’re here to restore your property and your peace of mind—24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
PuroClean of Melbourne 