How do you get rid of the smell of mold?

Question

We have all these Halloween decorations and costumes, but they all reak of mold from out attic.

Answer 1

Youll need to get rid of the mold itslef. First spray it with Febreeze or some other mold remover. Then try scrubing or scraping it off. By then it should be all gone.

Answer 2

The only way to get rid of mold and the smell without having to rip out a walls is to paint over it with kills. It is the only thing after lots of experimenting that I have found truely works.

In clothing use bakingsoda and vinegar to soak them and then add some more to the wash. If they smell though you should really check your attic for mold.

I know many other answers are saying bleach well bleach can cause as many health problems as mold and vinegar has a higher PH than bleach and with the bakingsoda it will help to lift out the stain and not fade you clothes.

I use this solution on all my laundry and well my husband works on the oil rigs and I have 2 boys I'm tellin you it really works.

Answer 3

The best way to eliminate the smell of mold is to eliminate the mold....bleach solution works great. If some things cannot be washed/rinsed with a bleach solution, then fill your bathtub with very very hot water and pour in a cup or two of bleach. Hang the costumes above the steaming water and the bleach "fumes" will eliminate the mold and mold odors. Treat the attic and look for leaks in the roof. Attics shouldn't smell moldy. Only basements should ever smell moldy because of moisture seepage.

Answer 4

I believe Tami & John D had the best answers. When you store things, they get musty odor from being in damp, humid conditions. Next time use those space bags to store. Some times moisture absorbers can help reduce the smell and don't use cardboard boxes. Arm & Hammer baking soda refrigerator units absorb ordor, freebreeze all good covers. But you really need to fix the problem.

I don't know if I'd put a costume on a child who's immune system can be so much more suspectible to the bacteria.

But your attic could be a ticking, time bomb. You probably have structure problems. That need to be fixed ASAP. Mold in any home can be dangerous even for adults. Wear protection. Seek professional help and solutions. I just keep thinking about "Extreme Home Makeover" did a segment on a Firefighter who died from the spores that he released in the air trying to fix a home for his family. He died.

Answer 5

Mold spores are a living entity. Sunlight and a bleach spray may help and destroy the mold spores. There are hundreds of types of mold that



grow in dampness.If I were you, I would throw out all the old stuff and get new stuff. Mold can cause a variety of illnesses, such as triggering asthma and allergic rhinitis . Breathing in aspergellus mold can actually settle into your sinuses causing a fungal ball which may become chronic and have to be surgically removed. Black mold is an emergency. Get rid of mold period. Just get it out of your house. Nothing is worth your health.

Answer 6

Febreeze, as has been suggested, will neutralize odors.
If the costumes are washable, then a good washing is your best bet.
For plastic decorations, a chlorine bleach solution in water (no more than 10%) will destroy mold & odors. Be careful with this, however. Bleach is irritating to skin & eyes. The fumes can be intense. Even a weak chlorine solution can bleach colored fabrics & can corrode metal. Always test a small area 1st.
Realistically, you may have to throw some things out.

Answer 7

It can be difficult to remove the mold and of course the smell from porous items like clothes and decorations. Sunshine kills mold and a dry environment will keep it from living as well. As it drys the smell, cause by volatile organic compounds will dissipate. A weak solution of 10% bleach will kill mold but it may of course discolor the items used on. You could also kill the mold by freezing it. One would still need to remove the mold from the items and keep them dry or even frozen mold could have residual spores that are viable and would Begin to grow again.

I am a Certified Mold Remediator and Veteran of New Orleans after Katrina

Answer 8

The mold smell is the least of your problems. If you attic is that humid I have to wonder if you have a leak in your roof. You better do some investigating. Things should not go moldy in an attic.
Something is very wrong. Attics are the top of the house and there for the warmest and therefor the driest. You have a ventilation problem or a leak. Either way you have a serious problem. Mean time fabreeeeeez oh yeah

Answer 9

The musty odor found in most finished basements is the product of hidden molds munching on organic matter. This emits water, carbon dioxide, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like alcohols and aldehydes. When inhaled, these chemicals irritate respiratory passages. The musty odors, as well as mold spores, are spread by ventilation through the house.

You cannot capture the musty mildew smell with air filters or ionizers. Get rid of the odor by using the BioZap Air Purifier & Deodorizer. BioZap vapors do not mask odors, but break them down. The musty smell in your basement, bathroom, or office should disappear in a matter in a week or so.

Answer 10

If they can be washed (not plastic costumes) throw them in the washing machine with just a very small amount (maybe a cap full) of bleach along with detergent. Wash them on delicate of hand wash them inside-out.
But the bigger issue you have is the reason your attic smells of mold. You could have some major issues growing or even toxic. I suggest getting an environmental specialist, mold inspector, or HVAC person to have a look at the culprit. Good luck

Answer 11

The stuff got damp.. Dry it and mold will rub (fall) off. If you can wash the costumes.. do so.. Anything almost anywhere that is damp & dark.. Mold will grow.. As far as the decorations go.. That moldy smell just adds to the Halloween season..lol