My flat has a smell and im ashamed.

[Thetickleishone]

Hi there

I need some help advice or criticism.

I live in a ground floor 2 bedroom flat with other half and 8 year old girl.

When we leave we close all the windows and ive noticed when I get back in after a few hours theres a noticeable smell. Its not offensive but its quite musty and noticeable And I think about it 24/7. Admittedly the flat isn't spotless. The bedrooms can be cluttered. But living room and bathroom are always clear and clean. Kitchen is 50/50 depending on the situation but at the worst only yesterday's cooking items have been left out.

What am I or arent I doing to cause this. PLEASE HELP

I had a musty smell develop a few weeks ago despite rarely having doors and windows shut. I thought it was DH as he's getting a bit old now🤣🤣 so on the advice on here I got some persimmon soap. It does smell nice but it didn't solve the problem.
It appears that it was actually a batch of his washing that must have been put away slightly damp. I have now washed and dried the contents of his wardrobe (I threw away a few of the slightly more pungent ancient t-shirts) and boil washed all the bedding, including the pillows and the smell has gone.
Oh and I would suggest leaving your windows on vent all the time. The only time I shut mine fully is when it's foggy or the wind is keeping me awake.

Thanks! Maybe that could be it all the clothes in the bedroom, but none of it is dirty that is on the floor though anything dirty stays in the washing basket. Buy i will 100% take your advice!! Thanks

Sounds like it’s a bit damp. Ours can have a musty smell when we return from holiday but not after a few hours or even an overnight trip.

How old is the property? I would agree with PP about keeping your windows open or ajar a lot.

Maybe get a dehumidifier. Also, how old are your carpets and curtains? Could they do with a deep clean?

Damp towel anywhere? Bedding need washing?

Agree I'd want to check for damp anywhere in the property. It can be easy ti miss. Ideally you want someone with a moisture meter to check. If you find say a small leak from the roof you can get that repaired. A dehumidifier is a good idea if there is any general dampness.

Meanwhile put a dish of sodium bicarbonate out, which is good at absorbing odours. You can buy bags cheaply on Amazon.

Do you dry washing indoors? That can often cause a musty/damp smell.

If you have a build up of dust (a lot unseen) it can smell quite bad.

My guess would be a damp towel in the washing basket. Or sweaty exercise clothes. I’m trying to convince DH not to do this because it makes everything in there smell musty.

That would be the fabrics. Wash everything, ideally with a dettol fabric sanitiser rinse, dry and put away.
Then clean any fabric sofas, cushions, mattresses.
I personally always keep a window open but thats because I like to have air circulating regardless.

Musty smell in bedroom was our duvet. I replaced it and the smell went.

It could be a hidden water leak somewhere in the bathroom or even another flat.

Do you have carpets? Do they need a clean?

I would have a massive declutter. You probably have damp hidden behind it.

1960s, can only keep the windows open during the day and not at night because its ground floor and dont want to be unsafe, yes towels are always damp, no curtains we just got laminate

No damp on survey when we moved in only 3 years ago

I agree too much clutter in bedrooms

You can wash duvets.

Anything which is in regular use, but doesn't get washed often can be a cause. So soft furnishings including curtains, sofa covers, duvets, mattress and pillow protectors, rugs and carpets. Even coats if there's a stack of them.

Yes I think you're right, problem is we only can have the windows open from say 6pm-10pm because were ground floor flat

Sounds like damp

Yes loads we went away for 2 weeks, did a very good clean before we went away and their was dust everywhere. And quite thick

Yes only indoors with a dehum

We do wash duvets. It's still recommended that you replace every five years.

Son and partner are having a big declutter this month. They've been in three years. She said they've accumulated a lot they use a dehumidifier. Had a musty smell turned out to be the washing machine.

We use a carpet cleaner twice a year it has an upholstery attachment. Also use throws over sofas, chairs and wash regularly.

Do you open windows often to get some fresh air in OP? I love oils and candles and have always got something nice burning too.

The musty smell in your apartment could be due to several reasons. Try checking the following:

1. Wash your complete bedding set with a good detergent.
2. Check your carpet, if it’s wet or damp, it could be causing the smell.
3. When you leave home, keep an exhaust fan running to improve ventilation.

Follow these steps and see if the smell improves. Let me know if it works for you.

Washing machines need cleaning, especially if in a hard water area and/or using liquids or pods. Put the machine on its longest, hottest wash with some soda crystals (not bicarb!) and that should help. The best way to stop gunk and smells building up is to do a weekly hot wash, e.g. for towels, and only use powder detergent.

Sometimes repeating the long, hot wash might be necessary if gunk is loosened and still needs to be washed away.

Leave the door open and open the drawer too after use to aid drying and air circulation. If the washing machine is in the kitchen or another small space, this might not be doable as a matter of course.