Why Does My Garage Smell Musty?

A musty smell can settle and linger in your garage for a number of reasons, ranging from excess moisture buildup to wet leaves or last week's dinner decaying in the bottom of your trash can. Whatever the case may be, it's important to determine the underlying cause as soon as possible.

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If your garage smells musty, cleaning out your garbage cans may be enough to eliminate the stink for good. However, musty smells caused by mold or mildew usually require a little more elbow grease. By following some simple steps to eliminate the actual odor source, you can enjoy a clean, fresh-smelling garage for the foreseeable future.

Why Does My Garage Smell Musty?

While mold and mildew tend to be the most common culprits of musty-smelling garages, there may be a few other factors at play. Here's a rundown of possible issues that can result in a smelly garage:

• Floor drains. Does your garage have a floor drain? If so, the musty odors may be due to standing water, wet leaves or other debris stuck in the drain's trap.

• Mold or mildew growth. Standing water paired with poor circulation creates the perfect environment for mold, mildew and musty odors. Mold and mildew can also occur if your garage has a leaking roof or a damaged door seal that makes it easy for water to enter.

• Dirty trash cans or recycling bins. In some cases, wet trash buildup in the bottom of your garbage cans or recycling bins can cause musty smells. Wet grass, leaves and paper products make an ideal breeding ground for mold, while old food scraps and kitchen grease may simply start to smell after a few days.

When a Garage Smells Musty, Does It Always Mean There's Mold?

Mold and mildew in your garage can definitely create a musty odor, but musty odors don't always equal mold. Some additional possibilities include dirty garbage cans, animal urine or droppings and decomposing food.

How Do I Get the Musty Odor out of My Garage?

How you eliminate musty odors from your garage will greatly depend on the underlying cause of the odor. Here are some tips on removing musty smells caused by dirty floor drains, trash cans and mold and mildew growth:

Floor Drains

Follow these steps to eliminate musty odors from garage floor drains:

Step 1: Lift the drain cover and remove any visible debris, such as leaves or paper scraps.

Step 2: Replace the drain cover and pour approximately 1 quart of water into the drain to add moisture to the trap.

Step 3: Pour a few tablespoons of cooking oil into the drain to help slow moisture loss.

If adding water and cooking oil to the drain trap doesn't work, try these DIY tips:

• Pour one part boiling water and one part vinegar down the drain.

• Sprinkle baking soda in the drain to absorb odors.

Mold and Mildew Growth

If your garage smells musty because of mold or mildew growth, the odor should go away after you treat the mold and/or mildew. Here are some DIY tips to get rid of musty, moldy smells:

• Apply undiluted vinegar to affected areas. Allow the vinegar to sit for a few minutes and wipe down with a wet cloth.

• Apply over-the-counter mold and mildew removal spray to the affected areas. Be sure to follow package instructions for best results.

It's important to note that if your garage has excessive mold growth or if you suspect black mold, you'll want to schedule an inspection with a mold remediation specialist.

Dirty Trash Cans/Recycling Bins

To treat musty smells caused by dirty trash cans or recycling bins, follow these steps:

Step 1: Clean out the bottom of the can or bin with a wet cloth or hose. Make sure to remove all solid materials (leaves, paper scraps, food scraps, etc.).

Step 2: Wipe down the cans or bins with warm, soapy water.

Step 3: Rinse the cans/bins with water and allow it to dry.

Step 4: Once dry, sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of each can or bin to help absorb moisture and prevent future odors.

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Professional Intervention

If DIY methods don't work or you're having trouble locating the exact source of the musty or moldy odor, it's important to call in a professional plumber or mold remediation specialist. Musty odors coming from your floor drain may indicate sewer gas or an issue with the underground plumbing, while excessive mold growth can sometimes cause structural damage.