Just moved into 1st floor apartment that's very musty in Pennsylvania. Aside from a dehumidifier, anything el
Question:I'm also concerned about the quality of the air. Should I try an air purifier?
Answers:
It sounds like the apartment had water damage at some time. Besides pulling up the carpet, the only thing I can suggest is to leave the windows open for a few days. Have you spoken with the landlord about this? Ask if there was ever a flood or plumbing problem. If there were, there could be mold growing that you can't see.
Open the windows
i would try one, also try opening windowns or getting another dehumidifier, it might get better as time goes one, and maybe give it awhile and if it doesnt work, I would talk to my landlord as ask for help
Fabreeze can work wonders
Drying the air should eventually get rid of the musty odor. An air conditioner works in the same manner as a dehumidifier and could be a huge help as well.
There is a product called moist rid. I think you can buy at Lowes, Menards, walmart etc. It will draw moisture and smells.
FYI The reason they are musty is because the windows are seldom opened on the first floor because illegal entry is so easy off the street. Air purifier may help.
If it's musty, moldy smelling, I've seen a product sold in my local Sav-A-Lot store that is supposed to remove dampness. I don't know the name off-hand, but it's a small plastic container that you just open. It's probably about the size of a large cottage cheese container. You can also use charcoal, or plain old chalk to absorb dampness. Also, if it is a musty, moldy smell you should definitly consider an air purifier. I used to work with a girl who slept in the basement of her home, and had a serious reaction to mold. It damaged her throat so severely that it changed the sound of her voice permanently.
Sun and fresh air will help when you can open the place up.
Bowls of white Vinegar will take out smell.
Baking soda in carpet (Then vacuum later) will remove odor.
You can get pool chemicals called zeolyte and place this in tyvek bags (available -as recycled from post office/fedex). Close and label them. Place all around. This will absorb the water and odors...and you refresh by baking the chemicals (in a pan in oven for several hours or placing in sun). You can make up lots of bags. They are not hazardous but avoid breatheing in ton of dust.
I would clean the refrigerator seals /any visible mold with Clorox solution (or Tilex) and spray the place with lysol fresh scent disinfectant, or an Orange cleaner or lavendar, pine, eucalyptus, or whatever scent you like. Use a shower spray and the vent or open window after shower.
I have no experience with air purifiers. I have researched molds / fungus. They are opportunistic. With the right conditions they will grow. Change the air filter if it is in your unit.
You could get some lavendar buds, put them in sachets for the closet. They last a long time (years). Squeeze them every now and then to release scent..will keep away clothes moths too.
Good idea to get some eucalyptus spray and spray under and back of bookcases to ward off silverfish.
Good luck.
I'd talk to your landlord. Apartments are supposed to be clean and fresh upon moving in to include new paint and shampoo'd carpeting. It's possible that you had smokers living in your apartment before you. Try wiping your closet doors or the door itself down with a wet paper towel...if you have filth then you know that this wasn't a non-smoking home. I'd wash all of the windows, to include the tracks, doors, and wash the floor really good...could try an air purifier or burn lots of candles. Keep the windows open as much as possible too to air the place out. Good Luck!
Use full strength white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray down carpets (won't stain) - use it in all the bathrooms (especially on the walls) because mold and mildew are not always visible. The vinegar will kill all mold and mildew - air out the place and use the vinegar once or twice a week in the bathroom.
Yes a air purifier would be a good idea too along with a dehumidifier. If you can let in fresh air.
More Related Questions & Answers...