Randy Chandler
The smell of mold is typically described as musty, like damp clothes forgotten in a washing machine or a stack of wet towels. However, the odor of mold can vary depending on its type, growth stage, and the conditions in which it grows. Some molds produce earthy smells, while others emit sweeter smells, and some even smell like fermenting alcohol or rotting meat. Certain types of mold produce odors that resemble the smell of aged cheese due to the compounds released during the mold's metabolic processes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Typical Smell | Musty, damp |
| Other Smells | Earthy, sour, stale, chemical, cheese, alcohol, rotting meat |
| Health Effects | Headaches, nasal irritation, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, respiratory issues |
| Cause | Moisture, water damage, leaks, humidity |
| Detection | Smell, visual confirmation, professional mold inspection |
| Remediation | Dry water-damaged areas within 24-48 hours, hire a professional |
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What You'll Learn
- Mould can smell like cheese due to compounds released during its metabolic processes
- Musty is the most common description of the smell of mould
- Mould can also smell earthy, like rotting wood or wet soil
- Mould can smell like chemicals due to the production of MVOCs
- Black mould has a distinct smell and is one of the most toxic types of mould
Mould can smell like cheese due to compounds released during its metabolic processes
Mould has a distinctive and unpleasant smell that is hard to ignore and can serve as a warning of an infestation. The odour is often described as musty, damp, and earthy—like rotting wood, decaying leaves, or wet soil. However, mould can also smell like cheese due to compounds released during its metabolic processes. Certain types of mould produce odours similar to aged cheese, and this cheese-like smell could indicate the presence of mould.
Mould odours can be tricky to identify and vary based on the type of mould and its growth stage. There are thousands of species of mould, each with different colours, textures, and odours. Some moulds produce earthy smells, while others emit sweeter smells or even scents reminiscent of fermenting alcohol or rotting meat. The smell of mould can also change during its digestion, growth, and reproduction stages. For example, black mould, one of the most common types of mould found in households, may smell like a musty basement or rotting leaves.
The musty odour associated with mould is caused by microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) produced by the mould and released into the air. These compounds are volatile and quickly released, contributing to the strong and unpleasant odour of mould. mVOCs are responsible for the musty, earthy, rotting, or sour notes in mould odours. The presence of bacteria can also influence the smell, with certain bacteria producing a "sweaty sock" aroma that can accompany the typical damp-musty scent of mould.
Identifying mould by smell can be challenging, and visual confirmation is not always possible, especially if the mould is hidden behind walls or in other hard-to-see places. Therefore, it is recommended to trust your sense of smell and investigate any abnormal, mould-like odours in your home. If you suspect mould growth, consider hiring a professional mould inspector to conduct a detailed investigation and provide guidance on remediation. Addressing mould issues promptly is crucial to maintaining good indoor air quality and preventing potential health problems.
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Musty is the most common description of the smell of mould
While different types of mould have different smells, the most common description of the smell of mould is "musty". It is often described as a stale, damp, and lingering scent that is unpleasant and grows stronger over time as the mould spreads. Musty odours are often the first clue of mould growth, as mould often grows in hidden places such as walls, attics, or bathrooms, and the smell usually appears before any visible signs of mould.
The musty smell of mould is caused by the microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) that the mould releases into the air. These compounds are often associated with mould growth and can cause various symptoms, including headaches, nasal irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. The musty smell of mould is often compared to the scent of damp clothes, wet towels, or a stuffy attic that hasn't been aired out.
In addition to mustiness, mould can also smell earthy, similar to rotting wood, decaying leaves, or wet soil. Some moulds may also give off a slightly sour or rotten odour, especially if mixed with bacteria. While less common, certain types of mould can produce odours similar to the smell of aged cheese, chemicals, or even rotting meat.
If you notice a persistent musty smell, it is important to investigate and address any mould issues as soon as possible to prevent potential health issues and damage to your home.
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Mould can also smell earthy, like rotting wood or wet soil
The smell of mould is typically described as "musty". It is a stale, damp scent that lingers in the air and is often the first sign of mould or mildew. However, mould can also smell earthy, like rotting wood or wet soil. This is due to the compounds released during the mould's metabolic processes. The earthy smell of mould is reminiscent of a dense forest, decaying leaves, or dirt. While mould odours are unpleasant, they serve as a warning of a mould infestation that needs immediate attention.
Mould odours can be tricky to identify and harmful to your health. In addition to mustiness, microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) produced by mould are responsible for notes of earthiness, rotting, or sourness. The smell of mould grows stronger over time as it starts to spread and sporulate. Mould needs excess moisture to grow, which is why the scent of dampness or humidity always accompanies mould odour.
Mould can also smell like chemicals due to the mVOCs emitted. Certain types of mould produce odours that are similar to the smell of aged cheese. If you notice a cheese-like smell in your home, it could indicate the presence of mould. It is important to identify and remove mould as soon as possible to prevent health issues and maintain good indoor air quality.
Mould can be present even if there is no smell. Visible mould spots may take weeks, months, or even years to appear. Mould spores can start to form in as little as 24 hours in the right conditions, and they can cause respiratory issues. If you suspect mould, it is best to call a mould remediation professional to test your home.
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Mould can smell like chemicals due to the production of MVOCs
Mould can sometimes smell like chemicals due to the production of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). MVOCs are gases produced by moulds, bacteria, and biofilms, and they are characterised by their low molecular weight, high vapour pressure, and low water solubility. They are commonly made up of strong chemicals such as aldehydes, benzenes, and tulolenes, and are released into the air during some parts of the mould's growth cycle.
The musty odour that is often associated with mould growth is caused by MVOCs. In addition to mustiness, MVOCs can also be responsible for notes of earthiness, rotting, or sourness. The smell of mould is usually quite foul and unpleasant, and it grows stronger over time as the mould starts to spread and sporulate. The health effects of inhaling MVOCs are largely unknown, but exposure to them has been linked to symptoms such as headaches, nasal irritation, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and skin rashes.
MVOCs are only produced when mould is actively growing, and they are the waste products created by mould as it grows. The production of MVOCs depends on certain conditions, such as humidity, temperature, air pressure, and light. MVOCs can remain in permeable items such as clothes, carpets, upholstered furniture, and curtains even after mould growth has been removed, and they can be difficult to remove.
It is important to address the source of MVOCs and not rely solely on mould spore counts for indoor air quality assessment. Professional HVAC system and air duct cleaning, as well as disengaging built-in humidification devices, can help to reduce exposure to MVOCs and improve indoor air quality.
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Black mould has a distinct smell and is one of the most toxic types of mould
While mould smells can vary, black mould has a distinct smell and is one of the most toxic types of mould. Black mould is a fungus that may cause your immune system to react. It is known for being toxic at high levels of exposure, and its dark, spotty appearance. Black mould is usually found in dark, damp places like many other kinds of mould, and has a strange musty odour. The smell has been compared to rotting wood or paper, cedar, and dirty or wet socks. Black mould spores can cause breathing problems and sneezing before an odour can be detected, so vigilance is required if you do not want to deal with this harmful substance.
The musty odour of black mould is a result of the hodgepodge of microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) produced by the mould and released into the air. In addition to mustiness, mVOCs are also responsible for notes of earthiness, rotting, or sourness. The smell of mould is usually quite foul and unpleasant, and it grows stronger over time as the mould starts to spread and sporulate.
If you aren't able to visually confirm the presence of mould, despite smelling an abnormal, mould-like odour in your home, consider hiring a professional mould inspector. Mould inspections involve a detailed investigation for the presence of mould in your house, covering hard-to-reach areas that you might not have thought of. Moisture sensors and other tools are also used to help detect mould growing behind and beneath other surfaces. If any mould is found, the inspector will provide you with a detailed report and a recommended plan for mould remediation.
It is important to watch out for the smell of black mould, even before it appears. Black mould can irritate anyone, even if you don't have mould allergies. However, the symptoms are usually worse if you have a personal or biological family history of allergies, have respiratory conditions such as asthma, spend a lot of time around black mould, or have a compromised immune system.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, certain types of mold produce odors that are similar to the smell of aged cheese. This is due to the compounds released during the mold’s metabolic processes. If you notice a cheese-like smell in your home, it could indicate the presence of mold.
The most common description of mold is a musty, damp, or earthy smell. However, different types of mold will have different smells. For example, black mold may smell like a musty basement or rotting leaves, while other types of mold may smell like decaying meat or sweaty socks.
In addition to smell, there are several other signs that may indicate the presence of mold in your home. These include recent moisture problems (e.g. floods, leaks, humidity), allergy-like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes, and peeling paint or wallpaper. If you suspect mold growth, it is recommended to contact a professional mold inspector or remediation service.
