How Do I Get Rid of the Musty Smell After Flooding?

Start by removing everything that got wet and cannot be dried quickly. This includes carpet, padding, upholstered furniture, drywall, and insulation. These materials soak up water and hold moisture, which feeds mold and creates the musty odor. For safety, wear gloves and a mask when handling flood-damaged items.

If you have items you want to save, like hard furniture or books, move them to a dry, well-ventilated area. Remove any standing water first with a wet/dry vacuum or pump. The longer materials stay wet, the stronger the smell becomes, so work as fast as you can. For large amounts of water, local water damage pros can handle the extraction.

Once the space is dry, clean every surface that came in contact with floodwater. Use a mixture of water and a mild detergent to scrub walls, floors, and hard surfaces. Floodwater can carry bacteria and other contaminants, so a thorough cleaning is important for both smell and safety.

After cleaning with detergent, use an antimicrobial solution to kill remaining mold spores and bacteria. You can find these at hardware stores, or use a mix of water and white vinegar as a natural option. Avoid mixing cleaning products, as this can create harmful fumes. Rinse surfaces with clean water and let them dry again.

If the flood covered a large area or the smell persists after your efforts, it is time to call local water damage pros. They have equipment to dry structures and remove mold that you cannot see. They can also handle contaminated water safely, which is a health concern after flooding.

Before calling, know that the cost depends on the extent of the damage and the size of the area. A professional can assess the situation and give you a plan. You may also want to check your insurance policy, as some flood damage may be covered. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.