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Question

My house smells musty. I live in a brand new studio, I was the first person to live there, and the apartment smelled brand new when I moved in. I have a huge closet, two double door spaces that connect internally along the enire side of my studio. When I moved in, I washed all my clothes, and bought brand new banker boxes for all my storage so my place wouldn't smell musty. Alas, when I come home at night, i open the door to smell the musty smell of storage and dusty clothes. Is there something I can do to minimize this smell, or is there something that will absorb this odor so I can have a happy smelling house without having to cover up the smell with a stronger smelling substance?

Submitted: 24 days and 22 hours ago.
Category: Home Improvement
Value: $20
Status: CLOSED
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Posted by Rick 24 days and 21 hours ago.

Answer

Hi XXXXXXXX

The problem with a lot off newly constructed unit is that the units are too tight so no fresh air can infiltrate into the unit. There are 2 options; the better and much more expensive option would be to install an air to air heat exchanger. These units bring in fresh air from outside and use the stale heated air from inside to heat up the incoming air. We're talking at least several thousand $. The much cheaper option would be to install an ionizing air filter. These filters do a remarkable job of freshing the air. There are a number of them on the market but avoid cheap imports which can produce too much ozone.

24 days and 21 hours ago.

Reply

Thanks Rick. This is helpful, and I do have an ionizer.

 

I'm wondering if I could use Cedar planks, poltpori or any other type of low ticket item to help with the smell?

Posted by Rick 24 days and 21 hours ago.

Answer

You could use Febreeze to mask the smell along with a host of other things like you mentioned. You might want to get another ionizing air filter perhaps the one you have isn't big enough to handle the space. Also if this is a basement or top floor unit there may be a leak that is allowing mold to grow which will only increase the musty odor.

24 days and 21 hours ago.

Reply

A leak in air?

Accepted Answer

No a water leak possibly from the roof if you're on the top floor or through the foundation in a basement. If this is a townhouse maybe both.

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Expert: Rick
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 10/27/2009

General C&ontractor

Licensed Construction Supervisor & Remodeling Contractor 35+ years experience

24 days and 20 hours ago.

Reply

OK, great! Thanks Rick!! I'll accept now :)

Posted by Rick 24 days and 20 hours ago.

Answer

Thanks for using Just Answer

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