Why Musty Smells Mean More Than Moisture
If your home has a musty smell, it's rarely caused by moisture alone. That familiar damp, earthy odor is usually created by microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs)—tiny gases released by mold, mildew, bacteria, and fungi as they grow on damp building materials. In other words, the smell isn't the moisture itself; it's often a sign that microscopic organisms have found the perfect environment to thrive. Identifying and correcting the moisture source is the first step toward permanently eliminating the odor.