How to Remove Musty Odors After Experiencing Water Damage
The Pro Steamer Guide to a Fresh-Smelling, Mold-Free Home
If you’ve recently had a water damage incident, you might have already dealt with drying and cleanup. But now—your house still smells like it never healed. That damp, musty odor isn’t just annoying. It’s often a warning sign of hidden mold and bacteria.
At Pro Steamer, we help homeowners in Roswell, Dexter, Hagerman, Artesia, and Carlsbad, NM remove not just water and stains, but the smells that come with them. Here’s how to clear the air—for good.
Need urgent help? Call us now at (575) 623-0993.
Why Does Water Damage Leave a Musty Smell?
Musty odors come from microbial growth, especially mold and mildew. Water seeps into walls, under flooring, and inside HVAC systems—creating the perfect environment for moisture-loving fungi.
These smells won’t go away until:
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The moisture is completely eliminated
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All affected materials are cleaned or removed
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Air circulation and humidity levels are corrected
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Mold spores are neutralized
Step 1: Identify the Source of the Odor
Smells don’t just hang out in the air—they live in something. Here are some common odor culprits:
| Location | What Might Be Happening |
|---|---|
| Carpets & Pads | Mold growing under the padding |
| Drywall | Moisture trapped behind the walls |
| HVAC Systems | Mold in vents or ductwork |
| Wood Flooring | Water soaked underneath planks |
| Insulation | Absorbed moisture and mildew growth |
Pro Tip: Use your nose. The closer you get to the smell’s source, the stronger it gets. But when in doubt, call Pro Steamer for a FREE Healthy Home Evaluation at (575) 623-0993.
Step 2: Professional Drying & Dehumidification
You can’t fight smell without eliminating moisture. The longer water lingers, the deeper it penetrates and the stronger the smell becomes.
What Pro Steamer Does:
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Use industrial air movers to dry visible surfaces
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Deploy high-powered dehumidifiers to lower air moisture
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Take moisture meter readings inside walls and under floors
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Locate hidden water using infrared detection
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Replace soaked materials when needed
We’re IICRC-certified and ready 24/7 for emergencies. Call us at (575) 623-0993 any time.
Step 3: Deep Cleaning and Odor Neutralization
Once it’s dry, it’s time to deodorize. This isn’t just about masking the smell—it’s about killing bacteria and spores that cause the smell.
Our Odor-Removal Strategy:
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Steam Clean Carpets & Upholstery – Removes embedded contaminants
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HEPA Vacuuming – Captures microscopic mold particles
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EPA-Approved Antimicrobials – Applied to affected surfaces
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Thermal Fogging – Reaches hidden areas inside walls and floors
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Ozone or Hydroxyl Treatments – Neutralize airborne odors
We prioritize safe, eco-friendly products for your family and pets.
Don’t Fall for These Myths
Let’s bust a few DIY myths that don’t work—and can make the problem worse:
| ❌ Myth | ✅ Reality |
|---|---|
| “Just spray air freshener.” | It only covers the smell—doesn’t fix the cause. |
| “Open windows and it’ll go away.” | May help a little, but humidity can worsen it. |
| “Bleach kills mold everywhere.” | Bleach evaporates quickly and doesn’t penetrate porous materials. |
| “I dried it myself, so I’m fine.” | Without moisture mapping tools, hidden dampness remains. |
Don’t gamble with your air quality—call Pro Steamer at (575) 623-0993 and let certified pros handle it.
Step 4: Clean the Air (Literally)
Even after surfaces are treated, airborne particles can continue to carry odors and allergens.
We recommend:
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Changing HVAC filters immediately after water damage
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Cleaning air ducts professionally
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Using portable HEPA air purifiers
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Booking air duct sanitization services (we offer them!)
Need duct cleaning in Roswell or Artesia? Pro Steamer is one call away: (575) 623-0993.
Step 5: Prevent Future Musty Odors
Now that your home smells fresh again, let’s keep it that way:
✅ Fix leaky pipes and appliances
✅ Add exhaust fans to bathrooms and kitchens
✅ Use dehumidifiers in basements or crawlspaces
✅ Schedule annual moisture inspections with Pro Steamer
✅ Clean carpets, rugs, and ducts at least once a year
Want to stay ahead of smells? Ask about our Healthy Home Plan for routine cleaning and monitoring.
Why Choose Pro Steamer?
We’ve been helping families in Roswell, NM and surrounding towns since 1992, and we bring more than experience—we bring results.
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✔️ Exact Appointments
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✔️ Certified IICRC Technicians
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✔️ Honest Pricing—No Hidden Fees
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✔️ Emergency Response, 24/7
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✔️ We Don’t Cut Corners, We Clean Them!
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed – If you’re not happy, we’ll re-clean for free. Still not happy? We’ll refund you.
Call now at (575) 623-0993 and breathe easier today.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to get rid of musty odors after water damage?
Typically, if treated professionally, musty odors can be eliminated within 2 to 5 days. However, the exact timeline depends on the severity of the water damage, how deep the moisture has penetrated, and how quickly the cleanup process began. Immediate drying and dehumidification are crucial to prevent long-term smells.
2. Will the musty smell return during rainy or humid weather?
It can, especially if moisture was not completely removed from affected areas. If water has soaked into drywall, carpet padding, or structural components and wasn’t properly dried, it can reactivate mold growth when the humidity rises. Professional moisture detection ensures your home is fully dry to prevent recurrence.
3. Can I use baking soda or vinegar to remove the smell on my own?
Baking soda and vinegar are common DIY remedies, and they may help reduce surface-level odors. However, they’re usually not strong enough to eliminate musty smells caused by deeper issues like mold in drywall or soaked insulation. For lasting results, it’s best to bring in professionals with the proper tools.
4. Is every musty odor a sign of mold?
Not always, but it is highly likely. Musty smells are typically caused by microbial growth, including mold and mildew, which thrive in moist environments. Other sources like bacteria from sewage backup or stagnant water can also produce strong odors. A mold inspection can confirm the true cause.
5. Will my insurance cover odor removal services?
Many homeowners insurance policies do cover odor removal if it’s linked to a water damage claim. However, this varies based on your provider and coverage. Pro Steamer can provide documentation and help communicate with your insurer during the claims process.
6. Are air purifiers effective against musty smells?
Air purifiers with HEPA filters are effective in capturing airborne mold spores and dust, which may help reduce odors. However, they won’t remove odors that are embedded in carpet, drywall, or hidden cavities. They work best as part of a comprehensive odor elimination plan.
7. Is it safe to use ozone to get rid of odors?
Ozone treatments are highly effective for odor removal, but they must be used with caution. Ozone generators should only be operated in unoccupied areas, and professional application is recommended to ensure safety. Once the treatment is complete, the home must be ventilated before re-entry.
8. Can I handle musty odor removal on my own?
If the water damage was minor and addressed immediately, you may be able to reduce the smell with proper ventilation, cleaning, and dehumidification. But if the odor persists after 24–48 hours, it’s a sign of hidden moisture or mold, which requires professional remediation.
9. Will a mold inspection pinpoint the source of the odor?
Yes. A professional mold inspection often includes air sampling, moisture mapping, and thermal imaging, all of which can help locate the source of the smell—even if it’s behind walls or under flooring. Pro Steamer provides detailed assessments to target odor at its root.
10. How can I schedule a musty odor inspection or cleanup?
It’s easy—just call Pro Steamer at (575) 623-0993 or fill out our contact form online. We’re available 24/7 for emergencies and offer FREE Healthy Home Evaluations to help assess your odor or mold concerns before you commit to services.
