Baby Room Smells Musty? Here’s How to Keep It Fresh & Dry

One must have often come across a baby’s room smelling musty. This is caused due to high humidity and poor ventilation, creating a breeding ground for mold, dust mites, and bacteria.

In addition, according to research by CDC, it is also estimated that exposure to mold in early childhood increases the risk of chronic asthma by up to 50%.

Hence, a clean, dry, fresh-smelling, and hygienic home space is essential for the baby’s essential growth and development.

Let us now understand how to get rid of the musty smell in the baby’s nursery and the respective humidity control measures in the baby room.

What Causes Musty Smells In Baby Rooms

The babies take around 30 to 60 breaths per minute, leading to inhaling more pollutants, relative to the baby’s size due to their underdeveloped respiratory system.

Also, the musty odor in their rooms is primary caused by microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), that consist of various toxins, harmful for babies' overall health and development.

Babies' prolonged exposure to this smell could lead to their various respiratory, neurological, and allergic issues due to their underdeveloped immune system.

The common sources of this musty odor can be attributed to damp walls, poor ventilation, wet clothes, carpets, unmanaged diaper bins; leftover semi-solids, breastmilk, and sippers in the room; unhygienic cleaning practices of the crib, changing stations, etc.

6 Causes of Seasonal Humidity And Lack of Ventilation

This is one of the leading causes of the damp smell in the baby’s nursery. It could be due to the following reasons:

1. Trapped Moisture In Porous Materials

In the case of unhygienic cleaning practices during periods of high humidity, materials like dry walls, wood, fabric furniture, and even some toys are capable of absorbing and retaining moisture from the air.

Now, in the absence of adequate ventilation, this could further create an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew, leading to a musty odor.

Sometimes due to irregular cleaning practices, this moisture can also be trapped in the bed sheet, baby’s clothes, curtains, etc., thus causing an overall musty smell in the room.

2. Condensation On Cool Surfaces

The humid conditions enhance during the monsoon season causing condensation on the cooler surfaces of windows, external walls, uninsulated pipes, etc.

If the condensation does not evaporate quickly due to poor ventilation, it could quickly give rise to damp spots, an ideal breeding ground for mold and musty smell.

3. Reduced Air Exchange

In a humid environment with poor ventilation, it takes longer to dry completely, causing damp patches and growth of mold and bacteria, causing persistent musty odor.

This reduced air exchange traps the mold spores and prevents the effective dissipation of those musty-smelling compounds, intensifying the odor over time.

In short, the babies’ room becomes a perfect damp incubator for mold.

4. Overuse Or Improper Use Of Humidifier

While humidifiers are a great source to manage the humidity of the surroundings, their overuse or improper placement in a poorly ventilated room can significantly increase the localized humidity and cause poor air circulation in the nursery.

This could lead to a proper breeding ground for mold growth conditions and a musty smell in the baby’s room.

5. Inadequate Drying Of Laundry And Diapers

Monsoon season encourages laundry to dry indoors. If this occurs with the baby’s clothes in the nursery, it could remain damp for an extended period due to the presence of high humidity and poor ventilation.

This could further cause the growth of mildew on the fabric itself, directly contributing to a musty smell in the baby’s room.

6. Unregularized Discard and Spillage

Babies’ rooms include loads of smell, owing to various milk or water spills, diaper leaks, puking, etc. These form one of the most evident reasons for the musty smell, besides the dampness. It is because of the spoilt or rancid smell lingering in the room with no way to escape because of poor air circulation.

Health Risks of Damp and Moldy Environments

There are various health risks associated with the poor air quality in the baby's room. Let us understand with examples.

A. Respiratory Problems

The sustained exposure to the mold and dampness in the room could cause persistent wheezing in early childhood which could progress to chronic asthma later in life. Such an incident could be triggered due to the harmful microbial VOC exposure.

At times, such exposures could also lead to more frequent and severe episodes of bronchiolitis and other respiratory tract infections in infancy.

This could further cause potential scarring of lung tissue and improper growth and development of the lungs, impacting the development of lung airways and alveoli.

All this could result in permanently reduced lung capacity, compared to infants raised in healthy environments.

Altered Immune Response

Early exposure to such dampness and microbial VOCs could cause a hyper-responsive infant to allergens and environmental irritants. This could further cause various other food allergies and eczema, as well as respiratory problems.

B. Neurodevelopmental Concerns

While the research is still ongoing, the studies claim a link between early exposure to dampness and mold with subtle neurodevelopmental delays.

This could include chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, or the presence of mycotoxins affecting brain development. Such incidents also cause various behavioral issues in children.

C. Allergic Sensitization

Due to persistent mold exposure, leading to improper development of the respiratory system, infants in future will also become sensitized to a wider range of common indoor and outdoor allergens. These include dust mites, pet dander, pollen, etc., leading to multi-trigger allergies throughout their lives.

Also, sometimes the initials allergic reactions experienced in infancy could further develop as hay fever or eczema, impacting their overall quality of life.

All these reasons make it absolutely necessary to aid the musty smell in the baby’s room.

9 Signs of Mold and Dampness You Shouldn’t Ignore

Below are some signs to monitor and identify the signs of mold and dampness.

1. Persistent fogging or water droplets inside the window signals poor insulation or excess indoor humidity.
2. Cupboards or closets, especially the ones against the walls, can trap moisture and lack ventilation, causing a perfect breeding ground for mold.
3. The baseboards beneath the windows and floorboards are affected due to repeated exposure to moisture.
4. Clothing or linens can feel damp or smell off due to the trapped moisture in the enclosed space.
5. Look for irregular, often yellowish, brownish, or dark colored stains on window sills and frames. Also, keep a watch for signs of swelling or warping, indicating moisture damage.
6. A musty, earthy, basement, or old book stench that is noticeable while opening of the closet door indicates dampness.
7. Moisture behind the wallpaper or painted surface could be visible by noticing loss of adhesion, creation of bubbles, blisters, or puffy appearance.
8. Damp surfaces of closets, doors, or hidden spaces have the potential to trap dust, lint, or other airborne particles, making it feel sticky or gritty.
9. Moisture causes the wooden doors to swell, causing opening, closing, or sticking in their frames to be difficult.

One of the most important facts about mold is that it perfectly grows in humid and moist climates, without proper air circulation. Hence, just a simple humidity control in the baby’s room can make it manageable.

Daily Habits to Keep the Baby Room Dry

Let us now discuss some regular habits that could help in removing the musty smell from the baby’s room.

1. Let The Breeze In: Natural Dehumidifier

This is one of the most efficient and natural odor removal methods for the baby’s room.

However, it must be ensured that the windows of the room are not just opened, but cross-ventilation is established. Also, doing this during the less humid parts of the day like early morning or late evening prevents further dampness in the baby’s nursery.

Also, ensure that the open windows are securely latched with safety guards to prevent the babies from getting hurt, in unsupervised conditions.

Tip: Use a window restrictor to allow for only limited air flow and avoid opening the window altogether during heavy showers or cold winds.

Reason: The babies have poor thermoregulation, and their health might be impacted by persistent exposure to extreme weather conditions.

Tip: Ensure to open the windows for some time after every diaper change.

2. Ceiling & Exhaust Fans: Clearing Staleness Like Pros

Ceiling and exhaust fans work wonders in the baby’s room for mold prevention. Let us now discuss how to use the fans more effectively.

● Post-Bath: It is recommended to keep the bathroom door open for at least 20 minutes after giving a bath to the baby, especially if the washroom is inside or adjacent to the baby’s room. This could help to evaporate the moisture from the washroom, making it clean and dry.

● Circulation Direction: Ensure to have the fan rotating in a counterclockwise direction (when viewed from below) to create a downward draft. This helps with proper air circulation and evaporates the moisture quicker from the surfaces, making the room less musty and cooler and less stuffy.

Tip: Use a light or medium fan speed to avoid creating unmanageable drafts for the light baby items.

● Consistency: Keeping the fan on at a certain low speed setting for a few hours every day also helps in the air circulation. Even if the humidity isn’t high, it can help prevent air stagnation in certain corners, near the walls or even the most common spots for moisture and mold build-up and growth.

3. Indoor Laundry Drying: A Recipe For Mildew

Designate a particular area for drying the clothes, preferably outdoors on a line, balcony, utility room with good ventilation, or basement/ laundry room, equipped with a humidifier.

The humidifier would help absorb excess moisture from the clothes, thus preventing the confinement of dampness in the baby’s room.

Also, either dry the clothes in a well-ventilated area or keep the washing machine in proper air circulated space to help evaporate the excess moisture or dampness caused by its drying process.

Best Baby-Safe Dehumidifying Techniques

Let us now understand some safe dehumidifying mold remover for baby rooms.

A. Use Baby-Safe Electric Dehumidifier

One of the important things to keep in mind is prioritizing the safety features while purchasing it. This includes child-lock functions, stability, and automatic functioning, with fully enclosed electrical components.

Also, ensure that there are no exposed heating elements or sharp edges that could harm the baby in any way.

The next is the placement of the humidifier which should be in an area that is out of baby’s reach and their curious grip. It could be placed on high shelves, secured furniture, behind playpens, or just beside the crib to enhance its functioning.

The humidifiers require regular cleaning and maintenance because they collect the moisture and become breeding grounds for bacteria or mold, if not cleaned properly. Also, ensure to use non-toxic, baby safe cleaning solutions or diluted vinegar to rinse it thoroughly before re-use.

Warning: A dirty humidifier is a breeding ground for spores and bacteria, defeating its purpose.

B. Activated Charcoal And Baking Soda Bowls

These work the best when in enclosed spaces. It is recommended to place them in open bowls of activated charcoal or baking soda inside the closets, in the back drawers, or on high shelves where they are completely inaccessible to the baby. But remember to never leave them at low surfaces with the risk of being knocked over or ingested by the baby.

Also, ensure to use activated charcoal, designed for odor and moisture absorption, found in pet stores, and not the one meant for grilling. Also, use unscented baking soda without fragrance as it could release undesirable compounds in the air.

Always remember that these passive absorbers have a limited lifespan of one or two months and require change every few hours or few weeks to release their absorbed moisture.

Warning: Baking soda needs to be replaced when you notice the texture hardening.

C. Silica Gel Packs In Closets And Drawers

The silica gel packets are an excellent moisture absorbent compound, but also a serious choking hazard if ingested by infants or toddlers.

They must be placed inside small and breathable fabric pouches or secured containers that are later tucked into the secure closet corners, back side of drawers, or inside the storage bins, etc., to keep it out of baby’s reach.

Also, it is essential to look only for the packets that are labeled as “food-grade” or “non-toxic", often found with the food products. While they are considered non-toxic if ingested in small amounts but still cause a choking hazard.

It must also be remembered that silica gel often changes its color when it’s saturated with moisture, often differing in color change, depending upon the indicator. Therefore, it is necessary to keep monitoring for the changes and either replace them or recharge them by baking them in a low oven. However, read the instructions before taking action.

Warning: It is mindful to discard any immediately torn or damaged packages safely.

Air Circulation Tips for Better Ventilation

Good air circulation is beneficial to reduce indoor humidity and prevent the growth of mold. This is because the stagnant air has the capability to increase allergens and discomfort indoors.

It is also believed that poor air circulation is responsible for the buildup of carbon dioxide and odors indoors. Let us now discuss some tips to establish better ventilation.

• Open the windows or vents on the opposite sides of the room to let the air circulate effectively.
• Place the exhaust fans inside the kitchens and bathrooms to prevent the accumulation of heat, humidity and odors effectively.
• Move the large items inside the room away from each other to prevent airflow blocking.
• Add air-purifying plants like peace lilies or snake plants to subtly improve the air quality and support ventilation.

Tip: Position the ceiling fans or standing fans directly towards the open windows or doors to boost circulation.

Natural Ways to Neutralize Odors Safely

One of the best things about it is that it is safe, feasible, and accessible. Here are a few natural tips to help neutralize the odors at home.

• Place a sliced lemon inserted with cloves around the house to absorb the smell.
• Sprinkle baking soda inside the diaper pail, carpets, or shoes to eliminate unpleasant smells.
• Boil cinnamon sticks, citrus peels or herbs for a gentle, baby-safe fragrance.
• Place charcoal bags in rooms or closet drawers to help trap and remove the bad odors effectively.
• Use a diffuser with mild essential oils like lavender or chamomile to ensure it is baby-safe and well-diluted.

Tip: Avoid the synthetic air fresheners around the baby to prevent triggering any allergic or respiratory reactions.

Cleaning Routine To Prevent Mold Build-Up

Regular cleaning is essential for the maintenance of hygiene and this requirement enhances with the presence of the tiny tot at home.

• Clean the floors regularly, especially the corners, under furniture, hidden spaces, etc., to remove the dust and moisture that encourages mold.
• Ensure to wipe out the bathrooms, kitchens, windowsills, etc., with baby-safe cleansers regularly to avoid the accumulation of dirt, dust, bacteria, or fungus.
• Regularly sun-dry the bedding, curtains, and even rugs to prevent the retention of moisture and musty smell.
• Avoid cluttering the damp areas like under sink, near windows, etc., to prevent mold from forming.
• Ensure to dry any spills or damp patches immediately to prevent the buildup of moisture.

Baby Room Products That Help Keep Air Fresh

Here is a baby room cleaning checklist to ensure fresh air circulation and ease of breathing for your little one.

 

1. Air Purifiers with HEPA Filters: They capture dust, allergens, and airborne particles.
2. Baby-Safe Essential Oil Diffusers: Use gentle oils and avoid using harsh oils like eucalyptus for infants under 3 years old.
3. Mold-Resistant Storage Boxes: This can be used to store clothes, toys, and even blankets in airtight containers to prevent their contact with the moisture.
4. Breathable Crib Mattresses: This would help in the easy moisture evaporation from the surface.
5. Natural Fiber Rugs & Curtains: Opt for cotton or bamboo fabrics as they dry quickly and prevent allergen or dust trapping, like in synthetic.

Conclusion — Fresh Air for a Healthy Start

Babies do not require much but just natural conditions for them to flourish and as parents it is your responsibility to provide them with the best of all situations for their overall well-being.

Also, ensure to keep it simple, safe, and breathable by incorporating all the possible measures and staying consistent for moisture relief and control.