How to Get Rid of Mildew Smells in the Bathroom

Learn how to identify the source of the odor so you can eliminate it for good.

Tracking down a mildew smell in your bathroom can feel hopeless. It may seem like you’ve cleaned every single inch in your attempt to get rid of the mildew smells in the bathroom to no avail. But scrubbing your bathroom surfaces isn’t the only way to eliminate odors.

The first step is to determine the source of the smell: We’ll walk you through discerning mold from mildew, and how to figure out where potential smells are coming from. We’ve also outlined the best ways to get rid of mildew smells in the bathroom—for good.

Related: How Often Should You Clean Your Bathroom? Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Tasks to Check Off

How to Determine the Source of a Mildew Smell

Often the most difficult part of eliminating a mildew smell in the bathroom is identifying the source of the smell. Here are some common possible causes of mildew smells:

Poor ventilation: Lack of airflow in the bathroom can lead to musty smells, often as a result of mildew.

Excess humidity: Mildew thrives in a humid environment. Bathrooms are often plagued by high humidity due to the frequent water usage.

Plumbing leaks: Whether visible or behind the walls, plumbing leaks lead to rot and decay, creating the perfect breeding ground for mildew.

Decaying wood: Decaying wood, whether from water leakage or other causes, can lead to mildew growth.

Rodent droppings: While not a cause of mildew, the smell of rodent droppings and urine may present itself as a mildew smell.

Mold: Contrary to popular belief, mold and mildew are different. However, mold, including dangerous varieties, can present a similar smell to mildew.

Related: How to Get Rid of Pesky Shower Drain Smells

How to Determine Mold vs. Mildew

While mildew isn’t pleasant, a moldy bathroom can present a higher health risk. Here’s how to tell the difference:

Appearance: Mold can appear slimy, fuzzy, and raised from the surface, while mildew is typically flat and powdery.

Color: Mold presents itself in a variety of colors, such as blue, white, brown, black, green, red, and yellow. Mildew is usually limited to white and gray, but may turn darker with time.

Smell: To the untrained nose, it can be harder to differentiate mold and mildew smells. However, mold is usually stronger smelling than mildew.

Warning

If you suspect that the foul odor in your bathroom is mold rather than mildew, don’t hesitate to safely remove the mold. Left unchecked, mold can lead to serious health issues.

How to Safely Remove Mildew Smells

There are various methods you can use to eliminate mildew smells in your bathroom. One method may do the trick, while more severe mildew issues may require a combination of methods.

Find and Fix Leaks

You’ll never rid your bathroom of mildew smells without first remedying any water leaks. Before trying any other way to get rid of mildew smells, look behind the toilet, under the sink, and around all faucets for water leakage, repairing anything you find.

Related: How a Water Alarm Can Help You Avoid Catastrophic Leaks

Clean Everything

Once you’ve ensured there are no leaks, clean every surface with a bathroom cleaner that can eliminate mildew, then dry it thoroughly. Next, wash all fabrics: Sanitize bath towels, hand towels, rugs, shower curtains, and more in hot water.

Related: The 7 Best Bathtub Cleaners of 2024

Increase Ventilation

Unfortunately, bathrooms are plagued with ventilation issues, especially in older homes. Even keeping your exhaust fan on all the time may not be enough. To increase your ventilation, turn on the exhaust fan, make sure any vents are open and cleaned to promote airflow and bring in fans if possible. If your bathroom has a window, open it up when the weather allows.

Tip

If increasing the ventilation isn’t enough to lower the humidity in your bathroom, consider using a dehumidifier.

Related: The 7 Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans of 2024 to Eliminate Mold and Odor

Use an Air Purifier

Using an air purifier in your bathroom can help clean up the air. While it may not eliminate the mildew, it can help slow it down, while lowering its adverse health affects.

Paint Your Bathroom

Did you know there’s such a thing as mold- and mildew-resistant paint? Sometimes, a new coat of paint is necessary to curb your bathroom’s foul smell and help rid the space of mildew. Just be sure to clean and rid your bathroom walls of mildew before you apply the new coat of mildew-resistant paint.

Related: 25 Popular Bathroom Paint Colors Our Editors Swear By

Use an Odor Eliminator

If you’ve tried everything and your bathroom is still plagued with a mildew smell, try out some odor eliminators. Here are some effective ways to eliminate odors in your bathroom:

Charcoal: Whether you buy charcoal bags or simply place a bowl of charcoal in the room, charcoal can be highly effective for absorbing foul odors in bathrooms and other spaces.

Baking soda: Just like in your fridge, baking soda can help absorb mildew smells in your bathroom.

Cat litter: If it works well enough to absorb the odor of cat urine, think what kitty litter can do for your bathroom odors.

Tips for Preventing Mildew Smells in the Bathroom

Follow these tips to prevent mildew smells from returning to your bathroom.

Run your exhaust fan: While you don’t have to run it all the time, make a habit of turning on your exhaust fan to clear out excess humidity in your bathroom, especially after taking a shower or soaking in the tub.

Dry up pooling water: If you notice pooling water in the tub or floor, soak it up with a towel rather than letting it evaporate on its own.

Fix dripping faucets: It may seem like no big deal, but a constantly dripping faucet is adding to the humidity in your bathroom.

Don’t reuse towels: While it may contribute to more loads of laundry, letting your bath towels air dry in your bathroom will only add to the humidity and mildew smell in your bathroom. If you still wish to get more than one use out of your towels, place them outside the bathroom to dry.

Keep it clean: While your bathroom may look clean, that doesn’t mean it is clean. Make a habit of wiping off surfaces and cleaning up dust.

Squeegee your shower walls: Get ahead of the humidity by squeegeeing your shower walls after you’re done.

Related: 10 Everyday Bathroom Items You Should Clean or Throw Out ASAP

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