Why Is There a Musty Smell After Water Damage in Murfreesboro, TN?
What you need to know
If you’ve recently had a leak, overflow, storm issue, or unexpected water damage in your Murfreesboro home — and now you’re smelling a musty, damp odor — it’s a sign that moisture is still trapped somewhere. This smell often appears before visible damage shows up.
Quick Answer
A musty smell after water damage means moisture is still present inside your home. In Murfreesboro’s humid climate, mold can begin forming within 24–48 hours after water exposure — even if you can’t see it yet.
Why Your Murfreesboro Home Smells Musty After Water Damage
Common questions answered
Why Your Murfreesboro Home Smells Musty After Water Damage
Water can move into areas like drywall, insulation, carpets, and subfloors. Even when the surface feels dry, moisture underneath creates musty odors.
Mold Begins Growing Quickly
Middle Tennessee humidity accelerates mold growth. The odor often appears before visible mold shows up.
Carpets & Padding Absorb Odors
Carpet padding acts like a sponge, also it can hold odor-causing moisture deep within the material.
Crawlspace Moisture Issues
Many Murfreesboro homes, especially those in areas with high groundwater or storm run-off, experience crawlspace moisture that causes musty smells inside the home.
High Tennessee Humidity
Humidity above 60% intensifies musty odors and allows mold to spread faster.
How to Get Rid of Musty Smells After Water Damage
Helpful tips
- Professionally Dry the Area
Professional air movers and dehumidifiers are needed in Middle Tennessee’s humidity. Surface fans aren’t enough.
- Inspect for Hidden Moisture
Thermal imaging helps locate moisture inside walls, flooring, or crawlspaces.
- Treat or Remove Mold
Even early mold growth will cause strong odors and must be professionally treated.
- Clean & Sanitize
Odor removal requires antimicrobial cleaning and HEPA filtration.
- Replace Damaged Materials
Drywall, insulation, and carpet padding may need replacement if deeply soaked.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t spray air fresheners — they only mask the smell
- Don’t paint over wet areas
- Don’t assume it’ll “go away”
- Don’t use bleach on porous surfaces
When Murfreesboro Homeowners Should Call a Professional
- Odor lasts 24+ hours
- Crawlspace humidity is high
- Recent storms or flooding
- You can’t locate the odor
- Floors feel damp or soft
Can Musty Smells Make You Sick?
Musty smells often indicate mold, which may cause respiratory issues, headaches, allergies, or irritation — especially for children, older adults, and pets.
Fix leaks immediately
Use a dehumidifier in summer
Keep humidity below 50%
Inspect crawlspace annually
Maintain gutters & drainage
Check HVAC drainage
Final Thoughts
A musty smell in your Murfreesboro home is a sign of hidden moisture or early mold growth. Addressing it quickly prevents costly repairs and health risks.
If you suspect water damage, hidden moisture, or mold, our team at 24 Hour Flood Fighters can help restore your home safely and quickly.
