A bedroom smells from sweat, dirty laundry, mold, humidity, or pets. Ventilate, wash bedding, and check for mold.
Common causes
- Sweat and body oils in bedding.
- Dirty laundry.
- Mold or humidity.
- Pets.
- Poor ventilation.
- Old mattress.
- Hidden spills or food.
Fixes
- Wash sheets weekly in hot water.
- Open windows.
- Use a dehumidifier.
- Vacuum.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress.
Check
Look for mold and leaks.
Typical sources of room odor
Bedroom odor comes from sweat in bedding, dust mites, mold in damp corners, dirty laundry, pet odors, stale air, trapped moisture in mattresses and old carpet. People shed about 1.5 grams of skin per day and sweat about a pint a night, which soaks into sheets and mattresses.
- Wash sheets weekly in hot water and mattress covers monthly.
- Keep indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent to prevent mold, using a hygrometer.
- A musty smell can indicate hidden mold from leaks, and a sewer smell from dry floor drains or bathroom plumbing.
- Gas smells need immediate action: leave and call the gas company.
Fixes
Air out the room daily, vacuum with a HEPA filter, sprinkle baking soda on the mattress for several hours before vacuuming and check closets, vents and under the bed. Use a dehumidifier in damp climates. If odor persists or you see visible mold larger than 10 square feet, consult the EPA guidelines or a remediation professional.
Typical sources of room odor
Bedroom odors come from bedding that has not been washed, dust mites, mold from humidity, pet smells, dirty laundry, damp mattresses, hidden spills or stale air. Humidity above 60 percent promotes mold growth.
Fixes
Wash sheets weekly in hot water, air the room, use a dehumidifier to keep humidity at 30 to 50 percent, vacuum with HEPA, and check for leaks. Persistent mold may need professional remediation.
Sources by humidity and materials
A bedroom smell may come from mattress sweat, which absorbs about a cup of moisture each night, and from pillows that harbor dust mites and bacteria. Pillows should be replaced every 1 to 2 years. Hidden mold behind furniture on exterior walls is common in humid climates. Pets, dirty laundry, perfumes and closed windows add to it.
Deep clean steps
Wash sheets weekly at 130 F, vacuum the mattress, sprinkle baking soda for several hours before vacuuming, rotate the mattress, open windows for 15 minutes daily and use a dehumidifier to hold humidity at 30 to 50 percent. A damp or sewage smell needs a plumber. A burning or fishy smell near outlets needs an electrician.
Based on data from the EPA and the Sleep Foundation
