How to get rid of musty smells in your entryway – 7 methods for a fresh first impression

If you crinkle your nose and start wondering how to get rid of musty smells in your entryway instead of feeling at home, we have some expert fixes for you.

Your entryway is one of the first places you or your guests see, so while musty smells aren't a pleasant way to greet them, they serve as a crucial warning sign. Often, musty smells are an indicator of underlying issues needing your attention, such as mold, mildew and moisture.

Here, HVAC experts and professional cleaners share their tips on the things people with nice-smelling entryways always do, to banish bad, musty odors and ensure a home that smells as beautiful as it looks.

What causes musty smells in an entryway?

As ignoring musty smells is one of the things people with nice-smelling entryways never do, it's important to know exactly what causes bad odors in the first place.

Josh Mitchell, founder and HVAC technician at AirConditionerLab, explains, 'Musty smells in an entryway usually come from moisture trapped in the area without enough air circulation.

'Wet shoes, umbrellas, pet gear, or coats can introduce water into the space. If that moisture cannot dry out, it can lead to mold and mildew.

'Older homes with concrete floors or poor insulation can also allow damp air to settle, especially in spring and fall when humidity levels fluctuate.'

As Tony Abate, certified indoor environmentalist, mold inspector and vice president and chief technology officer at AtmosAir Solutions explains, odors or black spots on entryway walls mean mold is growing, and 'can become a major problem.'

To curb the risk of mold before it truly takes hold in your entryway, here's what the pros recommend:

1. Reduce moisture

If you've noticed musty smells in your entryway, your first step should be reducing your home's humidity.

Sean Goddard, product manager for indoor air quality and coils at Trane Technologies, a leading HVAC company, advises, 'According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor humidity should be kept between 30 and 50 per cent, for comfort and to prevent mold. Mold tends to grow when indoor humidity is higher than this range.'

This is the best humidity level for a home year-round, and the easiest way to maintain it in your entryway is by using the best dehumidifier you can afford.

John Parks, COO and co-owner at Advanced Insulation System, suggests, 'I recommend a small-space dehumidifier. You generally want something smaller and energy-efficient if it is for a small space like an entryway,' such as the KLOUDIC Small Dehumidifier available at Walmart.

If you live in a humid area, adds Sean, like Miami or Houston, you might want to consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier.

Additionally, says HVAC technician Josh, many people forget to check inside small entryway storage ideas, like shoe cabinets or coat closets.

'These areas often collect moisture and odor but don't get enough airflow,' he warns. 'I've had good results using moisture absorber tubs [such as the bestselling Vacplus Moisture Absorbers available at Amazon] or hanging desiccant bags in tight spaces. They usually contain calcium chloride and can absorb several ounces of moisture over a few weeks. Just be sure to replace them monthly.

'I've also used activated charcoal bags near doorways, and storage baskets and bins for quick odor control. Charcoal is porous and helps absorb odors without masking them like sprays. To keep them working well, you'll want to air them out in sunlight every month or so.'

We recommend the number one bestselling Activated Charcoal Odor Absorber available at Amazon for this.

2. Open windows

Similarly, opening windows will reduce moisture and freshen your entryway. The best part is it's also a completely free and natural way to improve ventilation in your home without any appliances or chemicals.

Lina DaSilva, founder at Toronto Shine Cleaning, says, 'Open windows and doors when you can. Fresh air physically pushes out the stale, musty air, and helps dry things out.

'A simple box fan [such as the popular Lasko 20" Classic Box Fan available at Walmart] can help circulate air if opening windows isn't always an option.'

Avoid opening the windows, however, during particularly humid periods outdoors, such as when it's raining or misty.

Additionally, adds Tony, poorly ventilated entryways are incubators for all kinds of common allergens, airborne illnesses, including viruses, bacteria, and mold, and irritating volatile organic compounds, known as VOCs.

'If someone in the family has allergies or asthma, poor indoor air quality can make them feel even worse,' he warns. 'Opening windows will provide your home with fresh air.'

3. Remove mold

If you've noticed any in your entryway, you'll need to get rid of black mold as soon as possible.

Professional cleaner Lina directs, 'Clean any visible spots. A good product for this is Concrobium Mold Control Spray, available at Amazon. It works because it kills the mold spores and leaves a barrier that helps prevent regrowth.

'If it's just a little mildew on a hard surface, sometimes a spray cleaner with bleach, like Clorox Clean-Up All Purpose Cleaner Spray available at Walmart, can do the trick by killing the surface mildew.'

This is particularly important as you need to know not only the best way to clean mold off walls inside your entryway, but also how to prevent it from returning to your hallway for good. In some cases, says Tony, you may need to call in a pro.

'They can investigate your home to find mold growth that may often times be hidden,' he explains. 'A good professional will then write up a remediation plan for a remediation contractor to follow, to remove, clean and encapsulate molds to ensure no further spread or growth.'

They'll also be able to help you when it comes to getting rid of mildew in entryways, too.

HVAC expert John agrees, adding, 'We often find mold growing inside wall cavities, behind insulation, or under flooring. That's when it's time to bring in a professional mold remediation team to inspect and install a vapor barrier to seal the source.'

In older houses, it's not unusual to find several layers of flooring laid on top of each other, so don't rule out your floor as the potential culprit if you're getting hit with a musty smell whenever you enter your home.

This is even if the top area of your entryway floor looks quite new and well-maintained, as the musty odors may be coming up from historical layers beneath.

4. Wash carpets

Did you know that you need to deep clean carpets?

As HVAC expert Josh says, any carpets or rugs in your entryway can trap moisture and odors. 'Shampooing the carpet with an enzymatic cleaner designed for mildew and organic smells can help,' he recommends.

You can also safely steam clean carpet and clean it with baking soda, too, but make sure to avoid any carpet cleaning mistakes to stop other problems.

'Afterwards, make sure it dries completely,' continues Josh. 'If possible, switch to a washable rug made from mold-resistant materials like polypropylene. I've seen homeowners reduce odors just by changing the floor mat.'

We recommend the affordable and bestselling Mainstays Durable Indoor Area Rug, which is available at Walmart in four different colors.

5. Service your HVAC system

'Proper maintenance of your home heating and air conditioning system is also key,' says Tony. 'An HVAC system not properly serviced – at least once or twice a year if you're wondering how often an HVAC system should be serviced – can cause musty smells, mold, dust, odors, bacteria, and airborne viruses in your entryway.'

Sean adds, 'An HVAC technician can often spot mold issues early, as they'll inspect the evaporator coil, drain pan, condensate line, and other system components. If they detect high humidity levels, they may suggest potential solutions.'

They'll also be able to clean your HVAC system, if that's not something you're comfortable doing yourself.

Another important step to get rid of musty smells in your entryway, says Sean, is changing your air filters.

He explains, 'Your HVAC filters trap mold spores, preventing them from being dispersed into the air. It’s important to change these filters every 30-90 days, depending on the type and quality.

'For mini-split systems, you can clean, dry, and replace the filter. When filters get clogged with dust or pet hair, they can retain moisture, creating an environment for mold growth, which could then spread into the HVAC system.'

Make sure to seal any leaky air ducts, too, which should be replaced if they're too damaged.

'An HVAC professional can perform airflow tests and use a remote camera to locate problem areas that need attention,' advises Sean. This can include any adjacent rooms if you're struggling to find where the musty smell in your entryway is coming from exactly.

6. Check for any water intrusion

It's also important to check for any water intrusion in and around your entryway, says HVAC expert Josh, which could be the source of any musty smells in your entryway.

'If you notice peeling paint, damp drywall, or mold on baseboards in your entryway, a leak or condensation issue may need attention,' he explains. 'Even something as simple as a door sweep letting rainwater in can go unnoticed until it causes a musty smell.'

This could also be one of the reasons why you notice your house feeling damp.

7. Clean thoroughly

Finally, don't forget to clean your entryway, says professional cleaner Lina, which is one of the most simple things people with clean entryways always do.

'Wipe down walls, clean the floor, and wash any rugs or mats,' she advises, if you haven't already. 'Dirt and grime can trap moisture and odors in your entryway.

'For general cleaning, warm water with a bit of a multi-surface cleaner like Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner available at Walmart can work wonders to lift trapped dirt and freshen things up.

'Even just a good vacuuming of soft surfaces can pull out a lot of odor-trapping particles,' using your best vacuum for hardwood floors, and best vacuum cleaner for carpet.

What to shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

FAQs

How can I make my entryway smell good?

The easiest way to keep your entryway smelling good is to take the time to clean and vacuum regularly. You should also keep the space well ventilated and add some candles and diffusers, which are things people with nice-smelling entryways always do.

Meet our experts

Josh Mitchell

Josh set up AirConditionerLab in 2014, after discovering how confusing it can be to shop for home appliances, AC's, heaters, air purifiers, dehumidifiers and humidifiers.

Tony Abate

AtmosAir Solutions create technologies to make the indoors greener, healthier and smarter, using bi-polar ionization and an active air purification system.

John Parks

John is the COO and co-owner of Advanced Insulation System in San Diego, which is a residential and commercial insulation company that also specializes in mold remediation, attic and crawlspace cleaning, and moisture control. He has over 10 years of experience working within this industry, so can speak to the many common complaints of homeowners with musty odors in their homes.

Lina DaSilva

Toronto Shine Cleaning is a premier residential cleaning company, founded by Lina, who has years of experience in the industry.

Do you know about the things people with nice-smelling hallways always do?