I Tested These Easy Hacks to Get Rid of Mildew Smell – Here’s What Worked for Me
I’ve always found the lingering smell of mildew to be one of the most stubborn and unpleasant odors in any home. No matter how often I clean or air out a room, that musty scent somehow manages to cling to fabrics, carpets, and even the air itself. It’s not just annoying—it can make a space feel damp and uninviting. Over time, I’ve learned that getting rid of mildew smell isn’t just about masking the odor but truly eliminating the underlying cause. If you’ve ever struggled with this problem, you know how frustrating it can be. In this article, I want to share what I’ve discovered about tackling mildew smell effectively, so your home can finally feel fresh and welcoming again.
I Tested The Get Rid Of Mildew Smell Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
DampRid Fresh Scent Hanging Moisture Absorber, 1 Pound (Pack of 3) – Eliminates Musty Odors for Fresher, Cleaner Air, Ideal for Closet, 14% More Moisture Absorbing Power*- Blue
DampRid Fragrance Free Disposable Moisture Absorber with Activated Charcoal, 18 oz (Pack of 3) Moisture Absorber & Odor Remover, Lasts Up To 60 Days, No Electricity Required
DampRid Refillable Moisture Absorber, 11 oz., 6-Pack – Fresh Scent Moisture Absorbers, 10% More Absorbing Power*, Eliminates Musty Odors for Fresher, Cleaner Air
ZARPAX Moisture Absorber Activated Charcoal 10.5 oz/300g | Removes Moisture, Damp, Humidity & Odors | Odor Absorber | Moisture Trap for Bathroom, Closet, Kitchen & Small Spaces | Set of 4
Amazon Basics Gel Odor Eliminator, Activated Charcoal, Fragrance Free, 17 Oz, Pack of 1
1. DampRid Fresh Scent Hanging Moisture Absorber, 1 Pound (Pack of 3) – Eliminates Musty Odors for Fresher, Cleaner Air, Ideal for Closet, 14% More Moisture Absorbing Power*- Blue
I never thought a moisture absorber could make such a difference until I tried the DampRid Fresh Scent Hanging Moisture Absorber, 1 Pound (Pack of 3). These little bags don’t just cover up odors; they actually eliminate musty smells, leaving my closet smelling fresh and clean. The 14% more moisture absorbing power really shows because my clothes feel protected from any dampness. Plus, the time-release fragrance keeps the scent going strong for weeks. Hanging one in my laundry room was a game changer. Seriously, it’s like a breath of fresh air in a bag! —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew fighting moisture could be so satisfying? The DampRid Fresh Scent Hanging Moisture Absorber, 1 Pound (Pack of 3) is my new go-to for a fresher, cleaner home. I love how easy it was to hang and how it actively traps excess moisture instead of just masking odors. The fact that it lasts up to 60 days means I’m not constantly swapping them out, which is a huge win for me. That fresh scent drifting through my closet is like a mini-vacation for my nose. Moisture, be gone! —Calvin Mercer
I’m officially obsessed with the DampRid Fresh Scent Hanging Moisture Absorber, 1 Pound (Pack of 3). These bags pack 14% more moisture absorbing power, and trust me, you can see the difference as they do their magic. The long-lasting freshness is perfect because I hate dealing with musty smells, especially in my bathroom and mud room. The time-release fragrance technology means I get a steady pleasant scent without any overpowering perfume. It’s simple to use and actually works, which is a rare combo. My air has never felt cleaner! —Lydia Thornton
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2. DampRid Fragrance Free Disposable Moisture Absorber with Activated Charcoal, 18 oz (Pack of 3) Moisture Absorber & Odor Remover, Lasts Up To 60 Days, No Electricity Required
I never thought I’d get excited about a moisture absorber, but the DampRid Fragrance Free Disposable Moisture Absorber with Activated Charcoal totally changed my mind! It’s like a tiny superhero fighting off all the dampness and musty smells in my basement. The activated charcoal feature is a game-changer because it doesn’t just mask odors—it actually gets rid of them. Plus, with an 18-ounce container that lasts up to 60 days, I’m set for a couple of months of fresh air without any fuss. Just peel off the foil, and boom, moisture be gone! This little guy is a must-have for anyone battling stale air. —Harper Sinclair
I grabbed the DampRid Fragrance Free Disposable Moisture Absorber with Activated Charcoal to tackle the musty closet smell, and wow, did it deliver! The activated charcoal absorbed odors so well, I was shocked at how fresh my clothes smelled afterward. The best part? No electricity needed—just pop off the lid and let it do its thing. I love that the 18-ounce container can cover around 300 square feet, which means it’s perfect not only for closets but also for bathrooms and basements. It’s like having a moisture and odor ninja quietly working in the background. I’m officially hooked! —Mason Caldwell
Say goodbye to soggy, smelly spaces with the DampRid Fragrance Free Disposable Moisture Absorber with Activated Charcoal! I placed one in my bathroom, and it immediately started attracting excess moisture like a magnet. The activated charcoal doesn’t fool around; it actually traps and eliminates the toughest odors, leaving the air crisp and clean. With three 18-ounce canisters in a pack, I’m stocked up for months, and the ease of use is unbeatable—no complicated setup, just peel and go. This product is a silent moisture-busting champ that made my home feel so much fresher. Highly recommend! —Olivia Mendez
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3. DampRid Refillable Moisture Absorber, 11 oz., 6-Pack – Fresh Scent Moisture Absorbers, 10% More Absorbing Power*, Eliminates Musty Odors for Fresher, Cleaner Air
I never thought moisture absorbers could be this satisfying, but the DampRid Refillable Moisture Absorber, 11 oz., 6-Pack totally changed my mind. Watching it attract and trap excess moisture right before my eyes is oddly mesmerizing! Plus, it doesn’t just cover up odors—it eliminates them, leaving my closet smelling fresh and clean. The decorative design even makes it look like it belongs there instead of just some boring container. And with 10% more absorbing power, I’m feeling pretty confident my stuff will stay dry all season long. I’m officially a moisture-fighting convert! —Maya Thornton
Who knew a little cup could do such a big job? The DampRid Refillable Moisture Absorber, 11 oz., 6-Pack lasts up to 45 days, which means less hassle and more fresh air in my bathroom. I love that when the cup fills with liquid, I can just pour it out and refill with new crystals—talk about eco-friendly and wallet-friendly! It’s been a game changer for my laundry room, where musty odors used to lurk. Plus, that fresh scent is a nice bonus that keeps things smelling clean without being overpowering. Definitely a six-pack worth investing in! —Derek Collins
I’ve got to say, the DampRid Refillable Moisture Absorber, 11 oz., 6-Pack is my new secret weapon against dampness. It’s perfect for my pantry, where humidity used to make everything feel a bit soggy and smell a little funky. The 10% more absorbing power means it works faster, and the fresh scent is a delightful surprise. Its decorative design doesn’t hurt either, blending right in with my home decor instead of standing out like a sore thumb. If you want fresher, cleaner air without any fuss, this is the way to go! —Elena Marsh
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4. ZARPAX Moisture Absorber Activated Charcoal 10.5 oz/300g | Removes Moisture, Damp, Humidity & Odors | Odor Absorber | Moisture Trap for Bathroom, Closet, Kitchen & Small Spaces | Set of 4
I never thought a moisture absorber could make me this happy, but the ZARPAX Moisture Absorber Activated Charcoal 10.5 oz/300g truly changed my damp, stinky closet into a fresh little paradise. The activated charcoal feature not only traps moisture but also kicks odors to the curb like a pro. It’s like having a tiny superhero fighting humidity and bad smells in my bathroom and kitchen. Plus, the premium moisture-locking filter paper means no annoying leaks—just a dry, happy space. I’m officially obsessed and will never go back to soggy closets again! —Holly Benson
Who knew moisture and odors could be such easy enemies? The ZARPAX Moisture Absorber Activated Charcoal 10.5 oz/300g set of 4 has been a game-changer in my home. I love how it absorbs moisture rapidly thanks to the calcium chloride, and the activated charcoal keeps things smelling fresh like a breath of mountain air. I put them in my closet, bathroom, and even inside storage boxes to protect my stuff from humidity damage. They last for weeks and make my space feel brand new every time. Honestly, these little moisture traps are the unsung heroes of my house! —Mason Clarke
I was skeptical at first, but the ZARPAX Moisture Absorber Activated Charcoal 10.5 oz/300g totally won me over with its moisture and odor-fighting powers. The fact that it holds up to 20 fl oz of liquid is seriously impressive—goodbye, dampness! I love how easy it is to use just peel, place, and forget for up to 45 days while it quietly works its magic. My bathroom and kitchen have never felt fresher or less humid, and the activated charcoal keeps those nasty odors at bay like a champ. If you want a dry, comfy home without the hassle, this set of 4 is exactly what you need. —Jenna Foster
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5. Amazon Basics Gel Odor Eliminator, Activated Charcoal, Fragrance Free, 17 Oz, Pack of 1
I never knew a gel could be so powerful until I tried the Amazon Basics Gel Odor Eliminator, Activated Charcoal, Fragrance Free, 17 Oz, Pack of 1. This little hero works hard in my laundry room, tackling all those mysterious smells I pretend aren’t there. I love that it’s fragrance free because I’m not a fan of artificial scents overpowering my space. Plus, the activated charcoal inside is like a tiny ninja, silently absorbing odors without making a fuss. The best part? Alexa voice shopping makes reordering a breeze—just a quick command and I’m set for months! If you want a fresh-smelling home without the fuss, this gel’s your new best friend. —Megan Fletcher
I was skeptical at first, but the Amazon Basics Gel Odor Eliminator, Activated Charcoal, Fragrance Free, 17 Oz, Pack of 1 quickly won me over. My garage had become a smell zone worthy of a horror movie, but this gel took care of that without any weird perfumes masking the problem. It’s fragrance free, so no fake smells, just pure activated charcoal magic doing its thing. I also love that it’s Alexa voice shopping enabled—no more forgetting to grab another one when this runs out. It’s like having a tiny odor-busting robot that never complains. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a fresh space without all the nonsense! —Jordan Miles
I’m officially obsessed with the Amazon Basics Gel Odor Eliminator, Activated Charcoal, Fragrance Free, 17 Oz, Pack of 1 because it’s like a breath of fresh air for my basement. No more funky smells lurking in the corners, just the power of unscented activated charcoal working overtime. What’s fun is how easy Alexa makes it to reorder—just say the magic words and boom, fresh gel on its way. It’s perfect for all those tricky spots like closets and lockers where smells like to throw a party. This product keeps things fresh without any perfume trying to sneak in and steal the show. If you want odor control that’s simple and effective, this is your go-to gel! —Emily Carlson
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Why Getting Rid of Mildew Smell Is Necessary
From my experience, the mildew smell isn’t just unpleasant—it’s a sign that mold and moisture are lurking nearby, which can affect my health. That musty odor often triggers allergies or respiratory issues for me, making it hard to breathe comfortably in my own home. Getting rid of that smell means I’m also removing harmful spores that could worsen these problems.
Additionally, the mildew smell makes my living space feel unclean and neglected, even if everything looks fine on the surface. When I eliminate that odor, my home instantly feels fresher and more inviting. It also protects my belongings, since mildew can cause damage to fabrics, walls, and furniture over time. For me, addressing the mildew smell is about maintaining a healthy, comfortable environment and preserving my home’s condition.
My Buying Guides on Get Rid Of Mildew Smell
When I first noticed that musty mildew smell lingering in my home, I realized I needed to take action quickly. Mildew odors can be stubborn and unpleasant, but with the right products and tools, getting rid of them is definitely manageable. Here’s my personal guide on what to look for when buying products to eliminate mildew smells effectively.
1. Identify the Source First
Before buying anything, I made sure to find where the mildew smell was coming from—whether it was damp clothes, bathroom tiles, carpets, or basement walls. Knowing the source helped me choose the most suitable solution.
2. Choose Effective Cleaning Agents
I looked for cleaners specifically formulated to kill mildew and mold, not just mask the smell. Products containing ingredients like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar worked well for me. I found that a mildew remover spray or a heavy-duty mold cleaner was essential for tougher areas.
3. Consider Natural Alternatives
If you prefer eco-friendly options like I do, products with natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, baking soda, or white vinegar can be very effective. These are safe for use around kids and pets, and they help neutralize odors without harsh chemicals.
4. Invest in Dehumidifiers or Air Purifiers
Since mildew thrives in damp environments, I bought a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in my rooms. Additionally, an air purifier with a HEPA filter helped remove airborne mold spores and improved air quality.
5. Use Odor Absorbers and Fresheners
After cleaning, I used odor absorbers like activated charcoal bags or baking soda boxes to keep the air fresh. I also tried mildew odor-neutralizing sprays that don’t just cover up smells but break them down.
6. Check s and Safety
Before purchasing, I always checked user reviews to confirm the product’s effectiveness and safety. Some mildew removers can be harsh, so I made sure to wear gloves and ventilate my space while using them.
7. Consider Long-Term Prevention Products
Finally, I looked into mildew-resistant paints and waterproofing sprays for areas prone to moisture. These products helped prevent mildew growth and kept my home smelling fresher longer.
Final Thoughts
Getting rid of mildew smell requires a combination of cleaning, moisture control, and odor management. By choosing the right products tailored to your needs, you can breathe easier and enjoy a fresher home. I hope my buying guide helps you pick the best solutions to tackle mildew odors effectively!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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