Is the Odour in My Property Due to Flooding?

If your home has recently been flooded and you have started to notice a musty smell, it is likely that there is water damage and damp in your property. To get rid of the unpleasant odour, you need to take care of the flood damage.

ICE Cleaning is a specialist cleaning company that provides flood restoration services. Its technicians can restore your property as close to its original state as possible. They are available nationwide, 365 days a year, 24/7.

Read on to find out why flooding can cause a musty smell, and how to get rid of it.

What causes a damp odour?

The culprit is typically mould and mildew:

1. When mould grows and reproduces new spores, it releases gasses called microbial volatile organic compounds which can give off a musty smell.
2. Bacteria can consume the waste mould and mildew produce, and then generate ammonia which smells like damp.

As mould is caused by excess moisture, flood damaged homes provide the optimal conditions for it. It can start growing in as little as 24 hours, so all the water must be removed and the property fully dried out quickly to prevent it.

Sometimes, a flood might leave behind other nasty odours. For example, if the floodwater contained sewage, it could make your property smell like a sewer, and stagnant water can leave a sour stench.  

How to eliminate the odour from your property

To get rid of the mould smell for good, you must have it removed. However, you should not attempt this yourself. Mould is dangerous to be exposed to, and can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

Bring in professional cleaners to remediate the mould as soon as possible. They might even advise on how to stop mould coming back. Typically, this means having the water damage in the property repaired and getting rid of any damp.

If there is a sewage or sour odour in your property, the affected areas need to be deep-cleaned and sanitised. Water containing sewage will introduce a number of pathogens into your home, including E. coli and Salmonella, which you must not come in contact with.

Professional cleaners should clean the property, sanitise the affected area, and then neutralise the odour.  

ICE Cleaning’s Dewpoint-accredited flood experts can take care of all your flood damage cleaning, and even provide mould remediation and odour removal. They can be on site in an emergency in a matter of hours.

You can find out more about their broad range of services here.