How to Fix a Leaky Faucet: 8 Simple Steps Before Calling a Plumber

A dripping or leaking faucet may seem like a small problem, but even a minor leak can become annoying and waste water over time. Fortunately, many common faucet leaks can be fixed with a few basic tools and replacement parts.

Before calling a plumber, you can often inspect the faucet yourself and determine whether the problem is something simple such as a worn washer, O-ring, cartridge, or loose connection.

Here are eight practical steps to try.

1. Identify Where the Leak Is Coming From

Before taking anything apart, try to determine exactly where the water is escaping.

A faucet may leak from the spout even when it is turned off, around the handle, or from the connections underneath the sink. The location of the leak can provide a useful clue about what needs attention.

Dry the faucet and surrounding area with a cloth, then turn the water on and observe carefully.

2. Turn Off the Water Supply

Always turn off the water supply before removing faucet components.

Look underneath the sink for the shut-off valves connected to the hot and cold water lines. Turn the appropriate valve clockwise until the water stops.

After shutting off the supply, open the faucet briefly to release remaining pressure in the line.

If you cannot locate the shut-off valves or they do not work properly, it may be better to get professional help.

3. Check for a Loose Connection

Some leaks are caused by a connection that has become loose over time.

Look underneath the sink and around the faucet connections for visible moisture. If you find a loose connection, carefully tighten it using the appropriate tool.

Do not overtighten fittings. Excessive force can damage threads, seals, or the plumbing connection.

4. Remove the Faucet Handle

If the faucet continues to drip from the spout after the water supply has been turned off, the internal valve mechanism may need attention.

Many faucet handles are held in place with a small screw. Depending on the design, you may need a screwdriver or hex key to remove it.

Place a small container or cloth nearby so that small screws or parts do not disappear down the sink.

5. Inspect the Washer, O-Ring, or Cartridge

Different faucet designs use different internal components.

Older compression-style faucets may use rubber washers, while many modern faucets use cartridges or other valve mechanisms. A worn or damaged component can prevent the faucet from shutting off completely.

Once the component is removed, inspect it for cracks, deformation, mineral deposits, or other visible damage.

If you need replacement parts, take the old component with you when shopping or check the faucet's model information to make sure you get the correct replacement.

6. Clean Away Mineral Deposits

Mineral deposits can sometimes interfere with the operation of a faucet, particularly in areas with hard water.

After removing the appropriate component, inspect the surrounding area for buildup. Clean accessible parts carefully using a suitable method for the material.

Do not use aggressive chemicals or abrasive materials on finishes that could be damaged.

7. Replace the Damaged Part

If you find a worn washer, O-ring, cartridge, or other replaceable component, install the correct replacement according to the faucet manufacturer's instructions.

A basic plumbing repair kit can be useful for keeping commonly needed small parts available at home.

If you want to keep some basic repair supplies available, you can check faucet repair kits and replacement washers on Amazon.

8. Turn the Water Back On and Test the Faucet

Once everything has been reassembled, turn the water supply back on slowly.

Operate the faucet and check carefully for leaks. Also look underneath the sink around the connections.

If the faucet no longer drips and there is no moisture around the connections, the repair may have solved the problem.

Basic Tools That Can Help

You don't need a large toolbox for many simple faucet repairs. Depending on the type of faucet, useful tools may include:

• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver
• Hex key set
• Plumber's tape
• Small container for screws and parts
• Clean cloth or towel
• Replacement washers or O-rings

If your toolbox is missing a suitable adjustable wrench, you can see adjustable wrenches for home repairs on Amazon.

When Plumber's Tape May Help

Threaded plumbing connections may sometimes require plumber's tape, also known as PTFE tape, when reconnecting suitable threaded fittings.

However, plumber's tape is not a solution for every type of faucet leak. It should not be used as a substitute for a damaged washer, O-ring, cartridge, or other faulty seal.

For compatible threaded connections, you can check PTFE plumber's tape on Amazon.

Common Faucet Problems

A dripping faucet can have several possible causes. Some common ones include:

• Worn or damaged washer
• Damaged O-ring
• Worn cartridge
• Loose connection
• Mineral buildup
• Damaged seal
• Corrosion or damaged faucet components

The correct repair depends on the faucet design and the location of the leak.

Don't Ignore a Leak Under the Sink

A faucet that leaks underneath the sink deserves particular attention. Water can damage cabinets and surrounding materials if the problem continues unnoticed.

Check the area underneath the sink regularly, especially after making a repair. A dry cloth can help you detect small amounts of moisture around connections.

When to Call a Plumber

A simple faucet repair is not always a DIY job. Consider professional help if:

• You cannot shut off the water supply.
• The plumbing connection is badly corroded.
• A pipe or fitting is cracked.
• The leak continues after replacing the appropriate component.
• Water is leaking inside a wall or cabinet.
• You are unsure which component needs to be replaced.
• The repair requires changes to the home's plumbing system.

It is better to stop and get professional assistance than to turn a small faucet problem into a larger plumbing leak.

A Small Repair Can Prevent a Bigger Problem

A dripping faucet does not always require an expensive repair. By identifying the source of the leak, shutting off the water, inspecting the appropriate components, and replacing damaged parts, many minor faucet problems can be addressed at home.

The most important thing is to work carefully and avoid forcing old or corroded plumbing components. If the problem is beyond a simple repair, calling a qualified plumber is the safer option.

Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Home: Simple Solutions That Work

Finding a trail of ants in your kitchen or around your home can be frustrating. Once ants discover a source of food or water, they may keep returning unless you deal with the reason they are there.

Fortunately, you can often reduce an ant problem with a few simple steps. The key is to remove what attracts them, clean their trails, and prevent them from getting back inside.

Here are some practical methods to try.

1. Find Out Where the Ants Are Coming From

Before reaching for any treatment, follow the ants if you can.

Look along:

• Window frames

• Doorways

• Wall cracks

• Kitchen counters

• Around sinks

• Pipes and plumbing openings

• Gaps between walls and floors

Finding their entry point can make the problem much easier to manage.

2. Remove Food Sources

Ants are often attracted by tiny traces of food.

Wipe kitchen counters regularly and clean crumbs from floors, tables, and other surfaces. Pay particular attention to sugary foods, spilled drinks, pet food, and greasy cooking areas.

Don't forget areas underneath appliances where crumbs can accumulate.

3. Keep Food in Sealed Containers

Open packets of sugar, biscuits, cereals, snacks, and other foods can attract ants.

Store food in tightly closed containers rather than leaving opened packages exposed.

This is particularly important in warm weather when ants may become more active.

4. Clean the Ant Trail

When ants find food, they can leave chemical trails that help other ants follow the same route.

Simply killing the visible ants may not solve the problem if the trail remains.

Clean the surface where ants have been walking with ordinary household cleaner or soapy water. This can help remove food residue and disrupt the trail.

5. Don't Leave Pet Food Out for Too Long

Pet food can also attract ants.

If you have pets, clean up spilled food and avoid leaving uneaten food sitting out for long periods.

Keep dry pet food stored in a sealed container.

6. Check for Moisture

Some ants may be attracted to damp areas.

Check around sinks, bathrooms, leaking pipes, window areas, and other places where moisture may accumulate.

Fix leaking taps or pipes when possible and keep damp areas dry.

Reducing unnecessary moisture can make your home less attractive to a variety of household pests.

7. Seal Small Gaps and Cracks

Once you've found likely entry points, look for ways to seal them.

Small gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and baseboards can sometimes provide easy access into your home.

Depending on the location, appropriate caulk or another suitable sealant may help close these openings.

8. Consider Ant Bait

If ants continue returning despite cleaning and sealing entry points, ant bait can be another option.

Ant bait works differently from simply killing visible ants. Worker ants may carry bait back to the colony, where it can affect other ants.

Always read the product instructions carefully and use pest-control products exactly as directed.

A Simple Ant-Bait Option

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9. Keep Your Kitchen Dry and Clean

The kitchen is one of the most common places for ants to find food and water.

At the end of the day, wipe counters, clean spills, wash dirty dishes, and sweep the floor.

A few minutes of cleaning can make a difference when done consistently.

10. Know When to Get Professional Help

A few ants appearing occasionally isn't necessarily a major problem.

However, if you repeatedly see large numbers of ants, discover nests inside walls or other difficult areas, or cannot determine where they are coming from, professional pest control may be worth considering.

This is especially important if the infestation continues despite your efforts.

What Not to Do

Avoid randomly spraying large amounts of insecticide around your home.

Using more product than recommended doesn't necessarily solve the underlying problem and can create unnecessary exposure to chemicals.

Instead, identify the source, remove food and moisture, seal entry points, and use any pest-control product according to its instructions.

Final Thought

Getting rid of ants isn't always about eliminating every ant you see.

The more effective approach is to understand why they're entering your home in the first place.

Remove food and water sources, clean their trails, seal possible entry points, and consider an appropriate ant-bait product if the problem persists.

With a little consistency, many minor ant problems can be brought under control before they become a much bigger nuisance.

10 Simple Home Organization Ideas That Actually Make a Difference

A home doesn't have to be perfectly tidy all the time. But when everyday items don't have a proper place, clutter can quickly become frustrating.

The good news is that you don't necessarily need expensive furniture or a complete home makeover to get things under control. A few simple organization ideas can make your rooms easier to use and easier to maintain.

Here are 10 practical ideas you can try around your home.

1. Start With One Small Area

Don't try to organize your entire home in one day.

Choose one drawer, shelf, cupboard, or corner and finish that area before moving on. Seeing a completed space can make it easier to continue.

A small improvement is better than an unfinished whole-house project.

2. Give Frequently Used Items a Permanent Home

If you regularly spend time looking for your keys, chargers, scissors, remote controls, or other everyday items, they probably need a designated spot.

Choose a convenient location and always return the item there after using it.

The best storage system is one that is easy enough to use every day.

3. Use Drawer Organizers

Drawers can quickly become messy because small items get mixed together.

Simple compartment organizers can separate things such as kitchen utensils, stationery, toiletries, accessories, or small tools.

You don't need to organize every drawer at once. Start with the drawer that causes the most frustration.

Looking for a simple way to organize drawers and small spaces?

Drawer organizers, storage baskets, and stackable containers can make everyday items much easier to find and put away.

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4. Make Better Use of Vertical Space

Look beyond the floor and countertops.

Shelves, stackable containers, hanging organizers, and wall-mounted storage can make use of vertical space that would otherwise be wasted.

This can be particularly useful in smaller homes where floor space is limited.

5. Use Baskets to Control Loose Items

Baskets are useful when you have several small items that belong together but don't need to be individually arranged.

For example, a basket could hold:

• Cleaning supplies

• Pet toys

• Towels

• Children's items

• Extra cables

• Magazines

• Small household accessories

The goal isn't to hide clutter. It's to give similar items a defined place.

6. Organize Your Wardrobe by Category

Instead of keeping everything mixed together, group similar clothing.

You might separate clothes into categories such as everyday wear, work clothes, seasonal clothing, and accessories.

If your wardrobe is crowded, consider removing clothes you haven't worn in a long time before buying additional storage.

7. Don't Ignore the Space Under Your Bed

The area under a bed can provide valuable storage space.

It can be useful for items that aren't needed every day, such as seasonal clothing, spare bedding, luggage, or decorations.

Storage bags or low-profile containers can make these items easier to access while keeping dust away.

8. Create a Simple Entryway System

The entrance to your home is often where clutter begins.

Shoes, bags, keys, umbrellas, and other everyday items can quickly accumulate near the door.

A small shoe rack, basket, hooks, or tray can give each item a designated place.

This also makes leaving the house in the morning much easier.

9. Use Labels When They Actually Help

Labels can be useful when several storage containers look similar.

For example, you might label boxes containing:

• Winter clothes

• Holiday decorations

• Tools

• Documents

• Pet supplies

• Spare household items

You don't need to label everything. Use labels where they save you time later.

10. Follow the One-In, One-Out Rule

One of the simplest ways to prevent clutter from returning is to think about what happens when you buy something new.

If you purchase a new shirt, kitchen gadget, storage container, or similar item, consider whether something old can be donated, recycled, or discarded.

This keeps the amount of stuff in your home from continually increasing.

Don't Buy Storage Before You Declutter

It's tempting to buy organizers as soon as you see a messy cupboard.

But storage products can't solve every organization problem.

First remove things you no longer need. Then look at what remains and decide what type of storage would genuinely make those items easier to access.

This approach can save money and prevent you from simply creating more places to store things you don't use.

A Simple Way to Get Started

If your home feels overwhelming, choose just one small area today.

Set aside 15 or 20 minutes. Remove anything that doesn't belong there, group similar items together, and give everything remaining a sensible place.

You don't need a perfect home.

You just need a system that makes everyday life a little easier.

Final Thought

Good home organization isn't about making every room look like a showroom. It's about making it easier to find what you need, put things away, and keep everyday clutter under control.

Start small, keep the system simple, and improve one area at a time.

Looking for a simple way to organize drawers and small spaces?

Drawer organizers, storage baskets, and stackable containers can make everyday items much easier to find and put away.

👉 Check useful home organization products on Amazon

7 Simple Ways to Keep Your Home Cool Without Spending a Fortune

When temperatures rise, it can be tempting to run the air conditioner all day. But that can quickly increase your electricity bill.

Fortunately, there are several simple ways to make your home feel cooler without spending a lot of money. Some involve changing how you use your windows and fans, while others are small habits that can make a noticeable difference.

Here are seven practical ways to keep your home cooler during hot weather.

1. Keep Sunlight Out During the Hottest Hours

Direct sunlight can heat up a room surprisingly quickly, especially through large windows.

During the hottest part of the day, close curtains, blinds, or shades on windows that receive direct sunlight. If possible, use light-colored curtains or blackout curtains to reduce the amount of heat entering the room.

Then, when outdoor temperatures drop in the evening, open the windows and curtains again to let the cooler air in.

2. Use Fans More Strategically

A fan doesn't actually lower the temperature of a room, but it can make you feel considerably cooler by moving air across your skin.

Instead of simply leaving a fan running in an empty room, position it where the moving air will reach you.

At night, if the outside air is cooler than the indoor air, place a fan near a window to help move warm indoor air outside. Another fan at a different opening can help bring cooler air in.

3. Create Cross-Ventilation

If your home has windows on opposite sides of a room or house, take advantage of them.

Opening windows at opposite ends can create a natural airflow path. When outdoor temperatures are lower than indoor temperatures, this can help flush warm air from the house.

This works particularly well in the evening, early morning, or on days when there is a natural breeze.

4. Reduce Heat From Appliances

Many household appliances produce heat while operating.

Ovens, stovetops, clothes dryers, and some older appliances can make an already-warm home feel even hotter.

During very hot weather, consider preparing meals that don't require long periods of oven use. If you need to use the oven, doing so during the cooler part of the day can help.

Also remember that lights, computers, televisions, and other electronics generate some heat. Turn off equipment when you aren't using it.

5. Replace Hot Bulbs With Efficient Lighting

Traditional incandescent bulbs release a significant portion of the energy they consume as heat.

Replacing them with energy-efficient LED bulbs can reduce both electricity consumption and the amount of heat produced by lighting.

LED bulbs also tend to last much longer, making them a practical choice for frequently used rooms.

6. Don't Forget the Kitchen and Bathroom

Some of the warmest and most humid areas of a home can be the kitchen and bathroom.

After a hot shower, use the exhaust fan to remove warm, humid air. In the kitchen, use the range hood or exhaust fan when cooking.

Reducing indoor humidity can make the air feel more comfortable even when the actual temperature hasn't changed much.

If you're unsure whether your home's humidity level is too high, a simple humidity meter can help you monitor it.

7. Keep Doors Closed Where Appropriate

If you're using an air conditioner in one room, keeping doors and windows closed can help prevent cooled air from escaping.

There's no need to cool an unused room if you don't spend time there. Focus your cooling efforts on the spaces you actually use.

However, if you're relying on natural ventilation rather than air conditioning, opening interior doors can sometimes help air move more freely through the home.

A Few Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference

Keeping your home comfortable during hot weather doesn't always require buying expensive equipment.

Simple habits such as blocking direct sunlight, using fans effectively, improving ventilation, reducing appliance heat, and controlling indoor humidity can all help.

You may not be able to control the outdoor temperature, but you can control how much heat enters your home and how efficiently you remove it.

Start with the changes that cost nothing. You may be surprised by how much more comfortable your home can feel.

Final Thought

A cooler home isn't necessarily about using more electricity. Sometimes it's simply about working with airflow, shade, timing, and a few practical habits.

Try two or three of these ideas first, and see which ones make the biggest difference in your home.

Want to monitor your home's humidity?
A simple digital humidity meter can help you keep track of indoor moisture levels and identify when humidity may be getting too high.

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How to Remove Musty Smells From Your Home: Simple Solutions That Actually Help

A musty smell can make an otherwise clean home feel damp, old, or unpleasant. You may notice it in a closet, bedroom, basement, bathroom, storage area, or even inside furniture.

Simply covering the smell with an air freshener usually doesn't solve the problem. A musty odor often means that moisture, poor ventilation, damp fabrics, or another source needs attention.

The good news is that many musty smells can be reduced or eliminated with a few practical changes.

In this guide, we'll look at what causes musty odors, how to find the source, and what you can do to prevent them from coming back.

Why Does a Home Smell Musty?

A musty smell is often associated with excess moisture and poor air circulation.

Common causes include:

• Damp rooms with poor ventilation
• Wet clothing or towels left indoors
• Damp carpets and rugs
• Closets with little air movement
• Moisture around windows
• Water leaks
• Old upholstered furniture
• Storage areas that remain closed for long periods
• High indoor humidity

The first step is therefore not to mask the smell but to identify where it is coming from.

Find the Source of the Smell

Walk through your home and try to identify where the odor is strongest.

Check closets, cupboards, carpets, curtains, mattresses, furniture, bathrooms, areas around windows, and rooms that receive little fresh air.

Don't forget places that are easy to overlook, such as the space underneath furniture or behind large cabinets.

If the smell is particularly strong in one location, concentrate your cleaning and inspection efforts there first.

Improve Air Circulation

Stale air can make musty odors much more noticeable.

Whenever weather and outdoor conditions allow, open windows and doors to encourage fresh air to move through the room.

Ceiling fans and portable fans can also help circulate air.

Pay particular attention to rooms that tend to remain closed for long periods.

Good air circulation is especially useful in closets, bathrooms, laundry areas, and storage spaces.

Reduce Excess Humidity

If your home regularly feels humid, reducing indoor moisture can make a significant difference.

Simple steps include:

• Using exhaust fans when showering
• Ventilating kitchens while cooking
• Drying wet clothes properly
• Fixing leaking taps or pipes
• Avoiding unnecessary indoor moisture
• Using a dehumidifier when appropriate

A basic humidity meter can also help you understand whether a room is consistently too humid.

Keeping an eye on humidity is often more useful than repeatedly treating the smell itself.

Consider Checking Your Indoor Humidity

If a room repeatedly develops a musty smell, it can be useful to monitor its humidity rather than simply masking the odor. A digital humidity meter can show the temperature and relative humidity, helping you identify rooms that may need better ventilation or moisture control.

Check the Digital Humidity Meter on Amazon

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Wash and Completely Dry Damp Fabrics

Soft materials can hold onto unpleasant odors surprisingly well.

Check towels, bedding, curtains, cushion covers, blankets, washable rugs, and other fabrics that may have been exposed to moisture.

Wash them according to their care instructions and make sure they dry completely before putting them away.

Don't store slightly damp fabrics in cupboards or laundry baskets for long periods. Even a small amount of trapped moisture can create an unpleasant odor.

Clean Carpets and Rugs

Carpets and rugs can absorb moisture, dirt, and odors over time.

Vacuum them regularly and pay attention to areas underneath furniture where air circulation may be poor.

If a rug becomes wet, dry it as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

For a carpet that continues to smell musty despite normal cleaning, check whether moisture may be trapped underneath it. Persistent dampness beneath flooring should not simply be covered with fragrance.

Freshen Musty Closets

Closets are common places for musty odors because clothing and other items can restrict air circulation.

Remove everything from the closet and allow the space to air out.

Check clothing and other stored items for dampness or signs of moisture.

After cleaning, avoid packing the closet too tightly. Leaving some space between items allows air to circulate more freely.

You can also use moisture-absorbing products designed for closets if appropriate for your home.

Don't Forget Your Furniture

Older sofas, chairs, mattresses, and wooden furniture can sometimes retain musty odors.

Vacuum upholstered furniture thoroughly, including underneath cushions and along seams.

If the manufacturer's care instructions allow it, clean removable covers as recommended.

For wooden furniture, wipe surfaces appropriately and allow them to dry completely.

If a piece of furniture has been exposed to significant moisture, investigate the cause before trying to remove the odor.

Try Baking Soda for Odor Absorption

Baking soda is a simple household option that can help absorb odors from some dry surfaces and fabrics.

For example, a small amount can be sprinkled over a suitable carpet or upholstery surface, left for a period of time, and then thoroughly vacuumed.

Always check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions first and test an inconspicuous area before treating a large surface.

Remember that baking soda may help with an odor, but it won't solve an underlying moisture problem.

Use Air Purification When Appropriate

An air purifier can be useful for improving indoor air quality and reducing certain airborne particles and odors.

However, an air purifier should not be considered a replacement for fixing leaks, controlling humidity, or cleaning damp materials.

If you decide to use one, choose a model appropriate for the size of the room and follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions.

Be Careful With Air Fresheners

Air fresheners can make a room smell better temporarily, but they don't remove the source of a musty odor.

If you continuously need fragrance products to make a room smell normal, it is worth investigating why the unpleasant smell keeps returning.

Fixing the underlying issue is almost always a better long-term approach.

Check Around Windows and Walls

If a musty smell is concentrated around windows, exterior walls, or corners of a room, inspect these areas carefully.

Look for condensation, damp patches, peeling paint, staining, or other signs of moisture.

Repeated condensation can indicate that a room needs better ventilation or humidity control.

If you discover a leak or persistent moisture problem, deal with the source rather than simply cleaning the affected surface.

Keep Bathrooms Well Ventilated

Bathrooms naturally produce a lot of moisture.

Run the exhaust fan while showering and for a while afterward if your ventilation system allows it.

Wipe away excessive water from surfaces and allow towels and bath mats to dry properly.

Keeping bathroom doors and ventilation systems appropriately managed can make a noticeable difference to lingering odors.

Keep Your Kitchen Dry and Well Ventilated

Cooking creates steam and moisture, especially when boiling water or preparing food for extended periods.

Use the kitchen exhaust fan when appropriate and open a window if practical.

Clean areas where moisture and food residue can accumulate, including around sinks and appliances.

Don't allow wet cleaning cloths or sponges to remain damp for long periods.

Prevent Musty Smells From Returning

Once you've removed the source of the odor, prevention becomes much easier.

Try these simple habits:

• Keep rooms properly ventilated
• Dry wet fabrics promptly
• Don't store damp clothing
• Check for plumbing leaks regularly
• Keep closets from becoming overcrowded
• Clean carpets and upholstery regularly
• Use bathroom and kitchen ventilation
• Monitor humidity in problem areas
• Air out rooms that remain closed for long periods

When a Musty Smell Could Indicate a Bigger Problem

A persistent musty smell should not always be treated as a simple cleaning issue.

If an odor keeps returning despite thorough cleaning and ventilation, investigate further.

Pay particular attention if you notice:

• Visible mold-like growth
• Persistent damp patches
• Water stains
• Peeling or bubbling paint
• Repeated condensation
• A known plumbing or roof leak
• Wet flooring or walls
• A strong odor coming from an inaccessible area

In these situations, the moisture source needs to be identified and corrected. For significant water damage or suspected mold problems, consider getting help from an appropriate professional rather than attempting extensive remediation yourself.

A Simple Room-by-Room Musty-Smell Checklist

If you're not sure where to begin, use this quick checklist.

Bedroom

• Check bedding and curtains
• Inspect underneath the bed
• Air out mattresses when practical
• Check closets for damp clothing

Bathroom

• Check ventilation
• Dry towels and bath mats
• Look for leaks
• Check corners and areas around fixtures

Kitchen

• Use ventilation while cooking
• Check underneath the sink
• Look for plumbing leaks
• Keep cloths and sponges dry

Living Room

• Vacuum carpets and upholstery
• Check underneath furniture
• Air out cushions when possible
• Inspect areas near windows

Closets and Storage Areas

• Remove damp items
• Improve air circulation
• Avoid overcrowding
• Check for signs of moisture

Final Thoughts

A musty smell is often your home's way of telling you that something needs attention.

Instead of simply masking the odor, try to find its source. Improve ventilation, reduce excess moisture, clean fabrics and carpets, and check for leaks or other damp areas.

Small changes such as drying towels properly, airing out closets, and using bathroom and kitchen ventilation can make a surprisingly big difference.

And if the smell continues to return, don't ignore it. A persistent odor combined with dampness or visible signs of moisture may require a closer inspection.

The best way to get rid of a musty smell is not to cover it up — it's to find out why it's there in the first place.

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