My empty house smells musty
If your vacant home has a strong, musty smell, it may be a sign that you have an indoor mould or mildew problem. You should try to locate the source of this smell and isolate it to the room or rooms responsible. Sometimes you may solve the problem by airing out your house or removing a damp dish cloth that lay forgotten beneath your sink.
Here’s how to get rid of a musty smell:
To get rid of small mould stains, make a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 3 parts water and scrub the affected area. In more severe cases, you may need to call a mould removal specialist. If mould has infested your upholstered furniture or carpet, it may need to be replaced.
To prevent mould build up before you leave your home empty, consider placing a dehumidifier in vulnerable rooms (e.g. your bathroom or basement), returning regularly to air out your house, and ensuring that your house is well insulated and that there are no damp or leaky spots in your home.