Summer in Des Moines brings long, sunny days, lush green landscapes—and sticky, persistent humidity. While high humidity may be a typical part of Iowa’s summer, it can also create a frustrating and often hidden problem inside your home: stubborn, lingering odors. Whether it's the musty smell of mildew, the stale scent of smoke, or pet odors that seem to cling to every corner, Iowa’s humid air can trap and intensify these smells. Understanding how humidity affects your home—and how to prevent or remove these odors—can help you breathe easier all summer long. At ServiceMaster by Rice, we specialize in restoring indoor air quality and eliminating mildew smells caused by excess moisture. Let’s take a closer look at why humidity plays such a big role in odor buildup—and what you can do to fight back.
Why Does Iowa’s Humidity Intensify Odors in Homes?
High humidity doesn’t just make the air feel heavy—it also makes odors more difficult to get rid of. When moisture is present in the air, it interacts with odor-causing particles and makes them linger longer in your home. In other words, water vapor acts like a carrier, holding odors in the air and amplifying them. Some of the most common sources of household odors that become worse with humidity include:
- Mildew and mold - These thrive in damp environments and produce a distinct musty smell.
- Smoke - Particles from cigarettes, cooking, or fire damage cling to surfaces and become more noticeable in humid air.
- Pet dander and accidents - High humidity can bring back the scent of old messes or amplify the smell of pet fur and oils.
In Des Moines neighborhoods like Beaverdale and Sherman Hill, older homes are particularly vulnerable. Aging ventilation systems, leaky basements, and less efficient insulation can create an ideal environment for mildew and persistent odors.
The Science of Mildew Growth: From Invisible to Overpowering
Mildew doesn’t start out as a strong, obvious problem. It begins with microscopic spores that float in the air, often settling in dark, damp corners of your home. In high-humidity environments—typically when indoor levels rise above 50%—these spores grow rapidly and form visible patches that are black, white, or gray in color. As mildew grows, it releases gases known as microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). These gases are responsible for that classic musty smell that can quickly take over a room, especially in spaces where air doesn’t circulate well. Some common mildew hotspots in Des Moines homes include:
- Basements and crawl spaces
- Bathrooms with poor ventilation
- Behind walls or under flooring after water damage
- Laundry rooms and utility closets
The faster mildew is addressed, the easier it is to eliminate both the smell, and the health risks associated with mold exposure.
How to Prevent Mildew Smell in Your Des Moines Home
Prevention is always easier than remediation when it comes to mildew. Here are practical steps you can take to reduce humidity and stop mildew smells before they start:
- Use dehumidifiers - especially in the basement or any room with poor ventilation.
- Improve airflow - by using fans, opening windows on dry days, and keeping doors between rooms open.
- Clean moisture-prone areas - regularly, like under sinks, in the laundry room, or around your HVAC unit.
- Seal and insulate - windows to prevent condensation and reduce temperature fluctuations.
- Install mold-resistant materials - such as mildew-resistant drywall and paint in bathrooms or basements.
- Schedule HVAC maintenance - to ensure your system is not contributing to excess moisture or harboring mold in the ductwork.
These small efforts can make a big difference in protecting your home from humidity-related odors and mildew growth.
How to Get Rid of Mildew Smell Once It Starts
Once you detect that telltale musty odor, it’s important to act fast. The longer mildew is left to grow, the more challenging it becomes to eliminate both the smell and the underlying issue. Start with these steps:
- Find and fix the moisture source - whether it's a leaking pipe, clogged gutter, or poor ventilation.
- Clean affected surfaces thoroughly - using a solution of white vinegar or a mix of baking soda and water. For more serious cases, use commercial mildew removers.
- Place odor absorbers - like activated charcoal or baking soda in enclosed areas such as closets or cabinets.
- Wash fabrics that have absorbed the smell - this includes curtains, couch covers, and rugs.
- Steam-clean - carpets and upholstered furniture to lift embedded mildew spores.
- Call in professionals - if the smell persists, especially if it seems to be coming from behind walls or inside vents.
Persistent mildew odors are often a sign that deeper moisture damage or mold colonies are hiding where you can’t see them.
When Odor Removal Requires Professional Help
In some situations, no matter how many DIY solutions you try, the mildew smell just won’t go away. Here’s when to call in the experts at ServiceMaster by Rice:
- There’s visible mold or mildew growth that returns after cleaning
- The smell is coming from behind drywall, ceilings, or flooring
- Your HVAC system is spreading the odor through vents
- You’ve experienced water damage that wasn’t professionally mitigated
These types of issues typically point to a deeper, structural problem that requires specialized tools and training to resolve safely and effectively.
How ServiceMaster by Rice – Des Moines, IA Can Help
At ServiceMaster by Rice, we’ve helped countless homeowners across Des Moines—including Urbandale, Ankeny, and downtown neighborhoods—eliminate mildew smells and restore clean, fresh indoor air. Here’s what sets our team apart:
- Advanced mold remediation techniques including moisture detection tools and antimicrobial treatments
- Professional-grade dehumidifiers and air scrubbers that purify indoor air and remove odor-causing particles
- Comprehensive inspection and cleaning, even in hard-to-reach or hidden areas of the home
- Experienced technicians who understand Iowa’s unique humidity challenges and how to combat them effectively
We approach each project with compassion and attention to detail—because we know how disruptive mildew and lingering odors can be to your comfort and peace of mind.
Say Goodbye to Stubborn Mildew Odors for Good
High humidity is an unavoidable part of summer in Des Moines—but mildew smells don’t have to be. By staying on top of moisture control, improving airflow, and knowing when to call for help, you can maintain a fresher, healthier home environment. If you’ve been struggling with persistent odors or suspect mold or mildew in your home, don’t wait. Contact ServiceMaster by Rice – Des Moines today for a consultation.
