Your house smells like wet plaster, but you don’t know why. You have tried many things, but nothing seems to work. There are many reasons why your home might smell like wet plaster including termites, mold and mildew, water leaks or even a fire.
Although it is one of those things you never really notice until something goes wrong then suddenly everyone knows about your problem. Follow these easy steps to find out why your room smells like damp plaster and how to avoid smelling like wet plaster or having a damp plaster smell in your home.
- Why Does My House Smell of Wet or Damp Plaster?
- Reasons Why Your Whole House or Room Smell of Wet/Damp Plaster Especially When it Rains
- How to Get Rid of Wet Plaster Smell in Your House
- How Do I Find the Source of Damp Smell?
- FAQ
- Does Wall Plaster Smell?
- Does Old Plaster Have a Smell?
- Why does my room smell like drywall?
Why Does My House Smell of Wet or Damp Plaster?
If you’re experiencing a strange smell in your house, and it seems to be coming from the walls, there’s a good chance that the plaster is wet or damp.
This can cause all sorts of problems, from mould growth to structural damage, so it’s important to find out why this is happening and fix it as soon as possible.
There are a few different things that could be causing the smell, but the most common one is water ingress – when water gets into the walls and starts to decay the plaster.
Other causes can include leaksy pipes or drains, showering on an upper floor that sends water seeping down through the ceilings, and bad ventilation.
The best way to solve any of these problems is by eliminating all potential sources of water entry. You should inspect your roof for any signs of deterioration or water damage, and make sure that your guttering and drainage are working properly.
You should also check around windowsills and air vents for any gaps or cracks that may let in moisture. If you’ve checked everything and still can’t find the source of the smell, then you may need professional help to track it down and fix it.
Reasons Why Your Whole House or Room Smell of Wet/Damp Plaster Especially When it Rains
1. Water Ingress
There are a number of reasons why you may be experiencing a smell of wet plaster, even if there are no visible signs of damp on the walls. One potential cause could be water ingress – this is when water enters a building through any opening such as cracks in the walls or roof, or air bricks not working properly.
If you are still experiencing wet/damp plaster, the smell should be relatively easy to track down. Double glazing is a good way to prevent dampness from reaching walls and one way to test for this is by using a hygrometer (a device used to measure humidity levels).
Other main causes of condensation are drying washing and double glazing fitted in bedrooms. It’s important to check what kind of walls they are – solid walls will not be affected; cavity walls may need to be caulked or resealed.
It might also be worth investigating if the bricks are not performing properly – in which case you may need repointing work done.
If all else fails, it could be caused by condensation – this happens when warm moist air meets a cold surface, such as windows or external brickwork. You can usually tell if this is the problem as condensation will form on windows and walls.
One way to fix this is by fitting insulation, as this will help to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. Another solution could be to fit double glazing, as this will help to prevent damp reaching the walls.
2. Plasterboard Used in Overboarding Is Rotting
There are several reasons why your whole house can smell like wet plaster. One of these reasons is that the plasterboard used in overboarding is rotting.
If you live in an old house, check for areas that feel soft or are discolored next to walls. Mold can build up slowly over time, making it difficult to detect. However, mold is so important that people need to remove it quickly and properly.
You might not notice the mould’s smell if you’re used to smelling it. In order to get rid of the smell, be sure to check out our guide on How to get rid of kitchen sink smells first!
3. Inadequate Home Ventilation
One of the main causes of dampness and musty smells in a home is inadequate ventilation. When air isn’t able to circulate, it becomes stagnant and can lead to moisture accumulation and mold growth.
There are several reasons why your home may not be well-ventilated, including:
- The location of your home – if it’s in a hilly or mountainous area, for example, the wind will not be able to reach it as easily
- Poor design – homes that have been poorly designed often have small windows and lack proper insulation
- Clogged vents – vents can become clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris over time, preventing them from working properly
If you’re experiencing problems with dampness or musty smells in your home, the best thing to do is identify the root cause and take steps to address it. Improving ventilation is often one of the most effective solutions.
4. Mold Build Up
Mold build-up is a common problem in homes, and it can often lead to an unpleasant smell like wet plaster smell, home smelling like cat urine, etc.
The first step is to kill the mold, which must be done with chlorine bleach mixed with detergent. After that, you will need to clean the walls and ceilings.
If the whole house smells of wet/damp plaster, we recommend bleach as the best method to clean mold off of walls. In some cases, you may also need to call in a professional plumber to take care of any plumbing problems that may be causing the dampness.
5. Moisture Buildup Within Your Room
The source of the problem is likely your bathroom or en suite. This is where most leaks occur in a home, and if not fixed, will cause damp plaster smells.
How to Get Rid of Wet Plaster Smell in Your House
The first step is to find the source of the leak. This may be as simple as a cracked pipe or a blocked drain, but it could also be that your roof has been damaged by heavy rain.
Once you have identified the problem, the next step is to fix it. This will involve getting a plumber in to repair your plumbing or roofing problems.
Here is the list of things to do in order to remove the smell of wet plaster from your home.
Use a Humid Meter to Detect Moisture Build Up
It is important to be able to detect moisture buildup in order to prevent any long-term damage. A humid meter can help you do just that by measuring the humidity levels in your home. This way, you can take action before it’s too late.
There are a few key things you should keep in mind when using a humid meter:
Inspect your roof and work your way down. The first place you should check for leaks is the roof. Once you’ve checked that, move on down to the lower levels of your house. Make sure you check all areas where water could potentially enter.
The best thing to do is to call a professional for help if you’re unsure about what to look for or how to fix the problem. Professionals have the correct surveying equipment and knowledge needed to determine whether an area needs addressing.
The source of the smell may be coming from the cavity. If this is the case, there could be air vents in the room that are open to the cavity or smaller gaps around window sills etc., which allow moist air into your home.
Check for Signs of Water Ingress in Your Walls
Water ingress is a serious problem that can cause extensive damage to your home. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s important to take action right away:
- Structural damage to the walls or ceilings
- Mould or mildew on walls, ceilings, or floors
- Damaged insulation
- Stains on walls or ceilings
- Peeling paint on walls or ceilings
- Moisture in electrical outlets or light fixtures
If you suspect water ingress in your home, be sure to call a professional immediately.
Ensure Proper Ventilation of Your House
If you are experiencing a wet plaster smell in your house, it is important to ensure proper ventilation. You can do this by opening windows and using fans to circulate the air.
Additionally, you can use a spray bottle to dampen down baking soda and then leave it overnight. The next day, vacuum up the baking soda and dispose of it outside.
Finally, mix white vinegar with household detergent and use a microfiber cloth to clean surfaces affected by the smell.
Replace Old Plasterboard or Rotting Woods
When it comes to moisture damage, many homeowners fail to realize that the signs are not always visible. In some cases, the plasterboard or drywall may start bloating and this is often a great place for mould growth.
If you see this happening in your home, it is best to take action quickly as it can get worse over time.
Natural materials like wood and MDF can start dampening and deforming when there’s too much humidity in the home. This can cause a range of problems such as warping, rotting and even mould growth.
Upholstered furniture and fabrics will absorb moisture into their surfaces which causes the smell to seep out of them later on.
Watch out for signs of moisture on your furniture, curtains, cushions and sheets – especially if they’re made from natural fibres like cotton or wool. Synthetic piles can also grow mould quickly so be sure to keep an eye on them too.
If you smell wet plaster, there may be mould growth in your house – particularly if you live in a humid climate.
Check the underside of the carpet to see if there is mould growth around windows or radiators – these are common areas where leaks happen.
If you have water leaks or condensation issues in your home, it’s best just to replace your flooring so that the problem doesn’t continue spreading into other rooms.
Check For Mold Build Up
If you are experiencing a wet plaster smell in your house, it is important to check for mold build up. Black mold on walls is not only unsightly, but it can exacerbate allergies and asthma.
The smell of wet plaster emanates from a leaky sink or broken pipe – which could be indicative of mold.
If you cannot see the mold, it may be hidden behind wallpaper or paint. In that case, you should replace porous surfaces like drywall if you can’t see the mold.
If you can’t see the mold and don’t know where it is, call your local health department or a home inspector to find the issue and make sure it doesn’t spread to other areas of your house.
You should not use vinegar in a wet plaster because there are other ways to get rid of the smell without using vinegar if necessary
Use Odor Neutralizers
It is often hard to get rid of a wet plaster smell in your house. There are many steps you can take, but one that seems to work best for most people is using odor neutralizers.
With a few easy steps, you can get rid of that wet plaster smell in your home in no time. Use an odor neutralizer on any rugs or carpets that have been affected by the wet plaster smell.
There are many odor neutralizers on the market. You can usually find them at your local grocery store or pharmacy.
The most common odor neutralizers are baking soda and vinegar. However, there are many other products that might work better for you, such as:
- Febreze
- Ozium air sanitizer
- Lemon
- Air freshener sprays
Buy a Humidifier
If your home has been newly plastered, you may be experiencing the smell of wet plaster. This odor can be unpleasant and difficult to get rid of. However, there are several things you can do to make your home more comfortable and remove the smell of wet plaster.
One thing you can do is buy a humidifier. A humidifier will add moisture to the air and help to get rid of any unpleasant smells.
You can also try scrubbing your home’s walls and ceilings with a toothbrush to help remove any traces of wet plaster. Finally, make sure that all windows and doors are open so that fresh air can circulate throughout your home
Contact a Professional
Most do-it-yourself cleaning efforts will fail to address the original cause of the problem, leading to more problems. If you are experiencing a wet plaster smell in your home, it is important to contact a professional right away.
However, there are some things you can do at home before opening up the walls and paying for professional help. You should take care of the damp smell at home before you call a professional, and use products such as vinegar or baking soda to remove odors from your carpet.
How Do I Find the Source of Damp Smell?
If you’re experiencing a damp smell in your home, it’s important to find the source of the problem as soon as possible. Left unchecked, damp and mould can lead to serious health problems.
In some cases, the smell may be caused by something relatively minor, like a wet plasterboard. But in other cases, it could be a sign of something more serious, like water damage or even structural problems with your home.
There are several things you can do to try and track down the source of the smell:
- Try boiling lemons and leaving them in the room for a few hours. Lemon juice is a natural deodorizer, and it may help to overpower any bad smells.
- Place a jar of charcoal in the area where you’re experiencing the smell. The charcoal will absorb any unpleasant odours overnight.
- Use an old-school technique called cat littering. This involves placing cat litter around all of the areas where you think there might be moisture build-up (including behind furniture and appliances). The cat litter will help absorb any moisture and eliminate any bad smells.
FAQ
Does Wall Plaster Smell?
Yes, a wall plaster does smell. However, it is not a bad smell. It’s more of a fresh and clean scent.
Does Old Plaster Have a Smell?
Yes, old plaster does have a smell. The smell is often described as earthy and musty. Most people find that the scent of fresh wall plaster is very pleasant. If you don’t like the smell, you can always open a window and let some fresh air in.
Why does my room smell like drywall?
If you have recently installed new drywall, the smell may be coming from the paper backing on the drywall. The paper is coated with a chemical to keep it from sticking to itself and causing wrinkles.
The smell is similar to the smell of wet plaster, but it’s not as strong and doesn’t last as long. The paper backing will eventually dry out and no longer have a scent.
