I've noticed a strong, musty smell in my closet, which is part of an office in my newer house built in 2019 on a concrete slab. The closet has some home school supplies, a Dyson vacuum, and a few decor items, but that's about it. At first, I thought it might be my sinus infection affecting my sense of smell, especially since I could only sense it when I got close. However, after shutting the door, the smell became much stronger, resembling an old, damp leather scent, like a pair of wet leather shoes left to rot. We've checked thoroughly for any signs of mold or animals—found nothing out of the ordinary. Strangely, the odor is confined to the closet, with barely any trace in the adjacent bathroom. We've even removed a couple of wicker storage bins that seemed to hold some of the smell, but it persists. I'm really puzzled and could use some advice!
3 Answers
Sounds like it could be poor ventilation in the closet, especially if you're in a humid area. Small spaces like that tend to get musty without proper airflow. I usually put Damp Rid or something similar in my closets, and it makes a big difference. Just remember, a faulty outlet typically smells like burnt plastic or something fishy—not musty.
Have you checked for any plumbing issues near that wall? Sometimes leaks can't be seen easily but can cause odors. A moisture detector and heat sensor could help you rule out any hidden problems. Make sure to run them over the closet wall next to the bathroom—I’d bet that’s where the issue might be if there's any moisture.
You might want to check the outlet in your closet. A faulty outlet can feel warm to the touch, and that could lead to weird smells. Also, those bags you mentioned might be the culprit. Try cleaning them up and airing out the closet a bit to see if that helps.
We checked the walls and found no signs of moisture—everything felt normal. But I suppose we should consider getting a moisture meter to be sure.