Why is there a musty smell in grandma’s room?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy dust storms we had a few weeks ago, I’ve noticed a persistent musty smell coming from my grandmother’s bedroom. It feels like it might be making her cough more than usual, especially at night when she spends most of her time there. The carpet is visibly dusty and the windowsills are covered in a thin layer of dust too. What could be causing this and how can we clean without further upsetting her health?
Posted by Karan Gupta
Asked on January 31, 2026 10:58 pm
0
There could be several reasons for the musty smell in your grandmother's room. One of the most common culprits is moisture and mold growth. In dubai, the climate can sometimes create humid conditions that make it an ideal environment for such problems to occur, especially after a dust storm like the one you've experienced. Mold thrives on moisture and can produce strong musty odors, which could be causing your grandmother's coughing, particularly at night.

Another possibility is dust mites or pests. Dust mites are microscopic organisms that feed on skin cells shed from humans and animals. They thrive in warm and humid environments, making them a common issue after dusty storms. If the carpet and window sills are dusty, it’s possible these microorganisms could have increased as well.

Before you start cleaning, i’d recommend scheduling a professional inspection to ensure that no hidden issues like mold or pests are present. This is especially important given the UAE's stringent health and safety regulations. A professional can perform a thorough check using specific equipment designed for such tasks, ensuring your grandmother’s room remains safe from any harmful elements.

To clean without further upsetting her health, start by opening windows to let in fresh air if possible, but make sure it’s not too cold or hot outside. Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels and consider running an air purifier to help with the musty smell. Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning to protect yourself from any allergens.

Begin by gently vacuuming the carpet and dusting window sills. For carpets, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter as it can trap tiny particles including dust mites and their waste products which are common triggers for allergies and asthma. Pay attention to corners and edges where moisture might accumulate. Don’t forget to clean under furniture and move items if needed.

For surfaces like window sills, you can use a damp cloth or sponge with a mild detergent solution. Avoid using strong chemicals as these could irritate your grandmother’s respiratory system. After cleaning, make sure everything dries thoroughly before putting it back in place.

Keep an eye on any changes in the smell over the next few days. If the musty odor persists despite thorough cleaning, you may need to revisit the professional inspection suggestion. Remember, maintaining good indoor air quality is crucial for everyone’s health, especially for older adults who might be more susceptible to respiratory issues.

If you find yourself overwhelmed or unsure about how to proceed, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional service like Saniservice at 800-66537 or email hello@saniservice.com for assistance.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on February 5, 2026 4:08 am