[ScientiaOmnisEst]

For some reason, a stale, musty, moldy smell seems to end up inhabiting whatever space I do. Around this same time, I usually get so congested I don't notice it, but when I do notice it, it is indeed bad and it worries me.

I want to know what it is.

It's happened at three places now: the house where I grew up (my mom constantly told me my room smelled like a dead animal), a college dorm room (my roommates actually complained about the unbearable smell - which didn't start until I moved in mid-year - to our RA, who called a meeting with me since I was the only one who didn't complain. I only noticed it once or twice, while my roommates were having a hard time sleeping because of it); and now I live alone and I've noticed it again, often when I come home, my sinuses are fairly clear and it hits me. I keep a window cracked at all times to alleviate it, and have purchased air freshener to cope.

But I want to know what's causing it. It's happened at three different places and I'm trying to find a cause that could happen at all of them. Most likely culprits are: shoes (my feet sweat a lot), laundry, trash, and food left out/plates not cleaned. I've tried remedying some of these things, and the only help a little. I even tried cleaning the apartment. It only helps a little.

This concerns me. It seems unlikely to be mold, and dust generally doesn't smell. Anyone have any idea what's causing such an embarrassing problem?

[Bark]

Is it only your room or is it also body odour?

I thought of trimethylaminuria, but that's a genetic condition and would have been present from birth.

I get sweaty feet and some shoes exacerbate the smell. Have you tried getting a foot spray or powder, and rotating your shoes?

It is interesting that you're congested at the same time it starts building up. Have you seen a doctor about it?

[ScientiaOmnisEst]

I should have mentioned that - it doesn't seem to have anything to do with my body. It will persist whether I shower everyday or once a week (which can happen when my is shot and I stop caring).

I have tried foot powder, and it helps quite a bit, to me at least. But I seem pretty desensitized to it too, which worries me. It can't be healthy

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by ScientiaOmnisEst

I should have mentioned that - it doesn't seem to have anything to do with my body. It will persist whether I shower everyday or once a week (which can happen when my is shot and I stop caring).

I have tried foot powder, and it helps quite a bit, to me at least. But I seem pretty desensitized to it too, which worries me. It can't be healthy

since the smell isnt on you it isnt a health issue per se like infections....
that said ...
mold can grow anywhere, where there is a dampness ...laundry baskets, behind and underneath toilet tanks, under beds, under other furnishings where there is no ventilation. old houses are known to have a mustly, moldy smell due to poor insolation, cracks and crevices that dont get ventilation.

dorm rooms are famous for having what is called locker room spells (musty moldy dirty sock smells)

my suggestion place a book under each of your beds "feet" that will elevate the bed so that ventilation can get under there to dry any cold dampness. do that with any other closed bottom furnishings also. keep your laundry done and wash out the laundry basket every time you do the laundry, use the bathroom fan when taking baths and showers as this will draw out the moisture in that room to prevent mold growing in cracks crevices and behind the toilet. when you do take showers baths hang the towel high over the bathroom door that way the heat will dry it faster. (mold can grow on damp towels too) wash your bedding (sheets and blankets and pillow cases) at least once a week even if you dont think it needs it, (this will also cut down on cross contamination odors and such from your room mates sitting on your bed)

febreeze is a spray on that can also deodorize and freshen up things.

and know that in dorms the problem may seem like its you but it could very well be a room mates problem. in that case theres nothing you can do.