A320
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Weight And Balance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
After takeoff from ZZZ we noticed an unusual odor like wet socks as we continued the climb the odor never dissipated. We leveled off at FL280; I gave controls of aircraft to [the] First Officer and called Dispatch/Maintenance. I was told there was a previous write up; but were not able to duplicate. After consulting with both it was determined to return to ZZZ. An overweight landing was performed approximately 3;400 lbs over and touchdown was less than 200 FPM. Upon reaching gate Maintenance came aboard and at that point I was informed for the first time that apparently some blades were changed not sure if maybe some residual oil/grease might have been left and got into the system? I was surprised that Maintenance Control Center didn't know that maintenance had been done on that day.
A320 Captain reported an air return due to a fume event during initial climb.