Does your house have that lingering “old house smell”? This common issue can make a property less inviting and even hurt its value if you’re planning to sell. That smell often signals hidden problems like mold, poor ventilation, or dust buildup.
In this guide, we’ll show you 5 proven ways to remove odors from an old house. Whether you’re sprucing up your home or preparing to sell, these methods will leave your space fresher, cleaner, and more marketable.
FAQ
What causes old house smells?
Old house smells are caused by factors like mold, mildew, poor ventilation, VOC emissions, and dust accumulation in hidden areas.
How do you get rid of odors in an old house?
To get rid of odors in an old house, clean hidden areas, improve ventilation, use natural odor absorbers like baking soda, and refresh walls and floors. Find out more below.
Why Do Old Houses Smell Musty? Understanding the Causes
Why Do Old Houses Smell Musty? Understanding the Causes
Musty odors in older homes are caused by several factors. Tackling the root cause is key to eliminating the smell permanently. Here’s what you’re likely dealing with:
Mold and Mildew:
Common in crawl spaces, basements, and bathrooms due to moisture. Left unchecked, mold growth not only causes musty odors but can also lead to structural damage and health concerns.
Poor Ventilation:
Stale air in closed-up spaces traps odors.
VOC Emissions:
Older paints, carpets, and furniture release volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Dust and Debris:
Accumulates in air ducts, attics, and behind furniture over time.
Deep Clean the Hidden Areas
Hidden areas like air ducts, crawl spaces, and behind furniture often trap odors. A thorough cleaning can make a huge difference.
- Air Ducts: Hire a professional to remove dust, mold, and allergens or consider selling your house as-is if extensive cleaning is needed.
- Walls and Ceilings: Use a vinegar and water solution to clean surfaces that absorb odors over time.
- Bathrooms and Kitchens: Focus on removing mold and mildew with specialized cleaning solutions.
Improve Air Circulation
Proper ventilation is a major contributor to eliminating musty odors. Fresh air can work wonders.
Open Windows and Doors: Let natural air flow through the house.
Use Exhaust Fans: These are essential in kitchens and bathrooms to reduce humidity and odors.
Install an Air Purifier: Look for one with a HEPA filter to remove odor-causing particles.
If improving ventilation feels like too much work or isn’t solving the problem, selling your home as-is can be a stress-free solution.
Tackle Problem Areas: Mold, Carpets, and Furniture
Certain areas in your home can trap odors more than others. These problem areas require special attention:
- Mold: Clean surfaces with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Address leaks and use a dehumidifier to prevent regrowth.
- Carpets: Odors get trapped in carpet fibers. Steam clean carpets thoroughly, or replace them if odors persist.
- Furniture: Use a baking soda paste to deodorize upholstery, or hire professional cleaning services for deeply embedded smells.
Pro Tip: Place activated charcoal in closets, crawl spaces, and basements to absorb persistent odors.
Use Natural Odor Absorbers
Natural solutions are excellent for neutralizing odors without the need for harsh chemicals.
- Baking Soda: Leave bowls of baking soda in problem areas like kitchens, basements, and crawl spaces.
- White Vinegar: Use bowls of vinegar to neutralize odors in humid spaces.
- Essential Oils: Add a few drops of lavender or citrus oil to diffusers for a pleasant scent.
Pro Tip: For a DIY deodorizer, mix baking soda with a few drops of essential oils to create your own odor-neutralizing powder.
Freshen Walls and Floors
If cleaning isn’t enough, refreshing surfaces like walls and floors can help eliminate odors.
- Repaint Walls: Use low-VOC paint to avoid harmful chemicals and cover lingering smells.
- Refinish Hardwood Floors: Sand and reseal hardwood floors to remove deeply embedded odors.
- Replace Carpeting: If steam cleaning doesn’t work, replacing old carpets is a worthwhile investment.
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, odors persist. In these cases, it’s best to hire professionals:
- Mold Remediation Experts: For stubborn or widespread mold issues that contribute to musty odors.
- Deep Cleaning Services: For thorough cleaning of furniture, carpets, and air ducts.
Conclusion
Getting rid of old house smells isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your home’s value and creating a welcoming space. Whether you’re planning to stay in your home or sell it, these methods will leave it smelling fresh and clean.
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