How To Get Rid Of Old Home Smell: 10 Tricks That Actually Work!
Getting rid of old home smell can seem like the toughest task, but it’s simpler than you think!
We all know how a musty or stale odor can linger in older homes. It can be hard to live in your space with that chronic smell.
Whether it is due to dust, dampness, or years of living, there are simple methods to clean up your home and remove that musty home smell.
Thankfully, you can remodel your living space into a fresh and welcoming environment again.
Let’s dive into the best hints for getting rid of old home smell for good and pleasant!
What Causes That “Old Home” Smell?
Many people wonder when walking into an older home and notice that musty, stale smell.
I’m here to share a few reasons for the old home smell.
1. Lack of Natural Light: In a few older homes, rooms may not get enough light. The absence of daylight can contribute to a humid, closed-off feeling, allowing smells to accumulate and dangle in the air.
2. Mold and Mildew: Mold and mildew thrive in damp, hidden regions like basements or washrooms. If your home has moisture troubles, these can spread and result in the old home smell that you find lurking in corners or behind walls.
3. Dust and Dirt Build-Up: After years of living dirt accumulates everywhere! This dust, blended with oils from skin or cooking, can create a stale, heavy fragrance inside the air that clings to fabrics and surfaces.
4. Old Plumbing and Pipes: If your home plumbing is outdated, you might find that leaky pipes cause mold to linger and can result in unpleasant smells in the partitions and flooring.
5. Poor Air Circulation: Older houses often lack ventilation, so air can become stagnant. Without the right airflow, the smells from mold, and dust linger around, making it tougher to freshen up the space.
6. Pet Residues: In houses with pets, their smell can seep into your belongings like carpets, furnishings, and rugs. Even if your pets are no longer around, their lingering smell can blend with other smells and contribute to the overall old home smell.
7. Wallpaper and Paint: Old wallpaper or paint can release a chemical or musty odor, mainly if it has absorbed moisture over the years which can result in that old home smell.
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How To Get Rid Of Old Home Smell: 5 Steps To Follow
If you’re vested in coping to get rid of that old home smell don’t worry!
There are simple steps you can follow to freshen up your space!
1. Deep Clean Every Corner
Start with intensive cleaning like dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down every surface.
Pay special interest to hidden regions like baseboards, vents, and under furniture.
Clean carpets, upholstery, and curtains to get rid of dust, and any lingering odors.
Don’t forget about easing your air ducts and HVAC filters to ensure clean airflow.
Suggested Read: 10 Best Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solutions For Machines!
2. Eliminate Moisture and Prevent Mold
Moisture is a chief contributor to that musty scent. Fix leaks in pipes, roofs, or windows to prevent water from entering.
Use a dehumidifier or mildew cleaner in damp areas like the basement or washrooms.
This will lessen humidity and prevent mold growth to remove these smells at their source.
3. Air Out Your Home
Proper airflow is essential! Open windows and doors each time to allow fresh air to flow inside your home.
Use fans to enhance air circulation and remove stagnant air.
If the climate doesn’t cooperate, don’t forget to use an air purifier to ease the air and get rid of any lingering odors.
4. Treat the Walls and Ceilings
Sometimes, walls and ceilings can absorb odors over time, particularly in excessive humidity regions like kitchens or washrooms.
Use a mixture of water and vinegar to wipe down surfaces.
If the walls are soaked with odors, use a primer designed to remove odors before going to repainting.
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5. Use Natural Deodorizers
Instead of masking the smell with harsh chemical substances, use natural deodorizers like baking soda, activated charcoal, or essential oils.
Place bowls of baking soda in musty areas like closets, carpets, or refrigerators to soak up odors.
Essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus also help freshen up the air.
How To Get Rid Of Old Home Smell: 5 DIY Techniques To Try!
Here are the five simple DIY techniques you can try to get rid of old home smell:
1. Place Activated Charcoal Around Your Home
Activated charcoal is powerful in absorbing odors.
Place small bags of activated charcoal in areas like closets, bathrooms, and musty spots around your home.
It acts like a weapon against odors without the need for chemicals!
It not only soaks up undesirable smells but it also refreshes your living space.
2. Boil Cinnamon or Cloves
Just pop some cinnamon sticks or a handful of cloves into a pot of water, and give it to a simmer.
The spicy heady scent fills the air and instantly creates relaxing, inviting surroundings.
It’s like a self-made air freshener with zero effort to home smell fresh and clean.
3. Add Houseplants to Get Rid Of Old Home Smell
If you’re looking to enhance the beauty of your home address musty odors with houseplants.
Specially use house plants like spider flowers, snake plants, and peace lilies turning out to be the best choice.
They are not only effective in soaking up dangerous chemicals, but they’ll also assist in reducing stale.
Suggested Read: Do House Plants Attract Bugs? The Surprising Truth Revealed!
4. Try a DIY Scented Sachet
Making your DIY scented sachets is an easy way to add a natural fragrance to your home.
It’s like having a nature touch in every corner!
Fill a small bag with dried lavender, rosemary, or cedarwood, and place it in your closet as they release the relaxing scent.
5. Use Cedarwood Blocks Get Rid Of Old Home Smell
Cedarwood blocks are an easy way to freshen up your home.
These air fresheners absorb musty odors and keep insects like moths and bugs at bay.
Just pop them in closets, drawers, or even footwear they’ll do the rest!
They are powerful enough to keep things smelling fresh without using synthetic fragrances.
Long-term fixes for a Fresher Home
Here are a few long-term fixes for a fresher home:
1. Store Food Properly: Ensure food is saved in airtight packing containers and throw away expired items frequently to avoid lingering meal smells.
2. Replace or Clean Old Furniture: Over time, old furniture can attract odors. Consider changing or deep cleaning it to take away smells.
3. Keep Your Home Dry: Avoid leaving moist towels or garments around, as dampness can cause mold and mildew resulting in smells.
4. Opt for Natural Cleaning Products: Switch to vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils to avoid artificial chemical smells.
5. Repaint Walls: Use low-VOC or odor-blocking paint to seal and control smells on walls and ceilings.
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How To Get Rid Of Old Home Smell: FAQS
1. What are the most effective ways to get rid of old home smells naturally?
Some natural ways include baking soda, activated charcoal, essential oils, houseplants, and regular cleaning. These methods help absorb odors, improve airflow, and make your home smell fresh once again!
2. Can baking soda or vinegar help in removing the old home smell?
Yes, baking soda and vinegar are wonderful at neutralizing odors. Baking soda absorbs smells, while vinegar enables the breakdown of odors and microorganisms.
3. How long does it take to get rid of old home smell completely?
It can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the odor and what sort of attempt you are making to address it. Be patient; ordinary cleaning, ventilation, and using odor absorbers will make a huge difference over the years!
4. Are there specific products designed to eliminate old home smells?
Yes, plenty of products are designed to tackle musty smells, like air purifiers, odor-neutralizing sprays, and dehumidifiers. I’ve found that natural solutions will work well and these products can speed up the process if needed!
