Old house smells can be an unpleasant reminder of years of accumulated dust, mold, stale air, and sometimes pet odors. Whether you’ve just moved into a new place, or you’ve been living in a home for years, getting rid of these persistent smells is essential to make your living space more comfortable and inviting. If you’ve been wondering how to get rid of old house smell in 15 easy ways, this guide offers practical solutions to freshen up your home and eliminate those stubborn odors.
Why Does Your House Smell Old?
Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand why an old house may develop persistent odors. Several factors contribute to the musty, stale smell often associated with aging homes:
- Dust and Dirt: Over time, dust settles into carpets, upholstery, curtains, and even your walls, causing a stale smell.
- Mold and Mildew: Damp conditions can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can create a musty odor.
- Pet Odors: Pets can contribute to persistent smells, especially if they have accidents or spend a lot of time indoors.
- Poor Ventilation: Insufficient airflow can trap odors inside your home, causing them to linger.
- Old Furnishings: Old furniture, carpets, and drapes can absorb odors and release them into the air over time.
Now that we know why old house smells occur, let’s explore how to get rid of them.
1. Deep Clean Your House
The first step in eliminating any old house smell is to do a thorough cleaning. Dust, dirt, and grime can contribute to odors, so you’ll want to clean every surface in your home. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove dust from carpets, rugs, and furniture. Wash windows, walls, and baseboards. Also, clean areas that are often neglected, like behind appliances, inside cabinets, and air vents.
If you’re struggling with tough stains, check out our guide on how to remove set-in stains for additional cleaning tips.
2. Improve Ventilation
Poor ventilation can trap odors inside your home, especially in smaller rooms or spaces with little airflow. Open windows, turn on exhaust fans, and consider investing in an air purifier to circulate fresh air. Installing ceiling fans or standing fans can also help keep the air moving and prevent stuffiness.
3. Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural odor neutralizer that can absorb unwanted smells. Place open boxes or bowls of baking soda in different corners of your house, particularly in rooms that tend to have the most odors, like the kitchen, bathroom, or basement. You can also sprinkle baking soda directly onto carpets, let it sit for about 15-30 minutes, and then vacuum it up to eliminate musty smells.
4. Remove Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are common sources of musty smells in older homes. To remove them, use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray it directly on the affected areas, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and then scrub away the mold with a brush. For tougher mold issues, you may need a stronger cleaning solution or even professional help.
5. Air Fresheners and Scented Candles
While they may not address the underlying cause of the smell, air fresheners and scented candles can mask unpleasant odors temporarily. Choose products with natural ingredients and essential oils to keep your home smelling fresh. Consider using a diffuser with oils like lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus, which can also promote relaxation and reduce stress.
6. Wash Fabrics and Upholstery
Fabrics like curtains, sofas, and cushions can trap odors over time. Wash any removable fabrics like curtains, throw pillows, and slipcovers. For upholstered furniture, consider using a fabric cleaner or steam cleaner to refresh the material.
7. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are a great way to eliminate old house smells naturally. Diffuse oils like tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus oils around your home to help neutralize odors. You can also make your own air freshener by mixing a few drops of your favorite essential oil with water in a spray bottle.
8. Replace Air Filters
Dirty air filters can circulate dust and stale air, contributing to unwanted odors. Replace your HVAC air filters regularly to improve air quality. It’s recommended to replace them every 1-3 months, especially if you have pets or allergies.
9. Use Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is another effective natural deodorizer. It absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors, making it a great solution for musty or stale-smelling spaces. Place bags of activated charcoal in areas like closets, basements, and bathrooms for a fresher environment.
10. Deodorize the Carpets
Carpets are notorious for holding onto odors. To deodorize them, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the surface, let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or longer for tough odors), and then vacuum it up. You can also purchase carpet deodorizing sprays that are specifically designed to neutralize odors.
11. Use Citrus Peels
Citrus peels, such as lemon or orange, can add a fresh, zesty fragrance to your home. Simply place the peels in a bowl or use them in a sachet near windowsills or other smelly spots. The natural oils in citrus peels will help absorb bad odors while releasing a pleasant aroma.
12. Check for Dead Rodents
Sometimes, old house smells can be traced back to dead rodents hiding in walls, attics, or basements. If you’ve noticed a particularly foul, decaying smell that doesn’t seem to go away, check for signs of a rodent infestation. You may need to contact a pest control expert if you suspect rodents have been trapped in your home.
For more tips on managing pests, see our post on how to get rid of rats naturally.
13. Clean Your Garbage Cans
Garbage cans can accumulate food residue and spills that lead to foul smells. Empty and clean your garbage cans regularly, and use disinfectant to wipe them down. Consider lining them with a fresh trash bag daily, and place baking soda or activated charcoal at the bottom to absorb odors.
14. Use Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are an excellent odor absorber. Place bowls of used coffee grounds in different areas of your house to neutralize odors. The rich, earthy scent of coffee can also make your home smell fresh and inviting.
15. Bring in Fresh Plants
Adding some greenery to your home not only brightens up the space but also helps purify the air. Certain plants, like peace lilies, spider plants, and aloe vera, are known for their air-purifying properties and can help remove odors naturally.
Conclusion
Getting rid of the old house smell doesn’t require expensive products or professional help. With these 15 easy ways, you can quickly eliminate musty, stale odors and create a fresher, more inviting living environment. Start by cleaning your home thoroughly, improving ventilation, and using natural deodorizing methods like baking soda, essential oils, and activated charcoal. With a little effort and some natural solutions, you can enjoy a home that smells as good as it looks.
For additional home tips and cleaning advice, check out our guides on natural home remedies for blackheads removal and how to remove urine stains and smell.
