If you’ve ever walked into an older home and were met with a musty, unpleasant odor, you’re not alone. The good news is that you don’t have to live with it. There are many effective ways on how to get rid of old house smell.
Hereโs a preview of what you can do:
To eliminate old house smells, ventilate by opening windows, deep clean with odor-neutralizing products, use natural remedies like baking soda or vinegar, and consider air purifiers or dehumidifiers to improve indoor air quality.
In this blog post, we’ll explore effective ways to eliminate old house odors and make your living space fresh and inviting again.
How to Get Rid of Old House Smell Permanently?
Here are the ways to finally free your home from any unwanted odor:
Identify the Source
The first step is to know where it is coming from. Some common sources of foul smell include mold, mildew, pet odors, and years of accumulated dust and grime. Start by inspecting your home room by room. Look for signs of water damage, visible mold, or damp areas. Don’t forget to check hidden corners and closets.
Deep Cleaning
It’s not just about a quick sweep and dusting; it’s about getting down and dirty to eliminate the root of the problem. Dust, dirt, and grime accumulate over time, becoming a breeding ground for odors. Grab your cleaning supplies, put on some gloves, and get to work. Scrub walls, baseboards, and floors. Don’t forget neglected areas like the tops of ceiling fans and behind furniture. Use a mildew-resistant cleaner for bathrooms and kitchen surfaces.
Proper Ventilation
While cleaning, open up those windows and let some fresh air in. Proper ventilation is key to keeping your home smelling pleasant. It helps remove stale air and replace it with the crisp, clean outdoors.
Invest in exhaust fans for your kitchen and bathrooms to eliminate moisture, a common source of odors. If your home lacks good ventilation, consider adding air purifiers or dehumidifiers to keep the air fresh and dry.
Use Odor Absorbers
These handy solutions can help neutralize odors and keep your home smelling fresh. They come in many types, including the following:
- Baking Soda. Place bowls of baking soda in problem areas, like closets, refrigerators, and basements. Baking soda absorbs and neutralizes odors over time.
- Activated Charcoal. It is highly porous and absorbs odors, moisture, and even chemicals. You can find activated charcoal odor absorbers in various forms, such as bags or filters.
- Commercial Odor Absorbers. Many companies produce specialized odor-absorbing products, such as odor-eliminating sprays, gels, and sachets. These products often contain ingredients designed to target specific odors, making them effective solutions.
Clean Your Carpets and Upholstery
Carpets and upholstery can be significant contributors to old house smells. Over time, they accumulate dust, dirt, pet dander, and even mold or mildew. Here’s how to clean them thoroughly to eliminate odors:
- Vacuum Thoroughly. Start by vacuuming carpets and upholstery to remove loose dirt and debris. Use an upholstery attachment for furniture.
- Spot Clean Stains. Use appropriate cleaning solutions or stain removers for your specific fabric or carpet type.
- Steam Cleaning. Consider using a steam cleaner for deep cleaning carpets and upholstery. Steam cleaning can effectively remove embedded odors, dirt, and allergens.
- Dry Completely. Ensure that carpets and upholstery dry thoroughly to prevent mold growth. Use fans or open windows to aid in the drying process.
- Professional Cleaning. For particularly stubborn odors or heavily soiled carpets and upholstery, consider hiring professional cleaners. They have specialized equipment and expertise to handle tough cases.
- Regular Maintenance. Implement a routine cleaning schedule for carpets and upholstery to prevent odors from returning. Vacuum regularly and address spills promptly.
Check for Mold and Mildew
These fungi thrive in damp and poorly ventilated areas, and their presence can lead to a musty, unpleasant smell. Here’s how to identify and address mold and mildew issues in your home:
- Visual Inspection. Carefully examine areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces. Look for visible signs of mold or mildew, including black or greenish patches on walls, ceilings, and surfaces.
- Use Your Nose. Trust your sense of smell. If you detect a musty or earthy odor in specific areas, it’s a sign that mold or mildew might be present.
- Check Hidden Areas. Don’t forget to inspect less visible places like behind wallpaper, inside cabinets, and under carpets. Mold can thrive in hidden spots.
Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, old house smells persist, and the source of the issue may be challenging to identify or address on your own. In such cases, seeking professional help can be a wise decision. Here’s how professionals can assist in making your home smell fresh again:
- Thorough Cleaning. Professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment to deep clean your home thoroughly. They can tackle hard-to-reach areas and stubborn odors.
- Odor Removal. Specialists can employ advanced techniques and specialized products to effectively remove odors at their source.
- Mold Remediation. Mold remediation experts can safely identify and remove mold and mildew infestations, preventing further health risks and damage to your home.
- Time Savings. Hiring professionals saves you time and energy, allowing you to enjoy a fresh-smelling home without the hassle.
Consider Hiring a Junk Removal Company
If you find yourself surrounded by a significant amount of old belongings, debris, or clutter, hiring a junk removal company can be a game-changer. Here’s why you might want to consider their services:
- Clear Out the Clutter. Over time, homes can accumulate a surplus of items, from old furniture and appliances to construction debris or general clutter. Removing these items creates a cleaner, more open living space.
- Reduce Potential Odor Sources. Piles of old things can trap odors and contribute to a stale smell in your home. By clearing out the clutter, you remove potential odor sources.
- Improve Indoor Air Quality. Accumulated junk can collect dust and allergens, degrading indoor air quality. Removing it can lead to a healthier living environment.
- Restore Functionality. Cluttered spaces can be challenging to use efficiently. Clearing them out can help you reclaim valuable living space and make your home more functional.
What Home Remedy Can I Use to Make My House Smell Good?
Creating a pleasant-smelling home doesn’t always require commercial air fresheners or expensive fragrances. There are plenty of effective and natural home remedies that can leave your house smelling delightful, including the following:
Simmering Potpourri
Simmering potpourri, or a mixture of aromatic ingredients, such as citrus slices, herbs, spices, and extracts, in a pot of water on your stove releases a pleasant scent into the air. You can customize your potpourri with ingredients like cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla extract, or rosemary sprigs. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite fragrance.
Baking Soda
In her website, Martha Stewart commends baking soda for being a versatile odor absorber. Place small bowls of baking soda in areas prone to odors, and it will absorb and neutralize unwanted smells over time. You can add a few drops of essential oils to the baking soda for a subtle fragrance boost.
Citrus Peels
The peels of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits contain natural oils that emit a fresh, citrusy scent. Simply place the peels in a bowl or sprinkle some salt to release their fragrance. You can also create citrus-infused vinegar by placing citrus peels in a jar with white vinegar. After a couple of weeks, strain the liquid, and you’ll have a natural cleaner with a pleasant citrus scent.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts with powerful scents. Add a few drops to a diffuser, mix them with water in a spray bottle, or soak cotton balls and place them strategically around your home. Popular essential oils for home fragrance include lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and citrus oils like lemon and orange.
Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers not only bring beauty but also natural fragrance to your home. Place a vase of your favorite flowers in a room, and their scent will fill the air. Choose flowers with strong scents like roses, lilies, or lavender to maximize the fragrance.
Homemade Air Freshener Sprays
Create your own air freshener spray by mixing water with essential oils or natural fragrances. Spray it in rooms to refresh the air. Experiment with different essential oil combinations to find scents that suit your preferences.
Herb Bouquets
Bundle fresh herbs like rosemary, mint, or basil and place them in vases around your home. The herbs’ natural fragrances will infuse the air.
What Products Can Get Rid Of The Smell?
When it comes to eliminating old house smells, there are various types of products available, each designed to target specific odor issues, such as:
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers use filters, such as HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, or UV-C technology, to remove airborne particles and odors from the air. HEPA filters capture tiny particles, while activated carbon filters adsorb odorous molecules.
Odor Absorbers
Odor absorbers, such as baking soda and activated charcoal, work by adsorbing (not absorbing) odor molecules from the air. They’re placed in areas with persistent odors and gradually neutralize them over time.
Dehumidifiers
They reduce moisture levels in the air, which can help prevent mold and mildew growth, a common cause of musty odors. By maintaining optimal humidity, dehumidifiers indirectly combat odors.
Natural Enzyme Cleaners
They contain beneficial bacteria that feed on organic matter, such as pet urine or food spills. These cleaners break down the source of odors at a molecular level, effectively eliminating them.
Disinfectants and Sanitizers
Disinfectants and sanitizers kill bacteria and germs that may be responsible for foul odors. They’re particularly useful in bathrooms and kitchens.
Scented Candles and Incense
They release pleasant fragrances when burned, masking unwanted odors with more appealing scents.
Room Sprays and Aerosols
These products are designed to provide an immediate burst of fragrance to freshen up a room. They’re a quick solution for temporarily masking odors.
Odor-Neutralizing Gels and Beads
They contain odor-neutralizing agents that absorb and neutralize odors in the air. They’re often used in small spaces like closets and bathrooms.
Carpet and Fabric Fresheners
Designed specifically for fabrics and carpets, these products help refresh and deodorize these surfaces. They often have pleasant scents that linger.
HVAC Filters with Odor Control
Some HVAC filters are equipped with odor-neutralizing properties. As air circulates through the HVAC system, these filters can capture and neutralize odors.
Don’t Let Big Junk Cause House Smells: Call Liberty Junk Removal Now!
Eliminating old house smells involves understanding the source of the odors and choosing the right products to address them effectively. Whether it’s moisture, airborne particles, pet odors, or organic matter causing the smell, there are products designed to combat each issue. By using the right combination of these odor-fighting products and implementing good housekeeping practices, you can enjoy a clean, odor-free living space that is both inviting and healthy for you and your family.ย
Are old appliances and bulky items causing the foul smell at home? Don’t let big junk overwhelm you any longer. Liberty Junk Removal is your trusted partner for efficient and hassle-free disposal of large items and accumulated debris. Take back your space with our expert junk removal services in Philadelphia!
