That old house smell. You might not be able to put your finger on it, but you know it when you smell it. It’s a musty, stale, not-quite-fresh smell that can make even the most beautiful home feel uninviting. If you’re in the process of selling your home, getting rid of the old house smell is crucial. No one wants to buy a home that smells bad—it’s just a fact. But how do you get rid of the old house smell? Read on to find out.
Identifying the Source
Having remodeled a lot of older homes we have a lot of experience in getting rid of old house smell.
The first step in getting rid of old house smells is identifying the source of the odor. Is it coming from the carpets? The furniture? The walls?
If the smell is coming from the carpets, rent a steam cleaner and give them a good deep cleaning. You might also want to shampoo them if they’re really bad. However, if you are going to renovate the home, replacing the old carpet with new carpet will eliminate any odor coming from the carpet.
If the smell is coming from the furniture, try using fabric refresher or upholstery cleaner on fabric surfaces, and furniture polish on wood surfaces. You can also try sprinkling baking soda on sofas and chairs, letting it sit for a few minutes, and then vacuuming it up.
If the stink is coming from the walls, cabinets, or floors, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use it to clean all surfaces. Or try using a store-bought cleaning solution designed specifically for eliminating odors. Just be sure to follow the directions carefully so you don’t damage your surfaces.
Again, if you are remodeling the home, painting the walls, refinishing the floors, and installing new cabinets are all things that will eliminate the old house smell and enhance the value of your home.
More Tips to Get Rid of Old House Smell
Once you’ve tackled the source of the odor, there are a few other things you can do to help banish old house smell for good:
Open up all the windows in your home and let some fresh air in. This will help ventilate the house and get rid of any lingering odors.
Bring in some fresh plants. Plants help purify the air and make any space feel more lively.
Fill bowls with white vinegar and place them around the house. The vinegar will absorb odors and leave your home smelling clean and fresh.
Make sure your garbage cans are empty and clean. Nothing smells worse than rotting garbage!
Light candles or use oil diffusers throughout your home. A pleasant scent can go a long way in making a space feel inviting—and covering up any lingering bad smells.
Final Thoughts
Old house smell doesn’t have to be permanent. If you’re willing to put in a little elbow grease (and maybe invest in some new candles), you can get rid of it for good! Follow the tips above to banish the old house smell from your home once and for all.
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