Home Cleaning Transform Your Old Home with These Musty Smell Removal Tips

Transform Your Old Home with These Musty Smell Removal Tips

By Albert G. Croley
3.5K views 1 min read

Old houses are full of charm, character, and musty smells. If you’ve noticed that damp, stale odor when you walk into your home, you’re not alone. 

The good news is, that you can easily remove musty smell from old house with with just a little effort. Whether it’s mold, mildew, or just the scent of a house that’s been closed up for a while, you can restore that fresh, clean feeling without breaking the bank.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best methods to identify and tackle the sources of those lingering odors, along with tips to prevent them from coming back. So you can enjoy a fresher, more comfortable living space.

Read on to find out!

9 Essential Steps to Remove Musty Smell from Old House

Getting rid of musty smells in an old house requires a systematic approach. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you eliminate those odors and keep your home smelling fresh.

Step#1 Identify the Source of the Smell

Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what’s causing the odor. Common culprits include mold, mildew, poor ventilation, or trapped dust and debris.

What to do:

  • Inspect damp, dark areas like basements, attics, and closets.
  • Look for visible signs of mold or mildew on walls, floors, or furniture.
  • Check for leaks, condensation, or water damage around windows, ceilings, and plumbing.
  • Move furniture and check underneath carpets for trapped moisture.

Step#2 Increase Ventilation

Improving airflow is essential to removing stale air and reducing musty smells.

What to do:

  • Open windows and doors to let fresh air circulate through the house.
  • Use fans to push air into musty areas like basements or stuffy rooms.
  • If possible, install an exhaust fan or air circulation system to ensure ongoing airflow.

Step#3 Clean Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew are the most common causes of musty odors. Eliminating them is crucial to restoring freshness to your home.

What to do:

  • Small Mold Areas: Clean with a mixture of vinegar and water or a commercial mold remover. Let the solution sit for an hour before scrubbing.
  • Larger Mold Issues: Use baking soda or hydrogen peroxide for more stubborn mold spots. For extensive infestations, you may need professional help.
  • Wear protective gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling mold spores while cleaning.
  • Run a dehumidifier in affected areas to reduce moisture and prevent mold from growing back.

Step#4 Deep Clean Surfaces and Fabrics

Old houses often trap odors in fabrics, carpets, and upholstery. A thorough cleaning can remove lingering smells.

What to do:

  • Carpets & Rugs: Steam clean or shampoo carpets. If smells persist, sprinkle baking soda over them, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum.
  • Furniture: Clean upholstered furniture with a fabric-safe cleaner, or set cushions outside to air out.
  • Walls & Floors: Wipe down walls and floors with a vinegar-water solution or mild soap. Be sure to clean behind furniture where dust tends to collect.

Step#5 Deodorize with Natural Odor Absorbers

After cleaning, use natural methods to absorb any remaining musty odors.

What to do:

  • Place bowls of baking soda, activated charcoal, or white vinegar around the house. These will help absorb odors over time.
  • Use essential oils (like lavender or eucalyptus) in diffusers to introduce a fresh scent.
  • Keep these odor absorbers in musty-prone areas, such as closets and basements, for long-term freshness.

Step#6 Treat Wood and Other Porous Materials

Wooden floors, beams, and furniture can hold onto moisture, which contributes to musty smells. Properly cleaning and treating these materials is important.

What to do:

  • Clean wood surfaces with a vinegar-water solution or a dedicated wood cleaner.
  • Polish the wood with a wood-specific treatment to help seal it and prevent further moisture absorption.
  • For deeply ingrained smells, sprinkle baking soda on wooden surfaces and vacuum it up after a few hours.

Step#7 Control Humidity

Excess moisture is often the main reason for musty smells, so managing humidity levels in your home is crucial.

What to do:

  • Use a dehumidifier in damp areas, especially basements and bathrooms, to maintain a humidity level below 50%.
  • Install moisture absorbers in closets, attics, and other small spaces.
  • Regularly check for and repair leaks or water damage in the home.

Step#8 Maintain a Clean, Fresh Environment

Ongoing maintenance will help keep musty odors at bay and ensure your home stays fresh.

What to do:

  • Change HVAC and air purifier filters regularly to improve air quality.
  • Clean air ducts annually to prevent the buildup of dust and moisture.
  • Conduct regular checks of high-moisture areas like basements and bathrooms to catch mold and mildew before they spread.
  • Keep windows open when weather permits to let fresh air circulate throughout the house.

Step#9 Consider Professional Help for Stubborn Odors

If the smell persists after following these steps, the problem may be more extensive than DIY methods can handle.

What to do:

  • Hire a mold remediation specialist if the mold problem is severe.
  • Contact a professional cleaning service that specializes in odor removal for deep cleaning treatments.
  • In extreme cases, replacing old carpets, insulation, or even drywall may be necessary if they are too contaminated with mold or moisture.

Concluding Words

A musty smell in an old house may be frustrating, but with the right approach, it can be eliminated. By addressing the root causes—whether it’s mold, mildew, or poor ventilation—you’ll be able to enjoy your home’s charm without the unwanted odor. 

Besides, routine maintenance and moisture control are the ultimate keys to keeping your house smelling fresh and welcoming for years to come.

Read More: Musty AC Problems? Here’s How to Resolve Them Permanently

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