Yep, the “old house smell” is a thing.
There’s a lot of history in older houses. And unfortunately for those who are smell–sensitive, some of that history is ingrained in the home’s aerospace.
But there’s no need to worry. With a little effort, you can draw out the rustic, old smell as long as you understand the causes.
So let’s begin addressing it.
Why Do Old Houses Have Musty Odor?
Did you know that approximately 50% of homes in the U.S. have moisture problems? That’s according to data.
Left untreated, this leads to mold growth and all the subsequent odors. The musty smell commonly associated with older homes is primarily due to Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOC).
Most of these chemicals are released during the mold’s life cycle. And, these compounds thrive in environments that lack proper ventilation and are characterized by high humidity levels.
And which places have the appropriate amounts of:
- Darkness
- Dampness
- Stagnant Air
…which allows mold to thrive? You’ve guessed it.
Furthermore, decaying building materials and accumulated dust further contribute to the unpleasant scent.
Tips to Remove Musty Odor From An Older Home
To effectively eliminate musty odors from an older home you’ll need more than the odor masking properties of essential oils, consider the following steps:
Invest in Air Purifiers
A high-quality air purifier for odor removal can significantly improve indoor air
quality in an older home.
It can capture airborne particles— including mold spores and dust—that contribute to musty odors.
Rabbit Air purifier has an advanced filtration system that effectively removes allergens and odors from the air.
For example, activated carbon is particularly effective due to its porous nature, which traps odor-causing particles. And Rabbit Air’s BioGS 2.0, has state-of-the-art activated carbon filters.
Identify the Source
Inspect your home for signs of moisture, mold growth, or poor ventilation.
Common areas to check can be basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms. This is where dampness accumulates—and starts releasing chemicals if you leave ti untreated.
Improve Ventilation
Do you open the windows and doors of an old home regularly?
If you don’t, you’re preventing fresh air circulation—and create a thriving environment for mold.
Leverage fans to enhance airflow in areas where air is typically stagnant. You might also want to install exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture-laden air.
Do Deep Cleaning
Conduct a thorough cleaning of your home.
Use a mixture of water and white vinegar for hard surfaces, and sprinkle baking soda on carpets and upholstery to absorb odors.
Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before vacuuming.
Do this a few times and it should significantly remove the musty odor and refresh the air.
Address Humidity
A big reason for mold—and subsequently musky smell—are high levels of humidity.
The optimal humidity level is between 30% and 50% ideally, so you might want to measure it and check whether the levels are above at your home.
If so, you might use a dehumidifier to maintain those levels.
Use Natural Deodorizers
There are a lot of ways you can make natural, DIY odor removers.
You can use hydrogen peroxide spray, make your own fragrant wax melts, or even scatter coffee grounds around the place to reduce musty smells.
But you’ll also have to be realistic. If an old home absorbed high amounts of musky, damp odors—a small, DIY effort just might not cut it.
Still, it’s a good option if you want to start small before investing more.
Get Professional Help
If the musty smell persists despite your efforts, consider hiring professionals who specialize in mold remediation or deep cleaning services.
They have access to industrial-grade equipment that can tackle stubborn odors more effectively.
Once the professionals remove the moldy smell, you work on preventing it from reappearing in the future.
Let’s see how…
How to Prevent Odor Returning To the Old Home
Odors are persistent. Especially in older homes.
As such, just removing them doesn’t guarantee that they won’t come back soon—and renders all your efforts and investment useless.
So make sure you work on preventing musky odors by following these steps:
- Maintain a regular cleaning schedule to minimize dust accumulation.
- Check for leaks and moisture issues and if you notice them—address them as soon as possible.
- Change HVAC filters frequently for optimal airflow and reduce dust piling up everywhere.
- Keep curtains open during the day—especially when it’s sunny. Sunlight has natural properties that prevent mold growth.
- Use your air purifier consistently. These devices aren’t only helping improve your air quality, but can also keep odor at minimal levels.
Sometimes, removing musty odors from an older home requires a multifaceted approach.
You may have to improve ventilation, address existing humidity levels, conduct a deep cleaning—and finally leverage effective odor removal products like Rabbit Air purifier.
It might seem like a hassle, but investing time and effort into these solutions will not only enhance your home’s comfort—but can also significantly improve your overall well-being.
