Best Methods to Remove Old House Smells: 12 Proven Solutions

Last Updated on January 20, 2025

Old houses are full of charm and history, but they often come with a lingering reminder of their age—that old house smell. These musty smells can make even the coziest spaces feel uninviting. The good news is that with a bit of effort, you can remove old house smells and restore a fresh, welcoming atmosphere. Here’s my roundup of the most effective methods on the web to identify and eliminate unpleasant odors in older homes, so your home smells as lovely as it looks.

Old house smelling a bit musty and stagnant? Here's 8 Effective Methods to Remove Old House Smells and get the fresh air back inside!

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Why Do Old Houses Smell?

Older homes often develop funky smells due to a combination of factors, such as:

  • Musty odor caused by moisture and poor ventilation.
  • Dust, debris, or mold hidden in crawl spaces or air ducts.
  • Aging materials, like wood and plaster, that absorb odors.
  • Stale air from closed-off areas without fresh air circulation.

Still curious? Check out my post on Why Does My Old House Smell Funky?

Identifying the Source

Before you start cleaning, you probably should find the source, right?  This article digs deeper into how to pinpoint the cause of the bad smells, but here’s the overview:

  1. Inspect the HVAC System: Dirty filters or clogged air ducts can circulate stale air.
  2. Check for Moisture: Use a moisture meter in areas with poor ventilation or high humidity, like basements or crawl spaces.
  3. Sniff Out Problem Areas: Carpets, upholstery, and curtains can trap musty smells. Open up the crawl space if applicable
  4. Look for Mold or Mildew: Check bathrooms, kitchens, and other damp areas for visible signs of growth.

Honestly, try as you might, you just can’t find the source of that old house smell.  And well, it is what it is.  BUT You can still implement the below ways to remove old house smells and see what happens. 

12 Best Methods to Remove Old House Smells

Ready?  Let’s go!!

Deep Cleaning Essentials

1. Wash All Surfaces

A thorough cleaning is the first step to eliminating musty smells. Mix a solution of warm water and white vinegar, which acts as a natural deodorizer and disinfectant. Use it to scrub walls, floors, baseboards, and ceilings. For tougher odors, add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture or try a commercial odor-neutralizing cleaner. Don’t forget to clean light fixtures, ceiling fans, and other overlooked areas where dust and grime accumulate.

2. Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery

Carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture often trap bad smells over time. Vacuum these items thoroughly using a machine with a HEPA filter. Or clean carpets with a good-quality carpet cleaner (here’s two of Amazon’s top-sellers: Bissell Little Green and Hoover PowerDash. For deeper cleaning, rent a carpet cleaner or hire professionals. If the funky smell persists, consider replacing carpets or padding, especially in areas prone to moisture, like basements.

Related Post: 10 Ways to Remove Old Smells from Carpets

3. Replace or Clean HVAC Filters

Your HVAC system can circulate bad odors throughout your home if filters are dirty or clogged. Replace filters every 1–3 months, depending on use, and schedule regular duct cleanings. Adding a UV air purifier to your HVAC system can help kill bacteria and mold spores, improving air quality and reducing unpleasant odors.

Here’s a few highly-rated, best sellers for HVAC filters on Amazon – Simply 20x20x1 (6-pack), Filtrete 20x25x1 (6-pack) and Filtrete 16x25x1 (2-pack)

4. Declutter and Purge Odor Traps

Old, forgotten items in crawl spaces, attics, or basements can harbor musty odors. Go through storage areas and discard items that smell or have been exposed to moisture. Use sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes to prevent future odor buildup.

Natural Odor Neutralizers

5. Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural odor absorber. Sprinkle it liberally on carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture, then let it sit overnight before vacuuming. For smaller spaces, place open bowls of baking soda in closets or cabinets to absorb bad smells.

6. Try Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a powerful tool for absorbing funky smells. Place charcoal bags in odor-prone areas, such as closets, basements, or under sinks. Replace the bags every few months for optimal results. Unlike air fresheners, activated charcoal removes odors rather than masking them.

My personal favorite that I’ve used in my basement is DampRid.

DampRid Fragrance Free Disposable Moisture Absorber with Activated Charcoal, 18 oz (Pack of 3)

7. Clean with White Vinegar

White vinegar is a household staple for combating musty smells. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water to create a DIY deodorizing spray. Use it on hard surfaces, inside cabinets, or even on washable fabrics. To combat stronger odors, leave bowls of vinegar in a room overnight to neutralize bad smells.

Improving Air Quality

8. Open Windows for Fresh Air

Ventilation is one of the simplest ways to remove old house smells. Open windows and doors regularly to let in fresh air and allow odors to dissipate. For better airflow, use fans to help circulate the air, especially in areas with poor ventilation.

9. Invest in an Air Purifier

A high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter can remove airborne particles that contribute to bad odors. Look for purifiers with activated carbon filters, which are particularly effective at neutralizing musty smells. Place the purifier in rooms where odors are most noticeable, such as basements or bedrooms.

Readers of this post have consistently bought this particular odor eliminator and have been satisfied with how it eliminated unpleasant smells quickly and effectively.

Hamilton Beach TrueAir Room Air Freshener Odor Eliminator with 3 Carbon Filters + Green Mountain Scent Cartridge for Common Household-Tobacco, Pet, Bathroom & Trash, White (04532GM)

$49.99 ($49.99 / count)

10. Incorporate Houseplants

Houseplants like peace lilies, snake plants, and spider plants act as natural air purifiers. They absorb toxins and odors, improving air quality over time. Keep plants in areas with high humidity or near windows to maximize their benefits.

Structural and Long-Term Fixes

11. Repaint Walls with Odor-Blocking Paint

If odors are embedded in your walls, repainting with an odor-blocking primer and paint can seal them in. This is especially effective for homes with lingering smoke or pet odors. Choose paints designed to trap and neutralize smells for the best results.

My mother has a rental property that had a smoker. While it admittedly took a few coats (he was a heavy smoker – think black walls…..), her contractor recommended this brand…

KILZ Restoration Primer, Interior, 1 Gallon

$45.98 ($0.36 / Fl Oz)

12. Replace Flooring if Necessary

In some cases, flooring materials like old carpets or wood may be the source of musty odors. Consider replacing carpets with hardwood or tile, which are easier to clean and less likely to absorb smells. If you have wood floors, refinishing them with a fresh coat of sealant can eliminate trapped odors and give your home a refreshed look.

Pro Tip

Wanna get crazy?? Consider combining more than one method to remove that old house smell for the best results. For example, deep clean your home, use air purifiers, and improve ventilation simultaneously to tackle odors from multiple angles.

Natural Remedies for Persistent Odors

Okay, some of the above methods to remove old house smells invite chemicals into your home.  I’ll dive into more natural remedies in a future post but for now…..  try these quick fixes for lingering smells,:

  • Place bowls of white vinegar or or an open box of coffee grounds in smelly rooms overnight.
  • Tuck dryer sheets into drawers or closets to add a fresh scent.
  • Create sachets with baking soda and lavender to freshen up small spaces.

Preventing Odors in Old Houses

Once you’ve got the house under control, keeping those unpleasant odors at bay requires regular maintenance.  Let’s tackle that with a future dedicated post (I’m working as fast as I can!), but for now, here’s a few tips….

  • Use dehumidifiers in areas with high humidity to prevent mold growth.
  • Clean and service your HVAC system seasonally.
  • Store items in sealed containers to avoid stale smells.

Eliminating old house smells takes time, but the rewards are well worth it. By following these steps and staying proactive, you can enjoy a home that smells as fresh as it looks. Have a favorite tip for tackling musty odors? Share it in the comments below!

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