Moving into a new property is the opportunity to start afresh, but there are some things that can almost seem like a hangover from the old residents. When you are making home repairs you may find that there are remnants of the old property intact, such as that old smell. However, there are many ways for you to get rid of this old home smell, including the following:

Purify and Dehumidify

Our home can house old smells from a variety of sources. One of the main reasons your home smells is because it is humid or it’s not being aired properly. Dehumidifying is critical because this will ensure that you remove any excess moisture and will dry things up. You can either upgrade the dehumidifier or you can purify the air. Companies like Hunter Pure Air offer a range of air purifiers that can help you to remove those excess particles from the air. Additionally, dehumidifiers can get rid of any impurities in the air and can maintain airflow.

Let the Sun In

When you have isolated the root cause, whether it’s an old pet smell or tobacco, you need to let the sunshine in. Open those curtains and circulate fresh air. The most important thing to get rid of that old home smell is to circulate fresh air around the property and dry out the rooms. It’s also critical to make sure that the sun can get in every nook and cranny. UV light is a natural disinfectant and this dry heat can remove smells. 

Removing Mold

When you are removing mold, you might be getting rid of the smell in the short term, but you’ve got to remember that mold and spores are two different things. If you get rid of the mold but the spores are intact, this can spread to other parts of the house so it will keep that smell intact. The best thing you can do is to turn off all heater fans and AC units to contain the spores and clean the area with antimicrobial and antifungal products (there are companies like Microban which provide zinc paint to prevent spores), after which you should vacuum the area and sanitize it. This approach is going to guarantee you increase your attack on that localized area while minimizing the likelihood of it coming back. 

Cleaning Out the Drains and Looking for Leaks

Bacteria and mold can cause that old house smell. Cleaning out the drains with natural cleaning agents such as baking soda and vinegar will make a massive difference. You should also look for leaks and check the key areas like the bathroom and kitchen pipes. You should also take the time to detect any leaky pipes or moisture. 

Wash Ceilings and Walls

If you think that it’s best to get a fresh coat of paint, it’s better to give the walls and ceiling a clean first. Because walls and ceilings can actually harbor smells like grease and smoke, rather than painting over this, effectively sealing the smell inside, a solid wash can make a massive difference.