How do you get the musty smell out of an old farm house?

Alana
by Alana
We are currently moving into an old farmhouse. The original owner just recently passed and had spent the winters in FL. Its currently 90° weather so we can't open windows. Its a non-livestock farm. Wood and linoleum floors. Everything in the house was professionally cleaned a year or so ago due to the old heating system breaking down, but the musty farm smell is still there. Any ideas would be appreciated
  11 answers
  • Steven Steven on Jun 12, 2017

    If you have an HVAC system get the ducks clean and add a filter to your furnace that has a pretty smelling scent, then get a dehumidifier in the basement, and finally on a warm summer day open all the window for the day. Lastly try burning some scented candles. If this doesn't help you may have a leaking bathroom or rotting wood someplace. Hire a "good" hose inspector.

  • Linda Carl Holder Linda Carl Holder on Jun 12, 2017

    Use some cotton balls saturated with aromatic oils in cabinets, in the ac filter, and inconspicuous places around in every room. It will eventually overcome the musty smell.

  • Deborah Deborah on Jun 12, 2017

    if you basement is a dirt basement hang old socks filled with calcium that would be used to fill tractor tires. Hang it from your rafters over a 5 gal plastic. this takes out the dampness and musty smells.

    Remember to check and empty pails often.


  • If possible, open the windows overnight. Place a bowl of charcoal, 2 or 3 lumps in every room, within a few days it will be much better.

  • Karen Gravelle Karen Gravelle on Jun 12, 2017

    Sounds like you need a dehumidifier. It's unbelievable how much moisture can be in everything.

  • Sharon Depatie Sharon Depatie on Jun 12, 2017

    Look for wet & rotted wood anywhere - floors, window trims, around any water pipes (under sinks, toilets, furnace). Check your foundation as well as roof & ceiling for dampness which could mean leaks. Also, carpets & air vents are the worst to hold dirt & foul odors. When all that is ruled out, change furnace/AC filters, thoroughly clean every room (use vinegar to clean glass, wood cleaners for bare floors or wood trim, & don't forget inside cabinets & closets). If the former owner was a smoker, use strong cleaners on walls & ceilings, & then paint both. Good luck & enjoy making the new house your home.

  • charcoal works but I also use essential oils with backing soda on the carpets and vacuum up the backing soda but the oils stay, u can also put in a spray bottle on the back of furniture and also curtains

  • Carol Carol on Jun 13, 2017

    Once you have addressed any leaks and rotted wood and all is dry, paint and wood sealers will make a big difference. It seals the odor and makes everything fresh and clean.

  • Imp22013828 Imp22013828 on Jun 13, 2017

    O d o ban. It is sold at home depot for 4dollars and 10 dollars. It is air freshener and disinfectant.

  • Danielle Odin Danielle Odin on Jun 13, 2017

    White vinegar. Put bowls of it in every room for a while. You might want to use a 50% white vingar/water solution and mop all your floors with it. No it won't smell vinegary as it disipates very quickly but as it does so, it takes odors away too. It will also get rid of tobacco smoke odors. Have used it for years and I never buy those products that just cover up the smell and cost a fortune and are not good for your health or the health of the planet.

  • Liv Liv on May 29, 2018

    Use vinegar!