What can I do to remove the old house smell from my 100 year old house

Andrea Ruch
by Andrea Ruch
I’ve tried everything, cleaning thoroughly, fabreeze. Mr clean, etc

  9 answers
  • Janice Janice on May 03, 2018

    Here's some advice from another owner of an old house. Hope it might help you? https://ahairinmybiscuit.com/how-i-rid-my-old-house-of-musty-odors/

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on May 03, 2018

    Most smells are absorbed into soft materials like fabric, curtains, carpet. Are you sure it isn't an odor from a damp basement? My house has only a partial concrete floor (it's an old house) and the dirt parts make it musty at times. A dehumidifier helps. Were the previous owners smokers? I am amazed how the tar and nicotine clings to things. We used to own a rental, and for six months, there were heavy smokers living there. After cleaning, I had to repaint with sealer first, steam clean the carpet twice, air the place out for days. I think the ceilings were the worst, since the sticky stuff of heaviest there. I've also used an air cleaner with good results.

  • DesertRose DesertRose on May 03, 2018

    I learned about these only this week. I have not tried them, but have read many positive things about them. You might need one in every room and closet. Hope this helps.

  • DesertRose DesertRose on May 03, 2018

    sorry , forgot the info (duh me!) here it is: NatureFresh Air freshner good for mold, mildew, bacteria and other foul odors and causes. Hope this helps

  • Teacup8885 Teacup8885 on May 03, 2018

    Get a whole bunch of damp rid, comes in hanging pouches tubs n keep replacing till smell goes away, bout month or 2..

  • Ebby Ebby on May 03, 2018

    Clean as much as you can with vinegar! Dehumidifiers do work to reduce the musty smell. Nicotine stained walls should be cleaned with vinegar, painted with sealer then painted with color. Fabrics should be steamed cleaned.


  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Nov 15, 2022

    Open all the windows as often as you can. Have the carpets and drapes professionally cleaned!

  • Start by opening up the windows to 'air it out'. If there is a specific smell, you need to find the source.

  • Mogie Mogie on Feb 06, 2024

    To efficiently eat away the algae occupying your wood fence, you will need to make a simple chemical solution. Mix one part bleach and two parts warm water. Before you begin cleaning, make sure you have some rubber gloves handy!