How can I freshen an old home?

Question

The house is old and has been closed up for many years. We're trying to remodel as we get time and money. But it smells so stuffy and old and it never seems to go away.

Joy30150932 · Answer

You need some air circulation so set up some oscillating fans and open the windows. Check to see if there is any mould around the baseboards or windows and doors and if so clean it up first. .

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Wash the walls with white vinegar, place open boxes of baking soda throughout,put a dehumidifier onus buckets of damp rid(that pulls moisture out),use cedar ,deactivated charchol,coffee groundswell of these methods should help eliminate odors,

Sue Mathes Lassiter · Answer

We've checked for mold and there isn't any, so that's good. I open windows on every nice day and I run the ac on humid days, the house does not have a basement and sits on a slab. It is all in good shape, it is just an old house. We will be painting the interior and will have it professionally cleaned before occupancy. Thanks for answering!

Lisa S. · Answer

Scrub the walls. Use Sudsy Ammonia. Remove old carpet. that holds old smalls.

Sue Mathes Lassiter · Answer

Thanks! I decided to remove the carpet in the two bedrooms and living room and replace it with wood flooring and get some area rugs. The carpet isn't very old but I think you're right about it holding smells. Thank you!

Janice · Answer

A very effective musty smell absorbent is a package of charcoal bbq bricks..NOT the ones that have the firestarted added! Place in different areas of the house and change out once in a while... I did this in a musty smelling basement and it worked really well.

Oliva · Answer

Try containers of 'Damp Rid', wash walls with vinegar and Dawn, or Spic n' Span, to degrease, and rinse, wipe dry. Run fans or dehumidifier with a hose that will extend to a drain. Wash any fabrics, where possible, and hang in the sun to dry. Place large containers of baking soda throughout the home. Try Odo Ban concentrated cleaner (Sam's Club).

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Hi Sue,

Open windows and doors as often as possible to move the air through the home, Use dehumidifiers or Silica Gel tubs to draw out the damp. Remove all loose curtains and furnishings as they will hold the damp, also the carpets. Beds etc. That should help!

How can I freshen an old home?

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How can I freshen an old home?

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