{"id":20104,"date":"2025-10-20T18:25:02","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T18:25:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/northeast-tacoma-wa\/?post_type=blog&amp;p=20104"},"modified":"2025-10-20T18:25:02","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T18:25:02","slug":"how-to-get-rid-of-old-house-smell","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/northeast-tacoma-wa\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-old-house-smell\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Rid of Old House Smell"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#how-to-get-rid-of-old-house-smell\">How to Get Rid of Old House Smell in Tacoma<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#1-identify-the-source-of-the-odor\">1. Identify the Source of the Odor<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2-deep-clean-every-surface\">2. Deep Clean Every Surface<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3-improve-air-circulation\">3. Improve Air Circulation<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#4-use-natural-deodorizers\">4. Use Natural Deodorizers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#5-address-moisture-problems\">5. Address Moisture Problems<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#6-when-to-call-a-professional-odor-removal-service\">6. When to Call a Professional Odor Removal Service<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#breathe-easy-again\">Breathe Easy Again<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s something nostalgic about old homes \u2014 their architecture, character, and history often make them feel special. However, one thing that\u2019s not so charming is the unmistakable \u201cold house smell.\u201d That musty, stale odor can make your home feel uninviting, no matter how clean it looks. If you\u2019ve just moved into an older property or have lived in one for years, understanding the cause of these smells and how to eliminate them is key to restoring freshness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a complete guide on how to get rid of old house smell \u2014 and when it\u2019s time to call in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/northeast-tacoma-wa\/blog\/odor-removal-tips-and-service-in-tacoma\/\">professional odor removal experts<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-get-rid-of-old-house-smell\">How to Get Rid of Old House Smell in Tacoma<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-identify-the-source-of-the-odor\">1. Identify the Source of the Odor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you can effectively get rid of any unpleasant smell, you need to find out where it\u2019s coming from. In older homes, odors tend to linger because materials like wood, carpet, and drywall absorb smells over time. Common culprits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mold and mildew:<\/strong> Moisture buildup in basements, crawl spaces, or behind walls can lead to hidden mold growth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Old carpets and upholstery:<\/strong> Fabric materials trap years of dust, pet dander, smoke, and musty odors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Poor ventilation:<\/strong> Older homes may have limited airflow, allowing stale air to accumulate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plumbing issues:<\/strong> Sewer gas or stagnant water can produce foul smells that spread through the house.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Previous occupants:<\/strong> Cigarette smoke, pets, or cooking <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Odor\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">odors<\/a> can persist long after the source is gone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you pinpoint the cause, you can focus on removing it rather than just masking the smell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-deep-clean-every-surface\">2. Deep Clean Every Surface<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A thorough cleaning is the first and most important step. Start from the top down:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Walls and ceilings:<\/strong> Use a mixture of warm water and mild detergent to wipe down surfaces that may have absorbed odors. Nicotine stains and grease are common in older homes and need special attention.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Floors:<\/strong> Steam clean carpets and rugs, or consider replacing them if they\u2019re beyond saving. For hardwood or tile floors, mop with a deodorizing solution like white vinegar and water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Furniture and drapes:<\/strong> Wash or dry-clean curtains, and vacuum upholstery using a HEPA filter to trap odor-causing particles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hidden spaces:<\/strong> Don\u2019t forget closets, basements, attics, and under furniture \u2014 these areas often harbor lingering smells.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-improve-air-circulation\">3. Improve Air Circulation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Stale air is one of the main contributors to an old house smell. Make sure to ventilate your home properly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open windows and doors whenever possible to let fresh air in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Replace HVAC filters regularly \u2014 dirty filters can recirculate odors throughout the house.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider installing an air purifier with an activated carbon filter to help remove airborne odor particles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Improved air circulation not only helps eliminate smells but also prevents mold and mildew from returning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-use-natural-deodorizers\">4. Use Natural Deodorizers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of masking smells with air fresheners, use natural odor absorbers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Baking soda:<\/strong> Place open boxes around the house \u2014 especially in basements, closets, and near garbage bins \u2014 to neutralize odors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>White vinegar:<\/strong> Set bowls of vinegar in different rooms to absorb stubborn smells. It dissipates quickly but takes the odor with it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Charcoal bags:<\/strong> Activated charcoal is excellent for absorbing moisture and odors naturally.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Essential oils:<\/strong> Add a few drops of lemon, lavender, or eucalyptus oil to a diffuser for a clean, pleasant scent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These methods are safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly ways to maintain a fresher indoor environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-address-moisture-problems\">5. Address Moisture Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Old homes are notorious for humidity and water intrusion issues, both of which can cause persistent odors. Inspect your property for leaks, foundation cracks, or condensation problems. Use a <strong>dehumidifier<\/strong> in damp areas like basements or crawl spaces to keep humidity levels below 50%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you suspect mold is growing behind walls or under floors, don\u2019t ignore it. Mold not only causes musty odors but can also affect your health and damage your home\u2019s structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-when-to-call-a-professional-odor-removal-service\">6. When to Call a Professional Odor Removal Service<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve tried everything and the old house smell won\u2019t go away, it\u2019s likely embedded deep within the structure \u2014 in HVAC ducts, insulation, or wall cavities. That\u2019s when professional help makes all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At <strong>PuroClean of Northeast Tacoma<\/strong>, we specialize in <strong>professional odor removal services<\/strong> that go beyond surface cleaning. Our trained technicians use advanced equipment like <strong>hydroxyl generators and ozone treatments<\/strong> to neutralize odors at the molecular level \u2014 not just cover them up. Whether the smell is from smoke, mold, pets, or years of buildup, we can restore your home\u2019s air quality and freshness quickly and safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"746\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/northeast-tacoma-wa-new\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/855\/2025\/10\/odor.png\" alt=\"How to Get Rid of Old House Smell in Tacoma\" class=\"wp-image-20105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/northeast-tacoma-wa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/855\/2025\/10\/odor.png 746w, https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/northeast-tacoma-wa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/855\/2025\/10\/odor-300x221.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 746px) 100vw, 746px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"breathe-easy-again\">Breathe Easy Again<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting rid of old house smell takes effort, but the reward is worth it \u2014 a clean, comfortable, and inviting home. Start with a deep clean, improve ventilation, and tackle moisture issues head-on. But if the smell persists or you suspect a deeper problem, don\u2019t hesitate to call the experts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For fast and reliable <strong>odor removal in Tacoma and surrounding areas<\/strong>, contact <strong>PuroClean of Northeast Tacoma<\/strong> today at <strong><a href=\"tel:2069290155\">(206) 929-0155<\/a><\/strong>. We\u2019ll help you eliminate those stubborn odors and make your home smell fresh again \u2014 for good.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s something nostalgic about old homes \u2014 their architecture, character, and history often make them feel special. However, one thing that\u2019s not so charming is the unmistakable \u201cold house smell.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":913,"featured_media":20105,"template":"","blog-category":[10],"class_list":["post-20104","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blog-category-biohazard-clean-up"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/northeast-tacoma-wa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/20104","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/northeast-tacoma-wa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/northeast-tacoma-wa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/northeast-tacoma-wa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/913"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/northeast-tacoma-wa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/20104\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/northeast-tacoma-wa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20105"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/northeast-tacoma-wa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20104"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"blog-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/northeast-tacoma-wa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog-category?post=20104"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}