Your home has an aged odor. There is really no other way to describe the musty smell that permeates the air despite your best efforts to deep clean your house.
Real old house smell exists, and both homeowners and visitors find it to be quite off-putting.
Fortunately, there are a number of actions you may take to get rid of the smell. If you stick with us, we’ll show you how to get rid of that musty old house smell and stop it from returning.
mVOCs are the prime culprits of old house stench
The primary foe in the battle against stale house odor? Microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). Mold, bacteria, biofilm, and other biological growth decompose and release mVOCs, which are the gasses responsible for the odor of an old house. That’s why people prefer to switch old houses with the latest housing schemes like park view Lahore that offer eco-friendly homes.
Due to the increased likelihood of decaying biological growths in older structures, we tend to associate the scent of mVOCs with older residences. Compared to modern structures, older residences typically have less ventilation and are darker. Mold and other bacterial growths flourish in dim, moist environments and will start to smell like an old house once they start to decompose.
The odor of an old house could be harmful
Little is known about the health impacts of breathing in mVOCs. Even if there isn’t any obvious mold growth, the organization claims that “exposure to mVOCs has been associated with headaches, eye and nasal irritation, dizziness, exhaustion, and nausea.” Additionally, mVOCs might make allergies or asthma worse. Neurological symptoms and confusion are examples of extreme reactions.
In addition, depending on the degree and duration of exposure, some molds release toxins such as mycotoxins, which can result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, acute liver illness, and even death.
Prevent mVOCs from returning with these measures
There are further actions you can take to get rid of the stale house smell and stop it from returning besides hiring a professional mold treatment company. To keep the air in your home fresh and odor-free, use these suggestions.
1- Prevent dampness
Mold, which is the cause of that musty old house smell, is a result of moisture, or humidity. Bathrooms, basements, crawl spaces, and other places with inadequate ventilation and sources of moisture are notorious harbors for humidity.
Maintain a humidity level in your home between 40% and 55% to avoid the growth of mold. You’ll know there’s too much humidity in the air if you feel “sticky” in the summer or see condensation on the windows in the winter. A humidity monitor, also called a hygrometer, can be used to measure humidity.
2- Look out for leaks
It is crucial to check for leaks since mold and mildew thrive in damp, dark places. The first step is to examine the pipes in the kitchen and bathroom for leaks and make any required repairs. Then check the usual suspects, such as sinks, bathtubs, water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and toilets.
Beyond puddles of water or wet walls, you can find concealed leaky pipes and excess moisture by using instruments like a surface thermometer, damp meter, or hygrometer.
3- Clean drains
Mold and germs that produce the musty smell of an old house thrive in dirty drains. Pour a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down the drain to clean your drains. After 30 minutes, run hot water through the drain to clean it. If the odor persists, a sewer issue might be to blame. You’ll need to contact a specialist in this situation.
4- Clean upholstered furniture
Older upholstered furniture may include biological growths that release mVOCs, especially if it has spent time in moist rooms or storage spaces.
Start by cleaning the surface of the upholstered furniture before odor removal. Before cleaning the furniture, sprinkle baking soda over it and let it sit for 15 to 12 hours. Additionally, you’ll need to use antibacterial treatments to completely stop mold growth. To be sure the product doesn’t leave a stain, test it on a small, less noticeable part of your furniture.
5- Scrub hard surface
In damp spaces with stagnant air, where mold spores cannot be seen with the human eye, precautions must be taken. Wood is a mold’s natural host material because it absorbs and holds onto water. For this reason, it’s crucial to clean the wood furniture, trim, and baseboards.
6- Change air filters
Change 1-inch to 2-inch filters every one to three months, and 3-inch to 4-inch filters every six to nine months, according to the general rule of thumb.
However, depending on the quality of your filters, the number of people and pets living in your home, and typical household allergens, you might need to change your filters more frequently. Increases in energy costs that are obvious and dust that has accumulated around the air vents are indicators that you need to update your filters.
Take care of the mold and get rid of the old stench by following these tips. If you have any spectacular ideas to share, do not hesitate!
