Cleaning out a house and keeping it fresh is a real challenge by itself. 

But when it comes to moving into a pre-owned home, things get more complicated. There’s a good chance to experience something called: the old house smell. The old house smell is a distinctly and persistent musty smell. Mold, pet waste, and drains can all cause unpleasant odors that are hard to get rid of. These smells can persist as a result of the stale air that settled when nobody was living in the house and they require a special cleaning routine.

But do not despair. All you need to do is make a game plan.

Here are a few things you can try if you notice your house smells a bit off:

1. Vent frequently

The first thing is probably the most important one: air the house as often as possible. While it won’t get rid of the stench completely, it will make cleaning up the old house more bearable.

When leaving the windows open, make sure you get enough sunlight in the house to provide natural lighting and keep off mold and mildew.

2. Pay attention to mold & mildew 

If the smell is not going away after airing the house, it might be a mold and mildew situation. Mold and mildew grow in the dark and damp areas of the house. Unfortunately, there are a lot of perfect spots around the house for them to grow. This is why you have to make sure you disinfect everything properly.

Use a neutral cleaning solution to scrub the walls gently with a nylon-backed scrub brush. To prevent damage, work in small areas and dry excess water off the walls.

3. Deep clean

Vinegar and baking soda are your new best friends. 

Wash out the trash can with vinegar and baking soda to eliminate unpleasant smells. Wipe down the inside of the fridge with vinegar and throw out expired or unwanted items constantly. 

One trick you can use when replacing the trash bag is to sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the bag. Placing open baking soda containers in the cupboards and fridge is a trick that can help you remove repulsive smells for good.

Keep your sink fresh by pouring baking soda down the drain and pouring boiling water on top. Remove grease from the stovetop hood and clean the filters. Dry clean curtains. Deodorize the sofa and carpets. Try washing cushions on chairs and sofas once a month. Wipe down counters and other surfaces with vinegar. Unlike other toxic products, vinegar makes an excellent alternative to cleaning wood products because it won’t damage the furniture.

If you have a pet, pay extra attention to your furniture and the overall freshness of your home. To reduce pet odors, wash their bed frequently. To remove all hairs, throw the bed in the dryer or simply vacuum it before washing.