Homes have a unique smell to themselves, reminisce of comfort and relaxation. For those moving into a previously occupied house, the whole sense of being at home doesn't take hold right away, especially if the former tenants left odors behind. Just because you move into a previously occupied house doesn't mean you have to live with their old smells.

The following tips can help rid a home of odor and leave it smelling clean:

New homes

Building materials cause odors in new homes. They are pervasive and can be treated easily with little effort, but in time, the odor will naturally dissipate.

Let in some fresh air

Homes that have been closed for some time lack circulation of air, which causes a stale odor. With older carpets and furniture, the smell becomes stronger through lack of activity. 

Opening doors and windows tis the first step, as it allows ventilation and helps the smell fade gradually. Natural air circulation neutralizes odor from carpets, curtains, and other objects. Keeping a tray of vinegar in every room can further subdue smells effectively.

Check HVAC Ducts and Filters

HVAC filters trap odor-causing elements. Dirty filters contribute to foul smells in a house and should be either cleaned or replaced. 

Moisture in air-conditioning units turns to mold when unable to escape through ducts. Talk to your HVAC service if you feel you have a ductwork issue. Mold or mildew in the ductwork will make a home smell. Getting ducts cleaned thoroughly will help.

Treat Carpet and Curtains

Carpets and fabric surfaces that can’t be washed should be sprinkled with baking soda and left to sit overnight. Then thoroughly vacuum the surfaces. Baking soda treats odors wonderfully and can be liberally applied as it is safe and non-chemical. 

Clean Vigorously 

Objects in the house that cannot be removed should be cleaned thoroughly. From doorknobs to floors and woodwork, all surfaces should be meticulously cleaned and disinfected. Cleaning should be repeated as many times as is necessary.

Smoke odors

Smoke odors present a unique problem for fabrics as the residue binds tightly with the fibers. Most fabrics that have been imbued heavily with smoke should be discarded, even if it entails replacing carpets. See below for wall treatment.

Paint the Walls and Ceilings

Walls and ceilings are porous and hold smells, so simply wiping them down is probably not enough. The best way to rid walls of odors is by plastering if needed, priming, and painting them.  

Bring Plants Inside

Other than the aesthetic value they hold, plants can help neutralize odors by removing toxins from the air. Aloe Vera, Snake plant, Spider Plant, and Peace Lilies are some alternatives that purify the air and reduce odors in the areas where they are placed.

Regular Vacuuming

Once the above steps are taken, ensuring that all corners of the house are regularly vacuumed can reduce any recurring smell. Avoiding the accumulation of dirt and debris in the house will prevent any odor from building up.

Moving to a new place involves a lot of work.  Facing odor issues may make the whole experience of getting a new house unpleasant. Professional movers can make moving a great experience by taking care of packing and moving. Let us help you make your moving experience be the best it can be.

Miranda Delivery Service offers moving services across Arizona, interior design moving and storage, furniture delivery and assembly,  and commercial storage. Call 480-389-5928 today!