" Old House Smell"

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

What is that smell?

Ever walk into a house are greeted, more like slapped in the face, with a mysterious stench? That stale or old house smell?

There are few things that homes share that could be causing the odor: Poor ventilation, darkness, and high humidity. 

Scientifically speaking, this stench is likely the off gassing of chemicals associated with a stage in the life cycle of mold or MVOCS. They are evaporating and causing the odors. 

How can I get rid of the smell?

Start by checking the humidity level in the home. Ideally the relative humidity should be under 45%. If your readings are higher you should invest in a dehumidifier. 

Check for any moisture leaks such as from a faucet, drain, lines from your furnace or soft water heater. Fix any leaks even if they are small. SERVPRO can investigate your humidity levels and perform a moisture inspection to ensure the home is dry.  

Carpet and soft furniture in the home will absorb that smell and retain it. These items should be professionally cleaned to eliminate the odor. SERVPRO is happy to help clean these materials with our hot water extraction method. 

Sometimes it's where you can't see, the lungs of the home. The furnace and duct system. Those pesky odors, dander, dust, and bacteria are recirculating the odors. Our hepa- filtration system can clean the duct system and we also have options for deodorizing or sealing the duct work rid odors. 

You're proud of keeping a clean house, yet don't forget about the walls. With heating and cooling the pores in your walls open and close and odors will permeate the walls trapping odor. 

Lastly, for deodorization Let the sun shine in! The sun is a powerful deodorizer and disinfectant. You can also place coffee grounds in an old nylon stocking and place behind doors, in closets, and on top of kitchen cabinets. The coffee grounds will absorb the odors and have your home smelling like a cup of fresh brew. 

SERVPRO of West Sioux Falls has a wide array of products, processes, and experience to help rid your home of those lingering odors.