The unpleasant musty smell, which is often associated with “old age,” occurs due to a mixture of stagnant air, dust, dampness and ingrained household aromas.
It can be defeated systematically, by acting on the cause itself, and not by masking it. Here are 5 key steps to help bring back the feeling of cleanliness and freshness to any home.
1. Organize proper air circulation
Do this daily, creating a draft for 10–15 minutes, even in the cold season. Turn on hoods in the kitchen and bathroom during and after cooking and showering. If your apartment is damp, consider purchasing a household dehumidifier or air purifier with an ionic function.
2. Clean the main “storage areas” of odors
Soft surfaces and textiles absorb scents for years. Vacuum carpets, mattresses and upholstered furniture using a steam cleaner or special attachment. Wash curtains, covers and other removable textiles.
To clean sofas and armchairs, you can use special odor neutralizer sprays or go to a dry cleaner.
3. Use Natural Odor Absorbers
Simple and environmentally friendly assistants work discreetly but effectively. Place small open containers with baking soda or activated carbon in rooms, especially in closed cabinets, on mezzanines. These natural absorbents will absorb foreign odors. Change the filler every 1-2 weeks.
4. Carry out general cleaning and disinfection
It is important to remove odor not only from the air, but also from surfaces.
Wipe all hard surfaces – shelves, walls, window sills, interiors of cabinets – with a solution of table vinegar and water (1:1). Vinegar does not mask, but neutralizes odors and has disinfectant properties.
Add a few drops of tea tree or lemon essential oil, which have an antibacterial effect, to the water for washing floors.
5. Don't forget about technology
The source of the unpleasant odor may be the very technology designed to purify the air. Clean or replace the filters in your air conditioner, kitchen hood, and air purifier regularly. Clogged filters not only work poorly, but also become a breeding ground for odors and bacteria.
The comprehensive application of these steps – from organizing ventilation to deep cleaning – will help to completely refresh the atmosphere in the house without high costs and aggressive chemicals, creating a feeling of cleanliness and comfort.
