Have you ever walked into a room and been hit with that unmistakable musty, dusty smell?

It’s like the scent of an old attic wafting through the air. You know what I mean? That smell isn’t exactly inviting, and it can really make a place feel... well, kind of uncomfortable.

If you're wondering why your house smells like an attic, or how to get rid of it, you’ve come to the right spot.

This post will show you how to get rid of that attic smell for good.

Why Can I Smell My Attic In My House?

If your house smells like an attic, it's usually a sign of one thing: moisture.

Attics, basements, and other areas in your home that don’t get much airflow tend to trap humidity. Over time, moisture can start to collect and create a musty smell that reminds you of old boxes and forgotten treasures.

Sometimes, it's also due to poor ventilation too.

When airflow is weak, air doesn’t circulate properly. And you know what happens when air stagnates – it starts to smell.

How To Get Rid Of Attic Smell In House

Good news, there are a ton of ways to fight back and freshen up your home. Here are 6 steps to remove that musty attic smell from your house:

#1 Find The Source Of The Smell

Before you can really get rid of the smell, you need to figure out where it’s coming from.

Start by checking the attic itself. If you can get up there, take a quick look for any signs of water damage, mold, or leaks. These things can often be hidden behind insulation or under old boxes, so be thorough.

Even small, unnoticed leaks can cause a major stench if they’re left unchecked.

If the smell is coming from somewhere else in the house, it might be due to poor drainage around your foundation, or an issue with ventilation.

Don’t forget to check your basement and crawl spaces, too.

Sometimes, a smell that seems like it’s coming from the attic could be traveling up through walls or vents.

#2 Get Rid Of Moisture

Once you’ve tracked down the source, your next step is tackling the moisture.

Humidity is your enemy here, so anything you can do to reduce it will help.

Start by checking for leaks. If you spot a leak in your roof or around windows, patch those up. Leaking pipes under sinks or in walls can also contribute to moisture buildup, so get those fixed.

You might also want to invest in a dehumidifier.

These little machines work wonders by pulling moisture out of the air, which helps prevent mold and mildew from growing. They’re especially helpful if you live in a humid area.

Also, make sure your gutters are clean and that water is being directed away from your home. Standing water near your house can seep into the foundation and cause moisture problems inside.

#3 Ventilate The Area

If you want to really kick that musty attic smell to the curb, ventilation is a must.

If your attic doesn't have windows, you might want to consider installing a fan or a vent to let the air flow through. That way, the stale, humid air won’t get stuck in there.

If it’s your basement or any other part of the house that’s causing the problem, open windows and doors when you can.

If you don’t get much of a breeze, you can use fans to push the air out and bring fresh air in.

You can even take things a step further with an air exchange system, which helps keep the air moving and prevents moisture buildup. They’re great investments for areas in the house that need constant airflow.

#4 Clean With Vinegar Or Hydrogen Peroxide

Now, for a little deep cleaning action.

One of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to get rid of that attic smell is to use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.

Both of these work as natural cleaners and disinfectants, which means they’ll help remove the mold or mildew causing the smell.

For vinegar, just mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz it around the affected area. Let it sit for a bit, then wipe it away with a clean cloth.

The smell of vinegar will disappear as it dries, and you’ll be left with a much fresher scent.

#5 Use Bowls Of Baking Soda

Baking soda can get rid of that attic smell in house too.

It’s super affordable and can be used all over the house to neutralize bad smells.

All you have to do is set out a few open bowls of baking soda around the house – one in the attic (if that’s where the smell is coming from), one in your kitchen, and any other area that needs freshening up.

Baking soda absorbs the moisture in the air and helps neutralize odors. You can leave the bowls out for a few days or even a week, and they’ll slowly absorb the smell.

Plus, it’s super low maintenance – you don’t have to worry about scrubbing or spraying anything.

Another tip: If you’ve got a problem with shoes or clothing smelling musty, you can sprinkle baking soda inside shoes or on clothes, then shake or vacuum it up after a day or two.

#6 Simmer A Pot Of Spices

This might sound a little unconventional, but trust me, it works.

If you’ve eliminated the source of the smell and aired out your house, but still want to mask any remaining odors, simmering spices on the stove can do wonders.

You can use cinnamon sticks, cloves, or even citrus peels to create a warm, inviting smell in your home. Just toss them in a pot of water and let them simmer on the stove for a while.

The heat helps release the fragrance, and the spices add a cozy, natural scent.

You can also make your own natural air freshener using essential oils or dried herbs. Just be sure not to overdo it – you don’t want your house to smell like a spice shop!

Bottom Line

Attic smells are just a sign of trapped moisture, poor ventilation, or some hidden mold.

The key to stopping attic smells in your house is simple: find the cause, fix the moisture, clean things up, and keep the air moving. Once you handle that, odors fade fast.

Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of air circulation and some vinegar to bring your space back to life. And with a few simple tricks like baking soda and simmering spices, you can have a home that feels and smells awesome and inviting.

So, no more worrying about that musty attic smell. You’ve got this!

Attic Smell In House? (Here’s What To Do)