You know that smell. The one that kinda smacks you in the face when you walk into an older home. It’s not awful, but it’s definitely... there. A mix of musty air, old furniture, maybe a hint of mothballs - it’s hard to describe, but you know it when you smell it.

If you’ve got that lingering “old people smell” hanging around your house (or someone else’s), don’t stress. It doesn’t mean the place is dirty or doomed, it just needs a little freshening up.

And the good news? You don’t need fancy gadgets or magic sprays. Just a few simple steps and some elbow grease can totally clear the air.

In this post, I’ll show you how to get rid of old people smell in houses

#1 Air Out The House

First things first - open up those windows and let the fresh air in.

Seriously, this is the easiest and fastest way to get rid of old people smells in the house. That stale smell builds up over time, especially in houses that stay sealed up most of the year. Just cracking a few windows can make a big difference.

If it’s a nice day, go all out. Open front and back doors, get a good cross-breeze going. Let the house breathe a little.

Fans help too. Box fans, ceiling fans, whatever you’ve got. Set them up near windows to push the old air out and pull the fresh stuff in.

Even just an hour or two of this can make the house feel lighter.

#2 Deep Clean Soft Surfaces

Here’s where a lot of that smell is hiding: fabric. Sofas, curtains, cushions, rugs, and even that cozy recliner. They all soak up smells like giant sniffy sponges.

So you need to deep clean these if you want that old people smell in your house gone.

Pull off any cushion covers or slipcovers and toss them in the wash if they’re machine-friendly. For stuff that can’t be washed, hit it with a fabric-safe deodorizer or take it to a dry cleaner.

Steam cleaning carpets and rugs will also help. It pulls up years of smells and dust that regular vacuums miss.

Even your mattress can hold on to funky smells, so sprinkle some baking soda on it, let it sit for a while, then vacuum it up. Feels fresh and smells even fresher.

Or you just hire a cleaning company to take care of all that.

#3 Wash Or Replace Air Filters

You ever think about your HVAC filters? Most people don’t.

But they’re a huge deal when it comes to air quality. If they’re clogged with dust and gunk, then that’s what’s circulating through your home. So if it’s been a while, go check 'em.

If you’ve got central air or heating, pop those filters out and either clean them or swap them for new ones. Same goes for any portable air purifiers you might have lying around.

Dirty filters are basically smell spreaders.

Some people even use scented filters or add a few drops of essential oil on them. Total bonus points for that.

#4 Wipe Down All Surfaces

Hard surfaces might not seem like odor magnets, but over time, they totally are.

Dust, cooking grease, skin oils, and just general build-up can create a layer of funk you don’t really notice until you start wiping it down.

Grab a bucket, fill it with warm water and a gentle cleaner, and go to town. Start with high-touch spots like door handles, light switches, and remote controls. Move on to kitchen counters, cabinets, baseboards, window sills, and anything else that collects grime.

Walls and doors can use a quick wipe too, especially around handles where hands touch the most (tip: do this to remove acrylic paint off)

You’ll be shocked at how much better things smell once all that built-up gunk is gone. It’s low effort and high reward.

#5 Use Odor Absorbers

Odor absorbers are also a great way to remove the old people smell in house.

These don’t just cover smells, they soak them up and trap them. They’re super handy for any lingering funk that’s still floating around.

A few simple go-to options work great. Baking soda is a classic. Just sprinkle it on carpets before vacuuming or leave little bowls of it in rooms that need some extra love.

You can even put it in drawers to make them smell good,

White vinegar also works well. Pour a bit into small bowls and place them in corners or near musty areas. It’ll absorb odors quietly in the background.

Activated charcoal is another winner. You can find little bags of it made just for home use. Stick them in closets, under furniture, or wherever the air feels a little stale. Let them hang out for a few days and swap them out every couple of weeks to keep things fresh.

#6 Bring In Some Plants

Houseplants are natural air purifiers, and they can help clear out lingering smells while making your space feel a lot more inviting.

Plus, they give a nice, calm energy to any space that might be feeling a little too still.

Some of the best ones for this are also the easiest to take care of.

Snake plants are basically indestructible. Spider plants are great too, and they grow fast if they’re happy. Peace lilies are another good option and they even bloom if they get enough light.

Spread them out in a few different rooms. A couple by the window, one near the couch, maybe one in the bathroom.

You don’t need a jungle. Just a few green friends to freshen things up naturally.

#7 Light Some Scented Candles

Once everything’s clean and the air feels lighter, now’s the time to add a little personality back into the space. Scented candles are perfect for that.

They add warmth, glow, and just the right amount of fragrance to make your home feel inviting.

Stick with light, clean scents. Lavender, citrus, eucalyptus, or fresh linen are great. These won’t overwhelm the room but still give you that fresh-out-of-the-laundry feeling.

You can keep one in the living room, another in the bathroom, and maybe one in the kitchen if you’re into it. Let them burn for a bit while you relax.

It’s a simple way to seal the deal after all your hard work. Plus, who doesn’t love a good candle moment!

#8 Use Essential Oils

If candles aren’t your thing, essential oils are a great alternative. They’re super versatile, and you can use them a bunch of different ways. A diffuser is the easiest to use - just add water, a few drops of your favorite oil, and that’s it.

I recommend trying scents like lemon, tea tree, peppermint, or rosemary for something bright and clean-smelling.

You can also:

Add a few drops to cotton balls and stash them in drawers
Mix with water in a spray bottle for a DIY room spray
Add a drop or two to your mop water or cleaning solution

A little goes a long way, and the effect is super noticeable.

Bottom Line

Getting rid of that old person smell doesn’t have to be a huge project. It’s really just about fresh air, clean surfaces, and a few smart tricks.

Start with fresh air, clean all the soft stuff, swap out those filters, and give every surface a good wipe. Then bring in the fun stuff: odor absorbers, plants, candles, and a splash of essential oil.

Piece by piece, that old smell will be long gone, and your house will feel welcoming again.

How To Get Rid Of Old People Smell In House