:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cleaning-old-house-GettyImages-1431331325-8749aec54ebe43dcabdc5b423602b21c.jpg?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "How to Clean an Older Home That Always Feels Dirty")
Older homes have a lot to offer. With rich histories and unique charm that’s often missing from new construction, they stand out in all the right ways. But there’s one downside—they can be much harder to clean. Even after a thorough scrub, they often don’t have that fresh, spic-and-span feeling. Still, just because you live in an older home doesn’t mean it has to feel dirty.
“Cleaning an older home can feel challenging,” says Marla Mock, President of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. “Dirt, dust, and grime can build up over time. Decades of dust, smoke, dirt, and even skin cells can accumulate, causing stuffy smells.” Fortunately, though, Mock says there are effective ways to spruce up your home that can make it feel much more fresh and clean. Here are the steps you should take to clean an older home that always feels dirty.
Declutter
Mock suggests starting by decluttering surfaces. After all, a cluttered home never feels truly clean. So try to remove as much as possible from every surface, including in bedrooms, bathrooms, and the kitchen.
Then, Do a Deep Cleaning
A surface-level clean doesn’t always cut it for an older home. If you’re frustrated with cleaning an older home, Mock advises doing a very thorough deep clean. Clean every single room, not just the rooms and spaces you frequent the most.
Clean the Walls
You probably aren’t cleaning your walls as often as you should be. Mock suggests dusting and then wiping down your walls with a vinegar and water solution. If you have scuffs or dirt on your walls that simply won’t come off, try using a melamine sponge to remove them. Don’t miss the baseboards and mouldings.
Do the walls still look dirty no matter how much you clean? Mock recommends repainting. If odor is an issue, try using a paint specifically formulated to remove odors.
Identify the Source of Smells
Old homes can hold an odor that doesn’t easily go away. “Find areas that could harbor potential smells, such as vents, closets, basements, cabinets and drawers,” says Mock. Be sure to give those spots a truly thorough cleaning.
One area that rarely gets cleaned but can harbor a whole lot of smells, according to Mock, is under appliances. So be sure to move your appliances (you may need someone to help you with this) and clean underneath them. Keep in mind you might find a dead unwelcome critter or two in this space because of food crumbs. While unpleasant, that could be a major source of odors.
Swap Out Your Old HVAC Filter
If you can’t recall the last time you put in a new HVAC filter, it’s time to swap out your old one. It will also make your system run more efficiently. Old filters often harbor old dust and smells.
Clean the Floors
Flooring can also hold on to a lot of dirt, grime, and odor. “Shampoo carpets and scrub tile or hardwood floors,” says Mock. Consider replacing those old rugs with new washable ones.
Check for Leaks
Leaks can be a major source of a variety of problems. “Older homes often have poor insulation, which can lead to leaks and mold and mildew growth,” Mock says. “Mildew can linger on carpets and in walls.”
While you can check yourself, it’s best to have a pro do a thorough inspection. Then, make any repairs immediately.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
In some cases, your home may be too large and dirty for you to clean on your own. So, if you find your home still feels dirty no matter what you do, you may want to call in a professional to help out.
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