Can't kick "old house smell"
Stubborn odors - ready to scream!
I bought a 100 year old house a couple years ago that definitely had a funk to it, but i foolishly thought I would definitely be able to solve it.
Let me start by saying I understand a home of my age is going to have a scent. I get it. Its old. But this smell is like.. dirty. And I am not dirty. It doesnt smell like cat pee, musty, cigarettes, animals or anything like that. Just smells old, stuffy, dirty despite everything i have tried below. Air flow in this home is definitely an issue, so I wonder if thats contributing. I try my best to keep air moving with open windows and fans whenever possible.
I have wood floors throughout that is not an option to remove, and I'm wondering if this stink is just permeated in them?
Anyway,
Here's whats been tried:
\* Mopping all floors, walls, and ceilings prior to moving in with Odoban - this brought the odor down a good bit, but not enough. Continued Regular mopping with odoban. Also tried using other enzymatic cleaners, recipes I have found online or just plain ol Fabuloso.
\* air duct cleaning with added deodorizer service before moving in
\*Ozone generator in the most offensive areas (like near the front door) ran for 3 hours (the max the machine will run. I have used ozone in so many places and have had wonderful luck with it.. Until this house!!)
\* air purifiers
\* painting some walls (this house is a work in progress, more will be painted)
\* Constant open windows anytime the weather allows
\* Regular use of fans to keep air moving
\* Simmer pot by the front door, often with cinnamon, oranges and/or lemons
\* Regular cleaning throughout the house
*edit to add we have a dirt basement, and run 2 dehumidifiers down there to keep the must/moisture at bay
I am not a fan of, nor will I use, things like Glade plug ins or heavily scented candles to cover the smell. I want to eliminate it.
Am I just SOL? Any advice is appreciated.