Getting Rid of Mold Smell
If you’re renting an apartment or house, chances are you aren’t the first tenant. Depending on how the previous tenants lived, you may be left with smells from smoking, pets or cooking. If you notice the smells during your walk-through, ask the landlord what they are going to do to get rid of them before you move in. If you thought the smell would leave with the old tenants and already signed the lease, getting rid of the odors may be left in your hands. If that’s the case, here are some places to check and clean:
1) Carpets – Odors and stains can easily be left behind in carpets. Before you go out and spend your money on a professional carpet cleaner, try using baking soda. Generously sprinkle a box of baking soda on your carpet and allow it to sit for as long as possible, overnight is best. Sweep up any big piles of baking soda then vacuum up the rest.
2) Ventilation – Open up all of your windows and allow the place to air out for a bit. If the carpets were cleaned and the apartment has been sitting empty for a while, the dampness could have led to a musty smell. If it’s the middle of winter, you’ll probably want to wait for warmer temperatures; if your building uses hot water heaters, cold winter air can lead to pipes bursting and an expensive bill.
3) Fridge – Check the fridges drip pan to make sure it was cleaned out, odors could be hiding there. As well you should wipe down the inside of the fridge with vinegar and water and even pull it out to get the sides and back of it.
4) Kitchen Cabinets – If the tenants before you did a lot of cooking with strong smelling foods and spices, those smells could be stuck to your cabinets in a layer of grease. Wipe down the inside and outside of cabinets with water and vinegar. If the grease is really thick, use a damp rag and baking soda, then wipe them down with clean water to get the residue off. Whatever you are using to clean them, be sure to test the product out first on an inconspicuous spot to be sure it won’t damage the cabinets.
5) Walls – If the landlord didn’t repaint after the old tenants left, there may be odors stuck to the walls. Get a bucket, rag, vinegar and water and wipe down you walls and ceilings (if you can).
If you’re renting an apartment or house, chances are you aren’t the first tenant. Depending on how the previous tenants lived, you may be left with smells from smoking, pets or cooking. If you notice the smells during your walk-through, ask the landlord what they are going to do to get rid of them before you move in. If you thought the smell would leave with the old tenants and already signed the lease, getting rid of the odors may be left in your hands. If that’s the case, here are some places to check and clean:
