Getting rid of musty smell in empty house

[Whitecovers]

We have just been given the keys to a council home and have been in and out measuring up for flooring etc.

But becuase it has been empty a while it has a real musty smell which seems to ball up in my chest and I can smell it on me after leaving.

Is there anything I can do before we fully move in to get it smelling a bit fresher?

I'm going to go and open windows early in the morning and was thinking a bowl of bicarb in everyroom?

Does anyone have any ideas how else to freshen it up? I don't want to use plug in becuase I think they would clash and smell weird.

[specialsubject]

Plug ins just add artificial stink, dont bother.

It needs airing, a good scrub and to be lived in.

[chough]

Opening the windows will improve things, and, as specialsubject says, the place just needs to be lived in.
Once you start cleaning and cooking, etc, the musty smell will go.
You could also try a nice scented candle, or fresh flowers.
It all sounds exciting: good luck in your new home.

[sentia]

Tea tree oil will kill mould, I'd try vaporising some. A dehumidifier will also help if you have one or can get one?

[Whitecovers]

Thank you, I am excited! Will finally have a garden for the children to play in.

It has been skimmed and painted but we will re paint and need to put flooring down in every room.

I was after a bit of a quick fix for when I'm decorating, the smell of it is really cloying and makes me feel like I'm choking. But no one else?

I will try a dehumidifier thank you. And definitely open all windows. I was thinking off essential oils to try and lift the smell a little, I might mix a few drops in a bowl of white vinegar and scatter around.

I'm also going to get a couple of plants in there, in my head I feel like they will help with the feeling I can't breath

[specialsubject]

Scrub with a mould remover containing bleach.

[Whitecovers]

Not literally scatter around, I mean put a few bowls out.

[Whitecovers]

I can't physically see any mound but becuase it's all freshly painted I wonder if there's some underneath.

[Pestilence13610]

It has been skimmed and painted can you borrow a dehumidifier?

[Artandco]

I think it just needs airing. It will be the smell of fresh skimmed walls and floor also. So just open all doors and windows whilst floor is put down. Then clean bathrooms and kitchen surfaces and by then should smell better already

[Whitecovers]

Thanks everyone, think I will get hold of a dehumidifier to kick start the airing out.

[adagio]

I'd give the kitchen and bathroom a good scub with your usual brand of cleaner (eg I use flash bathroom upstairs and stars drops in the kitchen so they smell of home to me), bleach and scrub loo, bleach or zoflora down all plug holes and a really good rinse (bucket/sink full) to refresh the u bends completely. Hoover with a new Hoover bag, few drops of tea tree or lemon oil on the Hoover bag/filter if you want to waft it around a bit.

Plus open all doors Windows etc as other have said.

Welcome to your new home! Remember to take before and after photos

[Whitecovers]

I'm here now, have opened all windows, poured bleach down every sink and toilet. Put bowls of bicarb, lemon juice and zoflora drops in each room. I'm going to go round with some anti bac wipes in a min.
Forgot my usual spray, bloody hell.

Also forgot my cup of tea

[Pestilence13610]

You forgot your cup of tea call the coastguard.

[Pestilence13610]

You forgot your cup of tea call the coastguard.

[celeste83]

Good luck with your new home, hope you don't end up spending the whole weekend cleaning it up and you can actually enjoy the new home. Saying that though i always totally blitz the house when i move into a new place even if they claim it has been cleaned professionally

[DownHereInTheHorridHouse]

A house of my mum's used to be like this - she found that lavender plants, although meant for the garden, were very good at masking it while she cleaned constantly! You can get quite big potted ones from Tesco just now, and Lidl, for about £3 each so maybe putting a few of them round, then you can plant them later?

[Whitecovers]

It's ok dh brought me an emergency brew!

Thank you so much, argh I'm so excited!

[Pestilence13610]

Sorry about the double post, was shocked by lack of tea.
Clean the radiators, seems to make a real difference.
Burn a couple of candles (don't need to be scented).
Daytime with windows open and night time with a dehumidifier plus just you living/visiting in should make a difference.
Congrats on the new house

[Whitecovers]

Downhere, I was just thinking what plants/flowers I can get to bring in a nice smell. My Lavender plant bit the dust this year so I will go get some more before planting them 👍🏻

[Pestilence13610]

Have you tried shagging DH on the staircase to celebrate new house? Will leave a gentle aroma of you

[Whitecovers]

I was quite distraught about the tea so I understand ha.

Just popped home so will take new next candle back up whilst I wait for gas man to come.

Thank you.

[Whitecovers]

There's still a stairlift waiting to be took out, might have a quick one in that

[SuperHeroesForKids]

I was going to say wipe down surfaces with diluted zoflora. So doors, window sills, kitchen units, bathroom, floors (if laminate/tiled/Lino)

Good luck with the move!

[celeste83]

It would be rude not to give the stairlift a go really

[wobblywonderwoman]

Enjoy your new home op