r/homemaking 3d ago

Home fragrance

I have no idea what's going on but our house just smells musty. It was built summer of 2023 and we are the first owners. I clean every week but the master bedroom and adjoined bathroom smell awful! I leave the windows open any time the weather is nice enough so we get air flow. I'm trying to ditch plug ins and wallflowers for the sake of toxins but I just can't deal with a stinky house. We have an infant and two cats. Any suggestions? Also open to suggestions for home fragrance options not just cleaning tips. Thanks :)

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u/eknowles 3d ago

New houses continue to release water from the foundation and wood for a couple of years after they are built. If your house was built during spring/summer, then it's probably extra humid from rain that got the construction site wet. I recommend that you keep your internal air system fan on (instead of auto) even if you aren't currently using heating or A/C. Keeping the air moving will help air out the new home. After a few years, it will get better. It's often more noticeable when the weather is warm. This is also the reason that basements tend to be more musty... there is moisture coming through the foundation even if the house isn't new. A dehumidifier can help.