The old folks smell is really strong in the house right now. Is there any way to make it better before guests arrive?

Aging Care ran an article about this "The Truth About Old People Smell". It was interesting. In part it said "Nonenal production is a natural by-product of the aging process. Caused by the deterioration of the skin's antioxidant defenses, Nonenal production usually begins around age 40 in both men and women, and may be exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menopause.
As the skin grows weaker, its natural oils become oxidized more quickly; this is caused by fatty acids, which are secreted by the sebaceous glands and react to the oxygen in the air to form Nonenal. Because it isn't water soluble, Nonenal can remain on the skin despite washing, even remaining after intense scrubbing. Therefore, the smell caused by Nonenal persists, even in extremely clean environments." For the full article just put the title in the search bar.

This is probably too late for JessieBelle's holiday plans, but part of the problem might be a chemical called nonenal that is found in higher concentrations on old people's skin, even people who are very clean and have clean laundry. Conventional soaps don't work well on it. I've noticed the smell at times in my Mom's apartment. It is sometimes very strong and has amazing staying power in fabric. I'm attaching a link to an article about it. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/old-person-smell-174839.htm

My Mom had a strange odor in her house that was intermittent and seemingly unidentifiable. Although different that a natural gas odor, she eventually called to gas company to come and check it out. What they found that a critter (also know as a rat) and decided to expire in the vent from the dryer leading to outside of house. In my own house a gecko became trapped in an unused air-conditioner. the odor was only apparent when it became warm in the house or a breeze was blowing in from a window nearby. I also lived in a house once where a mouse died behind the dishwasher. Perhaps any these might be sources. If so, hope you can source and identify as very unhealthy as well as unpleasant to live with.

One answer=Yankee Candle concentrated room sprays!!

GardenArtist, as an 81 year old myself. like Windyridge said, we are putting so many chemicals in our bodies that a few more won't hurt anyway. Besides that, it isn't though we have a lot of years left to worry about a few more chemicals. Sad but true. I don't care for Fabreeze because it doesn't really clean, it just masks odors for awhile. I like Lysol it kills germs and smells better than Chlorine. Ours is the generation that used to spray DDT around the house to kill flies (that was my job during WWII), Daddy used to "fog" the campground with probably the same stuff, and the first blow dryers had asbestos in the barrels. I remember in the 70's the news told us to look down the barrels of our blowers and if they were white, throw them out because the white was asbestos. I had two of them. We survived mothers smoking and drinking while they were pregnant with us. And as much as you want to, and I do hope my kids want me to stay around for awhile, we only have few more years to live anyway. I had 2 people close to me and a cousin, die in one week this month. 2 more found out they are terminal. As the Lion King movie said, it is the circle of life.

HI, all - I'm not going to read all the replies, so pardon if this is a repeat. I have birds and am always trying to filter or treat the air. I found what works great, and yes it's cold outside but you don't have to do it for long, just on some kind of basis: get an oblong window fan that has reverse directions and exhaust some air out. They don't have great seals, so some air comes in but 30-45 mins at a clip is okay. I can't believe I didn't try it before, and it works so well. Someone may have mentioned cedar, like shredded for small pets, you can try some of that.

I have taken a tiny smear of scented oil or vanilla and dabbed it on a cold light bulb. When the light is on the scent really goes throughout the room so use sparingly if you try this. Lots of other good ideas on here too!

I'm not quite sure what you mean by "old folks smell", but odors in a house are caused by carpeting, smoke, urine, pets and chemicals used to clean things, fake wood and the list goes on and on. Whatever you use to clean something, use a non-chemical cleaner such as Method which is organic without chemicals. I use one with a spring scent and another with a grapefruit scent. Have carpeting cleaned with hot water and better yet, remove it and replace it with non-carpeting. Short of that, try to identify where the odor is coming from. I too like to bake cookies and boil cinnamon in a pot on the stove (with water). Don't add more chemicals to the mix and go natural. You could take mom shopping and air out the house while you are gone too, if that is an option. Happy New Year!

One of the worst problems I have is getting her out of the room so I can clean. She sleeps all morning on the couch. I gave up trying to reschedule her. It made both of us miserable. Then she wakes up and parks herself in front of the TV. If I want to clean, she says it doesn't need it and she's going to watch her TV. It's a battle, I tell you, to clean in that room.

And her bedroom -- forget about it. That is the craziest room in the world. I look at it and sigh. She puts quilts and blankets on the floor to keep the wind from blowing through the "cracks" in the floor. She doesn't understand there is no wind under the house and the concept of subfloor is lost on her. Ah, well. We do the best we can.

Jessie make up some de-skunking solution: 1 quart peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1tsp of Dawn blue dish soap. It will foam like mad. Take a stiff brush, dip it in the foam and lightly brush the chair and sofa where she sits. Let that dry and vacuum off any crystals that remain.

Yes Garden. I'm up for the Oscar this year. The carpet cleaner was an old buddie, the caregiver lady was an old girlfriend, the car wouldn't start, had long, fake phone conversation with dealer service manager, seems the computer is dead, your lawyer called, need to sign those wills Dad, Ill go to the foot doctor with you, I've got this bad hammer toe, my chain saw is busted, mind if I borrow yours? And the Oscar goes to..........

Yes Fyler! The d*mn Windows! I worked like a dog getting stuck windows open so the freshly cleaned carpet would dry, but Noooooooooooooo! Pops would close them right behind me. God forbid we have a breath of fresh air in the dump. So we sat breathing wet carpet fumes as the furnace ran for 2 days.

And my wife wonders why I'm a crazy grouchy pycho when I get home.

I think maybe if you find out exactly where the smell is coming from, then you could try and eliminate it.

Great idea to tell them a friend will do something for free. I might use that line, or add that I have a coupon to get it done for free.

Hmmmm....I think I'm going to be getting a lot of free coupons for various things that need to be done in the house.

I just spent 8 days in my folks smelly house. I finally managed to trick Dad into getting the carpet cleaned: YEA DAD, I RAN INTO AN OLD BUDDY OF MINE. HE WILL CLEAN YOUR CARPET FOR FREE! It worked. After 8 years, clean carpet.

Also febreeze and arm and hammer carpet fresh. Sprinkle it on, vacume. It not only freshens the rugs it freshens up the musty sweeper bag.

I don't have time for all the Martha Stewart crap. My folks are putting so many chemicals in their bodies anyway, a little bit more in the d*mn carpet won't kill them.

JessieBelle, on my gosh that smell.... for my parents it was because Mom never wanted any windows opened and I would try to sneak an outside door opened while bringing in groceries but Mom was like The Flash and that door would be shut.... [sigh].

It is impossible to do all the work of a variety of caregivers which my Dad has now since my Mom passed, and the house never smelled better. Lot of vacuuming, lot of "you better be wearing a clean Depends" [something that is hard for us children to say to a parent but not for a caregiver], and a lot a clean laundry. If a caregiver is bored, they will clean :)

I can't deal with potpourri either... for awhile I had trouble going into a Hallmark store, thank goodness they stopped that. I like the smell of fresh air, so now the caregivers will keep the front door opened with the screen door letting in fresh air. Otherwise, I like the pine oil where one puts in reeds to bring up the smell.

My mother's apartment will get smelling really bad as she will never opens a window (no matter the weather)....and as they have baseboards heaters, the air gets very stale. Check the garbage in all rooms. Mother will drop a wet depends wherever--(she can't smell anything anymore)..those will make an entire home smell within hours. Check the garbage disposal. Put baking soda in the bottom of garbage cans before you line them.
The orange slices, cinnamon sticks and cloves on a slow burner or a small crockpot will dispel odors for a large space. I will put down baking soda on the ONE spot my stupid grand-dog used as her personal potty (!) and won't vacuum that until right before people come over,
Also, if you have forced air heating, you can buy or make sachets that go in the vents and they will help dispel the musty smells. I wish you luck---

Lots of good suggestions here. I thought of another which isn't so much of an odor remover as an air freshener - one of the large canister size HEPA air filters. We both have one about 1.5' high and a little less in diameter. It removed the sense of dust that seems to clog nasal passages.

I recall that at one of my jobs the firm used to provide small air filters for our offices; it really helped keep the air fresh, especially in buildings with sealed windows.

I like the idea of lemon as well; it's such a nice, fresh fragrance.

Pam, your idea about the air filter was a great one. I was sitting on the floor in the rabbit room when the heat came on. The air smelled like that that in the living room. Changing the filter and adding some scents may do the trick to help cover up the odor. I know we won't have time for deep cleaning this week, with all the cooking and final shopping I have to do. I have the feeling the smell is in the fabric of the living room. My mother sits in the chair all day long and sleeps on the sofa most of the night. I know the compound that makes the smell is hard to clean, so I may start putting some washable throws over places she frequents.

Pop corn! Great idea. We have a friend a her kids coming by tomorrow afternoon, Jeanne. That is a perfect idea to camouflage the smell for the hour they will be here. And they'll just believe I made popcorn for the kids.

Removing the odor is the best approach, of course. But in the covering-it-up side, microwaving some pop corn adds a pleasant aroma to the house.

Excellent ideas from all and even orange peel slices simmering in a pan will create a great smell. Wherever you smell it the strongest, search to see if there isn't some material hidden somewhere that is causing the problem and get a washcloth with vinegar and baking soda and wipe down the surfaces as much as possible. Vinegar is great for removing smells. Don't try spraying a can of air fresher right before your company arrives because it only covers a short period of time and then it will smell again. Try the vinegar, you'll be surprised how quickly it can change the odors in the room. I clean my fridge out with the mix of vinegar, baking soda and water. Mop the floors with it and wipe surfaces. That should do the trick.

Aww bless I was just trying to cover all bases hun. It won't BE all of them - you just have to hunt out the main problem xxx

Jude, I think I'll hide in the closet and peek out occasionally. I have to admit that I'm not the greatest at keeping the house clean. It is so much for one person when Hurricane Mom dwells within. :) I usually feel proud to get it vacuumed and the kitchen and bathrooms clean.

Maybe I should have Christmas in my & the rabbit's rooms. Even with the litter box and dust everywhere, they are always fresh. At least I think they are. Maybe I just can't smell anything in my native rooms.

I forgot to mention the vacuum cleaner. Change the bag. If yours is bagless, completely clean the canister and replace the HEPA filter.

Baking soda absorbs odours so that is really useful.

You have to establish what the source of the smell is and that could be a myriad of things:

1. Closed rooms and stuffiness - rooms do need to be aired if only for ten minutes so try getting them in another room while you air the place throw the windows open wide and let is blow through - I try to do this on a windy day because I don't have to leave the windows open for so long
2. Cleaning - afraid this is a common one you have to deep clean everything and if you have a steam cleaner that will help kill the bacteria that causes the smells and of your steam cleaner allows you to use a disinfectant so much the better. If not mix disinfectant with water and spritz the area the night before then steam it the following day. Cleaning with soap water and white vinegar is great too.
3. Laundry - I have to make sure Mums clothes are washed every day - she would have them on her back 4 or 5 times before she let me wash them if she had her way. Same with the cushion covers. If the covers come of the cushions of the sofa wash them with a good dose of vinegar - the final rinse with fabric conditioner will remove the smells.
4. They can't smell it but you can - older people lose their sense of smell - heavens Mum says its lucky her poop doesn't smell! So they don't clean anything because they can't smell it is ...well smelly to say the least. I get the bins out and give them a good wash and air dry them in the garden too because thats is a gross smell. If you use bins for incontinence products they really smell rank if you don't cleanse them. I use bleach and water in a big dustbin outside and just drop the bin into it for a couple of hours, even though I use a sanibin which should stop all odours. And it does as long as I give it a good clean now and again
5. Dental Issues - is the smell in the room or is it body odour now I am not just talking incontinence here. Dental smells just add to that elder aroma
6. Dehydration and dry skin - they don't want to go t the bathroom every 5 minutes so they stop drinking enough - ring a bell?
That f itself increases the natural odour of older people as the concentration of body odour increases. Add to that dry skin and scaly skin which sheds and you can see a problem beginning. Urine becomes stronger and smells stronger too. they feel cold because they are dehydrated so they have more heating on and before you know it you have a vicious circle
7. Bathing - they never bathed every day when they were children and sometimes getting them to wash thoroughly is not easy either but it is vital to even begin to clear up general body odour especially in the genital area where it is strongest
8. Medicines - if they are taking meds that have sulphur in them that too can increase that odour.. Which ones have sulphur in them? Well unfortunately some antibiotics, some diuretics and some treatment for diabetes all common on older people have sulphur in them. To say nothing of all those lotions and rubs they put on that reek of menthol
9. Deep Cleaning
Im mentioning it again because many people we things over but if the smell has penetrated then you have to really get down and tackle it head on, anything you shake on a carpet will just add to the problem in the long term. half and half vinegar and water soak the area, then pat dry with a towel well several towels and repeat until there is no smell then put a fresh towel on and weight it down so that any additional moisture is soaked up. If you want it drier quicker you could use a wet and dry vac I think but whatever you do don't rub it - you will just make it worse
10. Potential hoarder?
Old things tend to smell more = think of the musty smell old books have for starters. That doesn't mean you have to throw everything out but try to downsize what you can so there is less to deal with first. The use baking soda to freshen up old books (NOT PRECIOUS EXPENSIVE ONES) Take down those curtains and wash them (and pray they don't fall apart if they have been there for years.

SO now all is clean put some fabric conditioner into a saucepan add quite bit of water and bring it very gently to a simmer. continue to simmer for about 20 minutes making sure it does boil dry and you should have a lovely smelling home for your guests.

If you have forced air heat, change the furnace filter and use a higher efficiency rated pleated filter. Stuff dryer sheets into upholstered furniture. Bake something yummy if you can, apple pie is always heavenly. Fresh air is always good, open a window just an inch or so in her room.

I have bought some of those electric tart burners ( about $10 at Wal Mart) and boy do they work!! Just plug it in and put the wax tart in the top. They melt fast and smell wonderful.. work pretty quickly. Then you don;t tie up a stove burner. I am also a fan of the Yankee Candle Good Air candles.. strong enought to fight the smoke smell in my house.

Here's a simmering mix I found for you that sounds nice:
3 cinnamon sticks
3 bay leaves
1⁄4 cup whole cloves
1 teaspoon ground cloves
2 lemon slices, fresh or 2 tablespoons dried lemon peel
2 tablespoons orange peel or 2 tablespoons dried orange peel
1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 quart water
I have read of people using a slow cooker for this if you have one :)

I should say I'm allergic to the potpourri you buy in the store and heat. I don't know what it has in it, but it almost kills me.

I'm going to try some of these things. Or maybe I should just hang a sign that says, "This is an old person's house. Deal with it." That probably wouldn't be so polite, though.

I'm allergic to potpourri, but ginger, cinnamon, vanilla sound good. Fresh air does sound the best, cwillie. We've just recently closed the house and turned on the heat this year. It had been so warm until recently. I probably need to get a good steam cleaning done. Until then, I'll try your suggestions.

BTW, I did try Febreze today, but it was no match for the odor. The odor returned as soon as the Febreze faded.

Maybe something to do with humidity, has it been damp where you are?
There are always nice holiday candles or you could put a nice simmering potpourri on the stove when you expect guests.
I also will pop open the bathroom window, shut the door and run the fan to bring in a little fresh air, but that won't work for you if your mom is in there a lot.