{"id":18051,"date":"2025-09-16T11:10:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-16T11:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/linwood-nc-puroclean-emergency-property-restoration\/blog\/odor-removal-in-your-home\/?lang=en"},"modified":"2026-10-10T13:33:50","modified_gmt":"2026-10-10T13:33:50","slug":"odor-removal","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/linwood-nc-puroclean-emergency-property-restoration\/blog\/odor-removal\/","title":{"rendered":"Steps to Remove Unwanted Smells in Your Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are many possible reasons why an unpleasant smell lingers in your house. Some smells signal a possible danger, like mold growth or decomposition, which often requires professional odor removal. Others, however, are not that serious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learn about what may be causing unexpected smells and get the best solutions for addressing household odors below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/linwood-nc-puroclean-emergency-property-restoration\/puroclean-demo\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2023\/03\/Bad-Smell--1024x684.jpeg\" alt=\"Odor Removal\" class=\"wp-image-19468\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why Is Odor Removal Important?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The need for <strong>odor removal<\/strong> arises when unpleasant smells affect the air quality in your living space. From kitchens to bathrooms, every room can be prone to odors. <strong>Odor removal<\/strong> is crucial not only for comfort but also for health reasons, as some odors may indicate mold or bacteria growth. Regular <strong>odor removal<\/strong> can improve comfort when the source is addressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Understanding the Sources of Odors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you can focus on <strong>odor removal<\/strong>, it&#8217;s essential to understand where the odors are coming from. Common sources of odors include cooking, pets, trash, and moisture. <strong>Odor removal<\/strong> methods can vary based on the origin of the smell. Identifying the source is the first step in selecting the right <strong>odor removal<\/strong> strategy for your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What smell are you trying to get rid of:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">1. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong><a href=\"#why-does-my-house-smell-musty\">My house has a musty odor<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong><a href=\"#my-house-smells-like-tobacco-smoke\">My house smells like tobacco smoke<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">3. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong><a href=\"#my-house-smells-like-pet-urine-or-skunk-spray\">My house smells like pet urine or skunk spray<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">4. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong><a href=\"#how-to-deodorize-a-house-affected-by-decomposition-odor\">My house smells like something is decomposing in it<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">5. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong><a href=\"#how-to-remove-other-smells-in-your-home\">My house smells but it could be anything<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-does-my-house-smell-musty\">1. Why does my house smell musty?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your home has suffered water damage or high humidity, the musty odor is likely the result of mold, which thrives in damp, warm, and dark places. Mold also presents several health risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mold exposure symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting rid of mold not only neutralizes the odor, but it also defends occupants from mold exposure health risks. Mold-sensitive individuals may exhibit allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, itchy eyes, wheezing and skin irritation. Moreover, mold can trigger asthmatic symptoms that include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Mold exposure can also cause irritant reactions, in which case the symptoms are like those of an allergic reaction: coughing, runny nose, eye irritation and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For proper odor removal in your house, the affected area will need to be dried and the mold properly removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for mold-related odor removal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check damp areas for leaks and visible growth. Moisture meters help locate damp materials; they do not identify mold or prove that hidden mold is present.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For small mold areas on suitable hard surfaces, follow EPA cleanup guidance and dry thoroughly. Porous moldy materials may need replacement. Bleach is not routinely recommended for mold cleanup; killing mold alone does not remove it. Never mix cleaning chemicals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For musty carpet, identify the moisture source and assess whether the carpet and padding are salvageable. Deodorizing cannot make moldy or sewage-contaminated carpet safe. Follow material-specific cleaning advice and avoid adding unnecessary moisture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For any mold removal task, we recommend contacting a professional mold remediation company, such as PuroClean. Our technicians provide industrial-strength machines and have extensive mold removal experience. They use dehumidifiers, air-moving machines, and fans to thoroughly dry the area, reducing the risk of recurring growth when moisture is controlled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"my-house-smells-like-tobacco-smoke\">2. My house smells like tobacco smoke<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How tobacco smoke affects your home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Smoking tobacco releases odorous substances that stick to every surface of the area in which smoking occurs. Cigarette smoke also penetrates more odor-absorbing objects, such as carpets, upholstery, bedding, clothes, and many more. Additionally, the HVAC system of a building can carry the smoke odor and chemicals throughout the structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tobacco residue is extremely hard to remove and requires professional equipment and services. But, if you want to try to DIY, here are a few tips for cigarette smoke odor removal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Long-term cigarette odor removal solutions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For cigarette smoke odor removal, you must thoroughly clean the tobacco smoke residue from every surface and corner in the home:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One of the easiest and most natural methods of odor removal is proper ventilation. Open windows and let fresh air flow through your home. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean or replace all air filters, furnace filters, and AC filters. When working properly, these items will help in continual odor removal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean walls and ceilings with a product suitable for the surface and residue, following the label. Never mix ammonia, bleach, vinegar, or other cleaning products.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you can still smell cigarette odor after cleaning, repaint the walls and ceilings with latex paint. Use a sealant designed to lock in odors before painting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean everything in the home: floors, windows, carpets, furniture, upholstery, draperies, blinds, and other household surfaces, fixtures, and items. Hire a professional cleaning company if the residue is too difficult to remove.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Short-term cigarette odor removal solutions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want inexpensive short-term solutions, try these tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use an air purifier in your home.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sprinkle baking soda on the carpets, leave it overnight to absorb bad smells, and vacuum it the next day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place saucers of white vinegar around the house and leave them overnight to neutralize the smell.*<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not rely on houseplants to remove indoor smoke pollution. Source removal, appropriate cleaning, and ventilation matter more than adding plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place small bowls of coffee throughout the home.*<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid masking smoke odors with burning candles, which can add particles and create a fire hazard.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave orange peels around the home.*<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove food scraps promptly rather than leaving fruit in closed rooms to mask odors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place bowls of activated charcoal around the home.*<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>*Please be mindful of where you place these items throughout your home as they may be harmful to children and pets if ingested.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Completely removing cigarette smoke odor from a home is a very time-consuming and complicated process. If the situation is severe, call a professional smoke remediation specialist, such as PuroClean, for odor removal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How professionals perform smoke odor removal from a property<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As tobacco residue is present throughout the entire affected area, removing it is often very difficult. There is no magic formula that just whisks away residues and smells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The only effective way to remove tobacco residue and smell is through very thorough cleaning and then sealing all structural surfaces. Restoration specialists start tobacco smoke odor removal by cleaning all surfaces. The cleanup includes deodorizing agents to help eliminate the very tiny particles of tobacco smoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After source removal and cleaning, professionals may assess further deodorization options. Ozone is a lung irritant and is not an occupied-space air-cleaning solution. Any specialized treatment requires suitable controls and equipment-specific safety procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next step consists of sealing the surfaces with a product designed to seal smoke residues. These can lock in the very last of the stains and odors. Finally, the surfaces will be ready to paint, refinish or apply new coverings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What about the soft items? Things such as upholstery, bedding, draperies, and clothes absorb odors very well and are often easily damaged. Because of this, they are very difficult to successfully restore and may require specialists. In many cases though, the decision is made to simply replace these materials and items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For cigarette smoke odor removal, call the pros!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For tobacco smoke odor removal in your home effectively and in the shortest time possible, hire a professional restoration company like PuroClean. We provide complete smoke cleaning and sanitation, professional deodorization, as well as duct cleaning services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"my-house-smells-like-pet-urine-or-skunk-spray\">3. My house smells like pet urine or skunk spray<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Skunk spray and serious pet urine odor are some of the most upsetting when they affect your home. But, although controlling those odors can be difficult, it can be achieved. Here are tips on how to properly deodorize these odors from a house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to remove pet urine or skunk smell<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nonporous surfaces&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2014 If pet urine or skunk spray is on a nonporous surface, such as metal or plastic, thorough cleaning is the first step and may be enough. Since the odorous substance contains natural oils, which is the cause of the smell, you will want a strong detergent. Using warm water and strong detergent should be effective and should not take long. After washing the surface, rinse it with warm water. If the smell is still there, repeat the process. Make sure to rinse with warm water to clean away any residue left behind.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Porous surfaces&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2014 If pet urine or skunk is on a porous surface, like carpet, particleboard, or upholstery, cleaning them is also the first step. Clean these as you would a non-porous surface. These surfaces are more difficult to clean, so if your efforts are not successful, or if the task is too overwhelming, call a professional restoration company. Carpet and pad with excessive pet urine damage creates a biohazard condition and should usually be removed and discarded.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Semi-porous surfaces&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2014 On semi-porous materials, such as most wood, also clean with a solution of water and detergent as explained above. To help neutralize the odor, the detergent should be allowed to penetrate the surface. However, if the wood is heavily damaged by urine or skunk spray, it will most likely need to be disposed of. Seek assistance from a restoration company to improve your chances of restoring damaged semi-porous material.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to eliminate general pet odors:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pets need regular bathing and grooming. Washing your furry friends helps remove odors and dirt, while frequent brushing prevents shedding hair from reaching your furnishings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a pet-safe shampoo as directed for routine bathing. If a pet has been sprayed by a skunk, contact your veterinarian about appropriate treatment; do not apply household deodorizing mixtures as a routine bath.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Empty the cat litter box, then clean it by pouring \u00bd inch of vinegar in it and adding some baking soda. Add water, stir and let it soak for a few hours. Afterward, remove the liquid, wash, rinse and let it dry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regularly clean and vacuum your furniture and carpets. Make sure to read the instructions and use cleaning products that don\u2019t harm your animal companions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A common solution to removing general pet odors is baking soda. Just sprinkle a small amount of fresh baking soda on carpets and fabrics in your room, leave it on for 15 minutes (or more), then vacuum it. You can also use baking soda as a substitute for home air fresheners.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use filters compatible with your HVAC system and replace them according to manufacturer guidance. HEPA filtration can reduce airborne particles, but particle filters alone do not remove every gas or odor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean the objects that the pets use (toys, food containers, etc.) weekly. Doing so not only improves the smell in your home, but also your pets\u2019 health.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If odors persist, reassess the source or contact PuroClean. Masking a smell does not remove contamination. Specialized deodorization methods must be selected for the conditions and used with appropriate safety controls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-deodorize-a-house-affected-by-decomposition-odor\">4. How to Deodorize a House Affected by Decomposition Odor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most severe smells comes from the decomposition of human or animal bodies. Check out our tips to remove these odors from your home:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Decomposition involving a person:<\/strong> Contact the appropriate authorities first. After the scene is released, trained cleanup personnel should assess contamination. OSHA\u2019s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard may apply to occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials; it is not a blanket rule specifying one product for every cleanup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dead animal odors:<\/strong> Avoid direct contact and seek professional advice for inaccessible animals, substantial contamination, or uncertainty. Follow public-health guidance and product labels for any limited cleanup; do not dry-sweep or vacuum rodent waste.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you\u2019re not sure what to do when confronted with an odor problem, contact a restoration professional right away, before the problem worsens. For any odor removal situation, call your local PuroClean office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-remove-other-smells-in-your-home\">5. How to remove other smells in your home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"how-0\">Bad odors also linger in places like the kitchen, basement, and bathroom. They permeate areas such as carpets, fabrics, and your pets\u2019 favorite spots. Here are budget-friendly tips for eliminating bad odors from various areas in your home:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Remove the source of the smell.<\/strong> To truly fix the odor issue, identify the problem and fix it. For instance, fixing the plumbing could stop the bad smells from permeating your home.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wash hard surfaces<\/strong>, such as countertops, tables, hard floors, and walls. Use either your favorite cleaner or a mixture of half water, half white vinegar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Clean carpets and fabrics:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For carpets, a simple way to eliminate odor is to use baking soda, a natural deodorizer. After the carpet is dry, sprinkle baking soda on it, then allow the baking soda to sit overnight. The next day, remove the baking soda with a vacuum cleaner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On upholstery, use white vinegar to absorb the odor. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spritz it on the upholstery. Wait until the vinegar air-dries. The strong smell of vinegar, along with the musty odors, will be gone once it has dried.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fight kitchen smells:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fridge \u2014 keep an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb smells. For more efficiency, wipe down shelves using hydrogen peroxide and a piece of cloth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Garbage disposal \u2014 grind some ice, then sprinkle Borax down the disposal and rinse it with water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fish and other food smells \u2014 remove food waste, use kitchen exhaust ventilation, and clean affected surfaces with a suitable product. Do not boil vinegar to create concentrated vapors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Garbage can \u2014 if the can itself smells, wash it with water and white vinegar. If the garbage smells, but the can isn\u2019t full yet, remove the odors by dropping some coffee grounds in it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Remove bathroom odors:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Toilet \u2014 add 1 cup of white vinegar into the bowl, wait 5 minutes, then scrub and flush.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sink drain \u2014 clean accessible strainers according to manufacturer guidance. A persistent sewer-like odor or slow drain needs plumbing assessment; do not pour concentrated bleach or mixed chemicals into the drain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"if-nothing-else-works-call-the-odor-removal-specialists\">If nothing else works, call the odor removal specialists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are many reasons, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.atsdr.cdc.gov\/odors\/about\/index.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">natural<\/a> or other, that odor can persist in your home. Following these tips can help lessen the odors in your home. For professional deodorization services in homes affected by tobacco smoke, fire, mold, or other causes, contact your local PuroClean office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Get help with odor remediation by calling the PuroClean Emergency Property Restoration at <a href=\"tel:+13367763630\" class=\"phone-link\">336-776-3630<\/a>. Alternatively, use our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/linwood-nc-puroclean-emergency-property-restoration\/\">office locator<\/a> to find your local office. Our restoration experts stand ready to come to your property\u2019s rescue 24\/7!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are many possible reasons why an unpleasant smell lingers in your house. Some smells signal a possible danger, like mold growth or decomposition, which often requires professional cleanup. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":19470,"template":"","blog-category":[14],"class_list":["post-18051","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blog-category-biohazard-clean-up"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/linwood-nc-puroclean-emergency-property-restoration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/18051","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/linwood-nc-puroclean-emergency-property-restoration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/linwood-nc-puroclean-emergency-property-restoration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/linwood-nc-puroclean-emergency-property-restoration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/linwood-nc-puroclean-emergency-property-restoration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/18051\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20602,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/linwood-nc-puroclean-emergency-property-restoration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/18051\/revisions\/20602"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/linwood-nc-puroclean-emergency-property-restoration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19470"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/linwood-nc-puroclean-emergency-property-restoration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18051"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"blog-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/linwood-nc-puroclean-emergency-property-restoration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog-category?post=18051"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}