How to Get Rid of House Odors: Expert Tips

Bad odors often linger in places like the kitchen, basement and bathroom; they permeate you pets’ favorite spots, carpet and fabric fibers, and more. Here are some budget-friendly tips for eliminating bad odors from various sources in your home:

• Remove the source of the smell. To truly fix the odor issue, you should identify the cause and fix the problem. For instance, removing a dead rodent from the air ducts or fixing the plumbing could stop the bad smells from permeating your home.
• Wash hard surfaces, such as counter tops, tables, hard floors or walls with either your favorite cleaner or with a mixture of half water, half white vinegar.
• Eliminate pet odors
  • Wash the dog with a solution of 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid. Avoid the eyes and ears.
  • Empty the cat litter box, then clean it by pouring ½ inch of vinegar in it and adding some baking soda. Add water, stir and let it soak for a few hours. Afterwards, remove the liquid, wash, rinse and let it dry.
• For more tips on how to get rid of pet odors in your home click here.

• Clean carpets and fabrics. If the carpet smells, clean it yourself or have it professionally cleaned. As a temporary solution, sprinkle a small amount of fresh baking soda, leave it on for 15 minutes (or more), and then vacuum it.

• Fight kitchen smells
  • Fridge – 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.
  • Garbage disposal – grind some ice, then sprinkle Borax down the disposal and rinse it with water.
  • Fish and other food smells – boil a cup of vinegar on the stove to release vapors that absorb smells quickly. Wipe down the cabinets with soap and warm water.
  • Garbage can – if the can itself smells, wash it with water and white vinegar. If the garbage smells, but the can isn’t full yet, remove the odors by dropping some coffee grounds in it.
• Eliminate cigarette smoke. To completely remove tobacco smell, clean the smoke residue on every object and structure in the affected room(s). As a temporary solution, mask the smell with bowls of white vinegar, coffee grounds or activated charcoal. Click here for more tips on cigarette odor removal.
• Remove bathroom odors
  • Toilet – add 1 cup of white vinegar into the bowl, wait 5 minutes, then scrub and flush.
  • Sink drain – mix ½ cup of bleach and ½ cup of water and pour it down the drain. Let it stand for 1 hour and then rinse with water.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Odors in the Home

What causes unpleasant odors in a home?
Unpleasant odors can come from cooking, pets, smoke, mold, mildew, plumbing issues, or dirty carpets and upholstery. Identifying the source is key to eliminating the smell effectively.

How can I quickly get rid of odors in my home?
Open windows for ventilation, clean the source of the odors, use natural deodorizers like baking soda or vinegar, and consider air purifiers to remove lingering smells.

Do pets cause permanent odors?
Pets can cause recurring odor if accidents are not cleaned promptly. Regular cleaning of pet bedding, litter boxes, and living areas, along with enzyme-based cleaners, helps prevent persistent smells.

Can mold or mildew cause odors in my home?
Yes, mold and mildew produce musty odor, especially in damp areas like basements, bathrooms, or closets. Address moisture problems and clean affected areas to eliminate these odors.

Are there natural ways to remove odors?
Yes, natural solutions like baking soda, white vinegar, activated charcoal, and essential oils can help neutralize household odor effectively.

How can I get rid of smoke odor?
Smoke odors from cigarettes or cooking can be removed by washing walls and fabrics, using air purifiers, ventilating rooms, and, in severe cases, professional odor removal services.

When should I call a professional for odor removal?
Call a professional if odors persist despite cleaning, or if they originate from mold, water damage, or smoke. Professionals use advanced techniques to fully eliminate smells and prevent recurrence.