How to Remove Odors in Your Home: The Ultimate Guide

How to get rid of bad odors in your house? Bad smells, foul odors, and unpleasant smells … yuck. Odor problems lurk everywhere and we want to get rid of them as soon as possible. There are some simple steps to tackle those unwanted scents. I’m sharing the best way to remove odors around your home with some unique odor eliminators.

Bad smells can make even the cleanest home feel unwelcoming. Whether you’re dealing with cooking odors, pet smells, or musty spaces, there are simple and natural solutions to eliminate these unwanted odors. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share proven methods to keep your home fresh and inviting using everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

How To Remove Odors Video

https://youtu.be/QUp9trCm1lU

Kitchen Odors: Where Most Bad Smells Begin

The kitchen is often the biggest source of household odors, from cooking smells to garbage disposal funk.

Garbage Disposal

Let’s start with one of the most common problems: a smelly garbage disposal. To tackle this, begin by pouring baking soda down the disposal and letting it sit for about 10 minutes. The baking soda works to neutralize acids and absorb odors that have built up over time. Next, add white vinegar to create a foaming action that helps break down debris. Finally, drop in some citrus peels (orange or lemon work great) and run the disposal with water for a fresh scent.

For an alternative method, try freezing vinegar in ice cube trays and running these through the disposal. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, you can add lemon juice to the vinegar to give it a citrus scent.

Dishwasher

Your dishwasher can also be a source of unpleasant odors, but there’s a simple fix. Before running a cycle, place an upside-down glass filled with white vinegar on the top rack and run a normal cycle. The vinegar will both deodorize and remove spots, leaving your dishwasher fresh and clean.

Microwave

For microwave odors, create a natural deodorizing solution by mixing water and lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave this mixture for five minutes, and the steam will not only loosen debris but also leave behind a fresh citrus scent. This makes cleaning the microwave much easier while eliminating any lingering food odors.

Trash Can Odor

When putting in a fresh bag, sprinkle a little baking soda to the bottom to eat up those strong odors in your garbage can. You can also place a dryer sheet in the bottom of a trashcan. Most importantly don’t forget to wash your trashcan to reduce those odors.

General Kitchen Odors

To combat general kitchen odors, try this wonderful natural air freshener: fill a small pot with water, add some orange slices and cinnamon sticks, and let it simmer on low heat. This creates a warm, inviting aroma throughout your home. Just remember to check the water level periodically and add more as needed. You can also transfer this mixture to a slow cooker for longer-lasting fragrance without having to watch the stove.

Bathroom Odor Solutions

Bathroom odors require a multi-faceted approach.

Toilet Odor

For toilet areas, a combination of baking soda and vinegar works wonders. Start by sprinkling baking soda in the bowl, let it sit for a few minutes, then add vinegar. The fizzing action helps clean while deodorizing. For deeper cleaning and disinfecting, follow up with hydrogen peroxide.

Drain Odor

Drain odors can be particularly troublesome in bathrooms. To address these, sprinkle baking soda down the drain and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then pour in vinegar and let it fizz – this reaction helps break down buildup while eliminating odor-causing bacteria. Always finish by rinsing thoroughly with hot water to clear away any loosened debris.

Towel Odor

One often overlooked source of bathroom odors is towels. Over time, towels can develop a musty smell, even when they appear clean. To refresh them, start by soaking them in a vinegar solution, then wash with baking soda. The vinegar helps break down detergent buildup and bacteria, while the baking soda freshens and neutralizes any remaining odors. Always ensure towels are completely dry before folding and storing to prevent mildew.

Shower Curtain

Shower curtains can develop an unpleasant mildewy smell over time. To combat this, establish a regular cleaning routine where you take down the curtain and wash it in your washing machine. Add hydrogen peroxide and baking soda directly to the wash – the baking soda deodorizes and scrubs away mildew while the hydrogen peroxide disinfects and kills the mold spores. This combination treatment not only eliminates current odors but helps prevent future mildew growth. Make this cleaning a regular part of your bathroom maintenance to keep your shower area fresh and clean.

Living Areas and Fabrics

Carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics can trap odors over time, making your living spaces less pleasant.

Carpet and Upholstery Odor

For general freshening, baking soda is your best friend. Sprinkle it liberally over carpets and upholstery, then let it sit for 20-30 minutes before vacuuming thoroughly. The baking soda absorbs odors deep within the fibers, leaving your surfaces fresh and clean. You can also place a dryer sheet in between or underneath cushions to help your couches and chairs smell fresh.

Musty Furniture odor

Often furniture, drawers or closets can develop a musty smell, especially a piece that is closed. Clean the furniture with a 1:10 ratio of vinegar to the water.

After that dries, for the best result, place an open box of baking soda with the furniture to continue to absorb any lingering odor.

Pet Urine Odor

Pet accidents require special attention. Start by blotting up as much liquid as possible with clean cloths. Then apply a vinegar solution to neutralize the odor. Follow this with a mild soap solution to clean the area, and finish with a thorough water rinse to remove any residue. Remember to use clean cloths for each step to avoid recontaminating the area.

Closet and Drawer Odors

Closets and drawers can develop stale odors over time, but there are several effective solutions. Activated charcoal or baking soda boxes work well for continuous odor absorption. For a more pleasant scent, try creating your own sachets using coffee filters filled with peppermint tea or your favorite essential oils. Natural soap bars can also provide a subtle, lasting fragrance.

Natural Air Freshening Solutions

DIY Air Freshener

Creating your own air freshener is simple and more natural than commercial alternatives. Fill a spray bottle with water and add your favorite essential oils.

So many commercial air fresheners have a strong, unnatural perfume scent. Fill a spray bottle with water and add a little baking vanilla extract to the bottle.

Use the spray in your rooms to give them a fresh vanilla smell.

Place vinegar in a bottle and add a splash of lemon juice can add an extra fresh note. Shake the bottle well before each use, and you’ll have a chemical-free way to freshen any room.

Coffee Deodorizer

Coffee grounds are another excellent natural deodorizer. Place small bowls of used coffee grounds in odor-prone areas, or add them to your garbage disposal for quick freshening.

Rice Deodorizer

Rice combined with essential oils can create an effective air freshener that also helps absorb excess humidity.

Open Windows

And don’t underestimate the power of good ventilation – opening windows regularly, even for just a few minutes, can make a significant difference in your home’s air quality.

Pet Area Maintenance

Pet areas require regular attention to prevent odors from becoming overwhelming. For litter boxes and small animal cages, establish a regular cleaning schedule. When cleaning, use a vinegar solution to neutralize odors, then rinse thoroughly before adding fresh litter or bedding. This not only keeps the area fresh but also makes it more pleasant for your pets.

Remember, the key to maintaining a fresh-smelling home isn’t about masking odors but addressing them at their source. Regular cleaning, good ventilation, and prompt attention to spills and accidents will go a long way in keeping your home inviting and odor-free.

Appliance Maintenance

Your washing machine can become a source of mildew and musty odors if not properly maintained. The problem often starts in front-loading machines where water gets trapped in the rubber gasket, creating perfect conditions for mold growth. To deep clean your washing machine, start by running an empty cycle with vinegar to dissolve residue and kill bacteria. Follow this with a second cycle using baking soda to neutralize any lingering odors.

For ongoing maintenance, consider using a designated washing machine cleaner monthly – these are available even at dollar stores and can help prevent odor buildup. One of the most important preventive measures is leaving the washing machine door open between uses. This allows air circulation and prevents moisture from getting trapped inside. If your machine has a magnetic door, you can purchase a door prop or use a simple clip to keep it ajar. Some people even install special brackets designed specifically for this purpose.

The rubber gasket around the door also needs regular attention. Wipe it down periodically with a vinegar solution or hydrogen peroxide to prevent mold growth and keep odors at bay. This small maintenance step can make a big difference in preventing that musty washing machine smell from developing.

Room Freshener

Add a couple of drops of essential oil on a light bulb when it’s off and let it dry completely. When you turn on the light it will warm the essential oils and freshen the room.

Smelly Clothes

Sweaty workout clothes and smelly shoes present their own unique challenges. For workout clothes, start by adding vinegar to your wash cycle before adding detergent. The vinegar breaks down the bacteria and sweat buildup that causes those persistent odors. Follow up with baking soda in the same wash for extra freshening power.

Stinky Shoes

For shoes, several solutions work well: placing dryer sheets inside overnight, sprinkling baking soda inside, or creating small sachets with essential oil-infused coffee filters. You can also try the vinegar spray solution that works throughout your home – just be sure to let the shoes dry completely before wearing.

For a more consistent approach to air freshening, consider using multiple methods throughout your home. An electric diffuser can distribute essential oils effectively throughout a room, creating a pleasant atmosphere while helping to neutralize odors. Some essential oils actually break down airborne odor particles rather than just masking them.

Scented candles can also help create a welcoming environment, particularly after cooking or in smaller spaces. For the most comprehensive solution, an air purifier can make a significant difference in your home’s air quality.

Air purifiers work to remove not just odors but also allergens and other airborne particles that might contribute to unpleasant smells. When choosing an air purifier, look for one rated for your room size to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Odors that offend inside your home:

• mildew smells or musty odor
• kitty litter
• water damage help mold growth which can cause odors
• tobacco smoke and the smell of smoke from the kitchen
• pet odors and pet urine
• body odor
• fecal matter
• food particles and food spills

Natural Air Purification

While many people turn to artificial air fresheners, nature provides some of the most effective solutions for purifying indoor air. One of the most powerful natural odor absorbers is activated charcoal. This specially processed form of carbon contains countless microscopic pores that trap and neutralize odor molecules. You can place activated charcoal pouches in smelly areas, use it in air purifier filters, or even create your own odor absorbers by placing activated charcoal in small fabric bags. Unlike artificial fresheners, activated charcoal actually removes odors rather than just masking them.

Houseplants are another excellent natural solution for improving air quality. Through a process called phytoremediation, certain plants can absorb and neutralize air pollutants and odor-causing compounds. The peace lily, with its elegant white flowers, excels at removing common household odors and chemicals like ammonia and formaldehyde. Snake plants (also known as mother-in-law’s tongue) are particularly effective at removing air pollutants that contribute to unpleasant smells. Boston ferns and spider plants are also excellent choices, as they help absorb common household chemicals that can produce unwanted odors. For a fragrant option, consider adding lavender plants, which not only help purify the air but also provide a naturally calming scent.

While plants and activated charcoal work well for ongoing air purification, they work best as part of a comprehensive approach to odor control. Combining these natural solutions with proper ventilation and regular cleaning will give you the best results. Remember to use your exhaust fans while cooking and in bathrooms, and open windows whenever possible to allow fresh air circulation.

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to household odors. Make a habit of using exhaust fans while cooking and in bathrooms, change your air filters regularly, and empty trash bins frequently. Keep up with regular cleaning schedules, especially in high-traffic areas and pet spaces. When you notice a persistent odor, take time to identify and address the source rather than just trying to mask it. These simple habits, combined with the natural solutions we’ve discussed, will help maintain a fresh and welcoming home environment.

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