How to Eliminate Bad Smells in the House

Ever walked into your home, only to be greeted by an unpleasant whiff that seems to cling to the air? You’re not alone.

As it turns out, several things can leave a lingering odor – from your appliances to mold and mildew on the walls.

Don’t worry, though, it’s possible to get rid of these foul odors. If anything, you just need to know what to do and that’s exactly what we’ll be going over in this post. Keep reading to learn more!

Common Causes of House Smells

Bad smells in a home can come from several sources – appliances, furniture, and even hidden areas like basements or attics.

The Invisible Culprits: Appliances and Furniture

Your favorite couch may be hiding unpleasant odors – so could your kitchen appliances.

Over time, food particles can get stuck in hard-to-reach places leading to bad smells. Cleaning them regularly can help keep these pesky odors away.

If you’re dealing with pet-related odors on your furniture, vacuuming frequently is key. Using enzyme-based cleaners will also help break down odor-causing compounds from pet accidents.

Transient Troublemakers: Temporary Smells and Their Sources

Sometimes it’s not just about permanent fixtures in your home causing foul smells. That fish dinner you cooked last night? It may still be lingering around this morning.

Cooking pungent foods often leaves temporary but strong scents that need airing out or masking with pleasant fragrances. For example, you can use an air purifier to get rid of the weird smell. It’ll also improve the indoor air quality.

Remember, you don’t have to live with these smells. Regular cleaning and using the right products can and will help banish bad odors from your home.

Kitchens, Laundry Rooms, and Bathrooms

Odors From Food: Kitchens

The kitchen isn’t just for cooking; it also becomes a magnet for smells. After all, we do so much there besides preparing meals.

Your garbage disposal unit can be a big culprit too. Fortunately, you can prevent that by giving it a good deep clean every now and then. For example, you can use ACTIVE Garbage Disposal Cleaner tablets.

Heating certain types of oils and fats can also release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. To reduce VOCs, you want to maximize ventilation by opening windows.

Note: While natural gas is odorless, it is treated with mercaptan to give it a distinctive “rotten eggs” smell.

If you notice a rotten eggs smell coming from your kitchen, chances are there might be a natural gas leak. In cases like that, you’ll want to go outside and contact a professional.

Laundry Rooms: Where Musty Smells Lurk

Laundry rooms tend to have moisture buildup that can result in a musty smell.

To avoid these damp issues altogether, make sure your washing machine door stays open between uses letting air circulate inside properly. You can also use a dehumidifier to get rid of the excess moisture in the air.

Bathrooms: A Hotspot for Residue and Drain Odors

Bathrooms are naturally prone to residue buildup or drain odors due to their regular exposure to moisture. Keeping your bathroom well-ventilated and dry is key to preventing these issues.

If you notice a bathroom smell, it might be time for a good scrub with ACTIVE’s specially formulated cleaners.

Sniffing Out Odors in Kid’s Rooms

Kids’ rooms can be hotspots for funky odors.Let’s start with the obvious: dirty laundry. Those gym socks tossed carelessly under the bed?

They’re hotspots for grime, which can leads to bad smells. Make sure kids know where their hamper is – and how to use it.

Cleaning Up The Air

The best way to get rid of the smell in your house is to improve ventilation and the best way to do that is by opening the windows.

Baking soda also works wonders when sprinkled onto carpets before vacuuming or left open in a bowl as an “air freshener.”

But sometimes, we need more firepower. For that, we highly recommend ACTIVE’s line of cleaning products as they are specially designed to tackle stubborn smells in appliances and surfaces around the home.

Products For Removing Household Odors

The Power of Baking Soda and Vinegar

You can sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming to absorb stale smells.

Vinegar is also handy when it comes to combating bad scents. For example, a bowl of white vinegar left overnight in an area with stubborn odors, such as the kitchen after cooking fish or curry, works wonders by morning.

Appliance Cleaners: Your Secret Weapon

Don’t forget to clean your appliances regularly as well – doing so will prevent odors and keep them in tip-top condition.

Take the dishwasher, for example, it isn’t only meant for dishes; running it empty with a specialized cleaner such as the one by ACTIVE once every month will help prevent buildup that leads to unpleasant smells.

Your washing machine deserves similar care. We recommend using ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner monthly to keep your clothes from coming out smelly.

Scented Candles and Essential Oils

Sometimes you need more than just elimination; you want your home to smell inviting as well. A high-quality scented candle or diffused essential oils can provide pleasant aromas that mask any lingering unpleasantness after deep-cleaning tasks have been completed.

Keep in mind, however, that they should never replace proper cleaning.

Musty Smells: A Sign of Hidden Issues

A common culprit behind these unpleasant odors is hidden moisture issues in the basement or attic.

Your carpeting may also be hiding some smelly secrets. Spills that soak down into the padding underneath can lead to mold growth if not properly cleaned up; this will create an environment ripe for those funky smells to thrive.

The Basement Dilemma

Basements are notorious for harboring unwanted smells due to their propensity for being damper than other parts of the house.

You need more than just a casual glance around; get on hands and knees and give your basement floor a good sniff. If it seems like there might be moisture lurking below the surface, bring in professionals who specialize in detecting water damage.

Mysterious Attic Odors

Your attic is another potential source of mustiness because it’s an area often neglected. Insulation can hold onto moisture, leading to mold and mildew growth.

Give your attic a thorough inspection for any signs of water damage or dampness. Proper ventilation is key to preventing these issues.

Removing Unpleasant Household Smells – FAQs

How do you get rid of a bad smell in house?

Clean regularly, air out spaces, and use baking soda or vinegar to absorb odors. Consider appliance cleaners such as the ones by ACTIVE for the kitchen and laundry machines.

What is the strongest odor eliminator?

ACTIVE offers a line of cleaning products that are highly effective at eliminating and breaking down odors. Vinegar and baking soda can also help.

What products get rid of smells in the house?

Baking soda, vinegar, enzyme-based cleaners (e.g. ACTIVE products), and activated charcoal absorbers are all great choices to combat household odors.