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How to Eliminate Bad Smells in the House
November 8, 2023
-
By
Ava Thompson
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.
Using ACTIVE Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray
Using an enzyme-based cleaner is key if you’re dealing with pet-related odors on your furniture. For the best results, we recommend using ACTIVE Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray.
Step 1: Apply the Spray
Spray the problem area and let it sit for 30-60 minutes. For set-in stains, we recommend brushing the area with a soft bristle brush to loosen the stain.
Step 2: Soak Up the Stain
Using a cloth or paper towel, gently soak up the stain.
Step 3: Wipe Away the Remaining Solution
Use a damp cloth or shampoo vac to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray
- Damp cloth or paper towels
- Soft bristle brush (optional)
ACTIVE Odor & Stain Eliminator Spray can be used on various surfaces from carpets to upholstery.
ACTIVE Pet Odor & Stain Eliminator
Quickly and thoroughly remove pet odors with our enzymatic spray for cats, dogs and more.
Transient Troublemakers: Temporary Smells and Their Sources
Sometimes, it’s not the permanent fixtures in your home that are causing foul smells. That fish dinner you cooked last night? It may still be lingering around in the morning.
Cooking pungent foods often leaves temporary but strong scents that need airing out. For example, you can use an air purifier to 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
The kitchen isn’t just for cooking; it also becomes a magnet for smells. After all, we do so much there besides preparing meals.
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
You also want to be careful with natural gas. While the gas itself is odorless, it is typically treated with mercaptan to give it a distinctive “rotten eggs” smell. If you notice a rotten egg 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..
Using ACTIVE Garbage Disposal Cleaner Tablets
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.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Garbage Disposal Cleaner Tablets
Step 1:
Turn on the faucet and run a small stream of hot water away from the drain.
Step 2:
Turn on the garbage disposal and place one ACTIVE Garbage Disposal Cleaner tablet into the drain. It’ll automatically foam up, removing food residue and eliminating odors.
Step 3:
Continue to run the disposal unit and water until all of the foam drains (about one minute).
For the best results, use ACTIVE Disposal Cleaner & Deodorizer twice per month.
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 so that the air can circulate properly. You can also use a dehumidifier to get rid of the excess moisture in the air.
We also recommend cleaning your washing machine with ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner once a month.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner
- Damp cloth
Step 1:
Make sure the washing machine is empty before you use the cleaning tablets.
Step 2:
Add one ACTIVE tablet directly into the drum. Do not put it in the detergent dispenser.
Step 3:
Run a cleaning or regular wash cycle with hot water.
Step 4:
Use a damp cloth to wipe away any leftover residue once the cycle is finished. Pay extra attention to the drum and gasket areas.
For washers with significant buildup, we recommend scrubbing the residue with a wet brush first before using the ACTIVE tablets.
Removing Odors From the Bathroom
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. For example, you can eliminate mold and their musty odors with ACTIVE Mold Stain Remover.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Mold Stain Remover
- Damp cloth or sponge
Step 1:
Apply the gel onto the affected area and let it sit for 3-5 hours. That will allow the product to penetrate the mold.
Step 2:
Use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe away the gel.
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 lead to bad smells.
Cleaning Up The Air
The best way to get rid of odors (aside from removing the offending item) is to improve ventilation and the best way to do that is by opening windows.
Baking soda also works wonders when sprinkled onto carpets before vacuuming (more on this later). You can also leave it out in the 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
Baking soda is a great deodorizer, as mentioned earlier. For example, you can use it to deodorize your carpets and rugs.
Supplies:
- Baking soda
- Soft bristle brush
- Vacuum cleaner
Step 1:
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the carpet. Using a soft bristle brush, gently work it into the fibers.
Step 2:
Let the baking soda sit for 15-20 minutes, or overnight if you’re dealing with stubborn odors.
Step 3:
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda.
You can also use baking soda to eliminate smells from your fridge, dishwasher, and other appliances.
The Power of White Vinegar
Vinegar is also highly effective when it comes to combating bad scents. This has to do with the fact that it’s mildly acidic, which helps eliminate odors.
Supplies:
- White vinegar
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Damp cloth
Step 1:
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Step 2:
Apply it to the offending area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping clean with a damp cloth.
Apple cider vinegar is a suitable alternative if you don’t have white vinegar.
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 can lead to odors.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner
Step 1:
Make sure the dishwasher is empty before you start.
Step 2:
Add one ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner tablet to the detergent dispenser tray.
If it’s been a while since you last cleaned your dishwasher, consider adding a second tablet to the bottom of your machine.
Step 3:
Run a normal cleaning cycle.
Step 4:
Once the cycle is finished, leave the dishwasher door open so that it can air dry.
Don’t forget to clean the dishwasher filter as well.
Scented Candles and Essential Oils
Using a high-quality scented candle or diffused essential oils can provide your home with a pleasant aroma – one that will help mask any lingering smells after cleaning.
Keep in mind, however, that they should never replace proper cleaning.
Musty Smells: A Sign of Hidden Issues
Hidden moisture in the basement or attic can lead to musty smells.
The same goes for your carpets. Any spills that soak down into the padding can result in mold growth.
The Basement Dilemma
Basements are notorious for harboring unwanted smells as they’re often damper than other parts of the house.
So get on your hands and knees and give your basement floor a good sniff. If it seems like there’s moisture lurking below the surface, it’s time to bring in the professionals who specialize in water damage.
Mysterious Attic Odors
Your attic is another potential source of mustiness. For one thing, insulation can hold onto moisture, leading to mold and mildew growth.
Given that, you want to give your attic a thorough inspection regularly for any signs of water damage or dampness. Remember, proper ventilation is key to preventing these issues.
Removing Unpleasant Household Smells – FAQs
What’s the best way to get rid of a bad smell in the 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 will get rid of smells in the house?
The cleaning products by ACTIVE is the best choice when it comes to eliminating odors.
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Ava Thompson
Ava Thompson is a cleaning specialist and home organization guru. Her profound knowledge, honed through years of experience, is thoughtfully shared in her thorough walkthroughs here on our blog. Ava’s pragmatic tips and innovative strategies empower individuals to transform their living spaces into models of cleanliness and order. She’s a go-to source for those seeking to enhance their home environment efficiently and effectively. She has become a key contributor on the ACTIVE blog.
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