A nasty niff in your home is not something to ignore. Air fresheners can only do so much, and on the whole, it’s better to get it dealt with promptly, rather than trying to mask it.
Identify the source of the smell
The first step in tackling unpleasant domestic odours is finding out the cause.
Common culprits for smells in the home include:
- rubbish bins
- pets
- damp carpets
- food spills
- plumbing problems
Tackle kitchen odours effectively
Strong cooking smells can drift around the house and while they might smell lovely when you’re hungry, later on they’re not so pleasant. Prevent lingering odours by closing the kitchen door, using lids on pots and pans and turning on an extractor fan while cooking.
Keeping your fridge clean and placing an open box of baking soda inside will also help absorb unwanted smells.
Don’t leave plates sitting with food scraps on them. At least scrape plates into the food waste bin and rinse them if you haven’t got time to wash them straight away.
Empty bins regularly and wash them out as needed. A smaller bin that needs emptying to the outside bin more frequently might be a better solution than a larger bin. A smaller bin should be easier to clean than a larger one, too.
Eliminate bathroom and drain smells
Bathrooms are another common source of unpleasant odours. Regularly clean toilets, sinks, and drains to prevent the build-up of bacteria and mildew. Change towels and deal with laundry every couple of days, rather than waiting until the laundry bin is overflowing.
If you’ve got persistent plumbing problems – such as slow draining sinks, pipes that make strange noises or a toilet with a dodgy flush, get a plumber to take a look.
Manage pet-related odours
Pets bring so much joy to family life, but they can also contribute to odours. Washing your pet’s bed frequently, vacuuming fur, and using pet-safe deodorisers will help keep smells under control. Empty litter trays often, and speak with a vet if your animal is weeing where it shouldn’t, as it can be a flag for certain health issues. Be ready to go back to basics with house training your pet.
If your pet wees or poos accidentally in the house, clean it up immediately using an enzymatic cleaner. This should keep bad smells at bay.
Prevent damp and mould
Damp and mould can cause musty smells that are difficult to eliminate from a home. Fix any leaks or condensation issues promptly. Some people swear by dehumidifiers. Regularly check under sinks, around windows, and in basements for mould growth. If necessary, use mould-killing solutions to prevent the problem from recurring.
Keep your home well-ventilated
Once you’ve dealt with the source of the odour, you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t recur. Good airflow is really helpful in maintaining a fresh-smelling home. Open windows and doors regularly to let fresh air circulate, particularly in rooms prone to stuffiness. You don’t need to do it for long – ten minutes a day can make all the difference.
Using extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms can help remove odours at the source.
Clean regularly and thoroughly
A clean home is a fresh-smelling home. Regularly vacuum carpets, wipe down surfaces and clear out rubbish. Deep cleaning carpets, curtains and upholstery occasionally will also help to remove lingering smells embedded in fibres.
Reduce the amount of clutter in your home to make cleaning it less difficult. If necessary, put things you don’t use every day into storage to give yourself a bit more space at home. Most storage companies will require you to insure your stored domestic goods.
Banishing bad smells
Unpleasant odours in your home can be frustrating, but with the right approach, they can be eliminated and prevented. By identifying the source, and keeping up with regular cleaning, you can maintain a fresh and inviting living space. A little effort goes a long way in ensuring your home always smells pleasant and welcoming.
