How to Get Rid of Bad Smell in House

  • October 18, 2024
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Is your house smelling less than fresh? Don’t worry; you’re not alone in battling unpleasant odors. Many homeowners face the challenge of eliminating bad smells, from musty basements to lingering pet odors. Whether you’re dealing with a smelly trash can, sewer gas, or mysterious food scraps hiding in forgotten corners, this guide will help you transform your home into a clean, fresh-smelling haven.

Selling a house can be tough, especially when trying to figure out how to stay positive when selling a house with persistent odor issues. But don’t let bad smells hold you back! Getting rid of unpleasant odors is a great place to start, and it can significantly impact your home’s appeal to potential buyers. We’ll walk you through effective methods to neutralize odors, from using natural remedies like baking soda and white vinegar to tackling mold growth and deep cleaning your carpets and hardwood floors.

Whether you’re preparing to list your home or simply want to enjoy a fresher living space, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to combat everything from rotten egg smells to musty laundry room odors. Let’s dive in and transform your home from smelly to sensational!

What are Bad Smells

Before we get to solutions, let’s understand what causes bad smells in houses. Indoor odors are caused by low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air. The human sense of smell helps detect dangers such as foul odors, often due to chemicals that can vaporize at room temperature and are harmful in high concentrations.

How To Get Rid Of Bad Smells In Your House

Where do Bad Smells Come From

  1. Appliances
  2. Furniture
  3. Carpets
  4. Fabrics
  5. Mold and mildew
  6. Sewer gas
  7. Natural gas leaks
  8. Animal related issues

Knowing where to look is key to removing the smell. Now, let’s get to those smelly culprits.

Find and Remove the Source of Bad Smells

Where to Look

  1. Check trash bags and leftover food in the kitchen.
  2. Check the back of pantries and cabinets for hidden, spoiled food.
  3. Check kitchen trash cans, sink drains, and stove area.
  4. Check bathroom trash cans, sink drains, and shower areas.

Once you’ve found the source, remove it. This one step alone can solve the problem.

Natural Ways to Neutralize Odors

Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda as it is a natural odor absorber. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Sprinkle on carpets, upholstery, and mattresses.
  2. Place an open box in the fridge to absorb food odors.
  3. Use pet bedding to keep your fur babies’ sleeping areas fresh.

Other Natural Odor Eliminators

  1. Vinegar: This liquid can eliminate odors and kill bacteria.
  2. Coffee grounds: Place a bowl of coffee grounds in smelly areas.
  3. Tea bags: Used tea bags can absorb odors in small spaces.
  4. Oats: Like baking soda, oats can clear odors from the air.
  5. Essential oils: Lemon and lavender oil can freshen up your home.
4 Ways You Can Eliminate Odor in a House

Cleaning and Maintenance to Get Rid of Bad Smells

Daily Cleaning Routine

Keeping your home clean is key to preventing bad smells. Follow these:

  1. Clean your house regularly to prevent dirt, dust, and bacteria buildup.
  2. Use a disinfecting spray to kill odor-causing bacteria.
  3. Clean your trash can often to prevent lingering odors.

Pet Hygiene and Cleanliness

If you have pets, pay extra attention to their areas:

  1. Keep your pet’s hygiene with regular baths and grooming.
  2. Wash pet bedding often to prevent odor buildup.
  3. Clean food and water bowls daily to prevent bacterial growth.

More Tips for a Fresh Home

Ventilation is Everything

Proper airflow can eliminate bad smells:

  1. Open windows and doors to let fresh air in.
  2. Use fans to circulate air and prevent stale odors.
  3. Keep interior doors open to air out the house.

HVAC

Don’t forget your heating and cooling system:

  1. Change air filters to trap odor-causing particles.
  2. Clean air ducts to prevent musty smells.

Fixing Specific Odor Problems

Kitchen Odors

  1. Clean the garbage disposal with lemon slices and ice cubes.
  2. Use baking soda and vinegar to clean sink drains.
  3. Wipe down the inside of your fridge.

If you notice a strong burning smell, it could indicate an electrical wiring malfunction. Inspect appliances, switches, or outlets for the source of the smell, and if it is intense, evacuate and call emergency services.

Bathroom Odors

  1. Run the exhaust fan during and after showers.
  2. Use a toilet brush and cleaner.
  3. Check for leaks that may cause mold.

Musty Basement Odors

  1. Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture.
  2. Check for water leaks and fix them.
  3. Clean and disinfect the area.

Smoking Odors

  1. Open windows and use fans to air out the space.
  2. Clean all surfaces, walls, and ceilings with a vinegar solution.
  3. Consider an air purifier with activated carbon filters.

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    Preventing Future Bad Smells

    Long Term Freshness

    1. Create a cleaning schedule.
    2. Clean up spills and messes as soon as they happen.
    3. Use natural air fresheners like essential oils or simmering spices.
    4. Keep trash cans covered and emptied often.
    5. Maintain your home’s humidity.

    When to Call in the Pros

    Sometimes no matter what you do, bad smells persist. In that case, it’s time to call in the experts:

    1. Mold remediation for severe mold issues.
    2. Plumbers for persistent sewer gas smells.
    3. HVAC technicians for heating and cooling system issues.

    Selling Your Home: When Odors are Overwhelming

    Sometimes no matter what you do, bad smells feel like a losing battle. This is especially true when you’re trying to sell your home. Bad smells can hurt your property’s value and appeal to potential buyers. In that case, you might wonder what your options are. Let’s talk about how selling to a cash home buyer might be the answer you’re looking for.

    The Challenge of Selling a Home with Odor Issues

    When listing a house with lingering odors, especially when new homeowners discover that the house smells bad, you’ll likely face a series of obstacles that can complicate the selling process:

    1. Reduced buyer interest: Unpleasant smells can deter potential buyers before they even have a chance to appreciate your home’s best features.
    2. Lower offers: Buyers might submit lower bids, anticipating the cost of odor remediation after purchase.
    3. Extended time on market: Homes with persistent smells often linger longer than their fresh-smelling counterparts.
    4. Increased selling expenses: You may need to invest in professional cleaning or remediation services to make your home more appealing. While researching expenses you can deduct when selling a house, you might find that some of these odor-removal costs could be tax-deductible. However, tracking these expenses and ensuring they qualify can add another layer of complexity to your home sale.
    5. Additional carrying costs: The longer your home stays on the market, the more you’ll spend on mortgage payments, property taxes, and utilities while it remains unsold.

    These challenges can transform the traditional selling process into a time-consuming and stressful experience. Also, the additional expenses and potential price reductions can significantly impact your bottom line. This is where an alternative solution, such as selling to a cash home buyer, can offer a more straightforward path.

    The Cash Home Buyer Solution

    Companies, like Leave The Key Homebuyers, offer a different path for homeowners with odor issues or other property challenges. Here’s why selling to a cash home buyer might be your best option:

    1. As-Is Purchase: Cash buyers buy homes in their current condition. So you don’t have to worry about expensive odor removal or repairs.
    2. Quick Sales: When you need to sell your home fast on Staten Island or anywhere in the NYC area, cash buyers can close in days or weeks not months.
    3. No Realtor Fees: Selling to a cash buyer eliminates the need for a realtor and the hefty commission fees that come with it.
    4. Simple Process: The process is usually more straightforward than traditional methods, with less stress and uncertainty.
    5. Fair Offers: Reputable cash buyers like Leave The Key Homebuyers will give you a fair offer based on your home’s current condition, including any odor issues.
    Selling to a Cash Home Buyer

    Selling to a Cash Home Buyer

    If you’re considering this option here’s what you can expect:

    1. Initial Contact: Reach out to a cash home buyer like Leave The Key Homebuyers. You can do this through their website or by phone.
    2. Property Info: Provide basic information about your property, including its condition and any odor issues you’re facing.
    3. Home Visit: The buyer will schedule a visit to see the property in person. Don’t worry about cleaning or fixing odor issues – they want to see the home as-is.
    4. Cash Offer: After the visit, you’ll get a cash offer for your home.
    5. Acceptance and Closing: If you accept the offer you can close on your timeline, sometimes in as little as 7 days.

    Why Leave The Key Homebuyers?

    When it comes to cash home buyers in Nassau County and the NYC area Leave The Key Homebuyers stands out for:

    1. Local Knowledge: They know the unique challenges of selling homes in the NYC area, including older homes and urban living conditions.
    2. Transparent Process: Leave The Key Homebuyers is known for its no-pressure, straightforward approach. They’ll explain everything to you.
    3. Fast Closings: When you need to sell fast they can close in as little as 7 days.
    4. No Extras: No hidden fees or commissions. The offer you accept is the amount you’ll get.
    5. Odor Experience: They have bought homes with various issues including bad odors so they understand your situation.

    Your Decision

    Deciding whether to fix the odor issues yourself, list with a realtor, or sell to a cash buyer depends on your situation. Consider:

    • The severity of the odor problems
    • Your timeline to sell
    • Your budget for repairs and remediation
    • The current market in your area
    • How much you want to deal with showings and negotiations

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of dealing with bad smells while trying to sell your home, remember you have options. Companies like Leave The Key Homebuyers are here to help homeowners in unique selling situations, a stress-free alternative to traditional home selling.

    Conclusion: A Fresh Start for Your Home and Your Future

    Getting rid of bad smells in your home takes effort, from finding the source to quick fixes and long-term solutions. Follow the tips in this guide and you’ll see a big improvement in your home’s smell and appeal.

    But if you’re dealing with persistent odor issues or just need to sell your home fast without the hassle of repairs and remediation know you have options. We buy houses in Queens, Brooklyn, and throughout the NYC area, and can provide you with a simple, fast, and easy way to sell.

    Don’t let bad smells hold you back from moving on to your next chapter. Whether you fix the odors yourself or sell to a cash buyer, take action today to create a fresh environment and a smoother transition to your next home.

    Remember companies like Leave The Key Homebuyers are here to help, a stress-free selling experience so you can move on without the hassle of bad smells or expensive repairs. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. How do I get rid of bad smells in my house for good? Start by finding and removing the source of the unpleasant odor. This might involve taking out the trash bag, cleaning the p trap in your sink, or addressing mold growth. Then, deep clean your home, paying special attention to porous surfaces like carpets and upholstery. Use natural odor absorbers like baking soda, and maintain good ventilation by opening windows regularly.
    2. What absorbs unpleasant odors effectively? Baking soda is a powerhouse for absorbing smelly air. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, in trash cans, and even in litter boxes. Other effective options include activated charcoal, coffee grounds, and white vinegar.
    3. Why does my house smell bad? Common causes include mold spores, pet urine, food scraps, dirty laundry rooms, and plumbing issues like sewer gas. Sometimes, a gas leak can cause a rotten egg smell, which requires immediate professional attention.
    4. How can I make my house smell fresh? Start by opening windows to let fresh air in. Use a spray bottle with water and essential oils to freshen up rooms. Simmer spices like cinnamon or citrus peels on the stove. Most importantly, maintain a regular cleaning routine, including your laundry basket and trash cans.
    5. What’s the best way to get rid of strong odors in my home? A combination approach works best: remove the source of the smell, thoroughly clean affected areas (use hot water and soapy water for washable items), employ natural odor absorbers and ensure good air circulation. For persistent issues, you might need to deep clean carpets or hardwood floors.
    6. What’s the strongest odor eliminator for musty smells? While commercial products are available, natural options can be very effective. A solution of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle can neutralize musty smells. For stronger odors, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied to surfaces, left to air dry, then wiped off with a damp cloth.
    7. How can I neutralize pet odors naturally? Sprinkle baking soda on pet bedding and carpets, let it sit for several hours, then vacuum thoroughly. For urine odors, blot the area with white vinegar and cold water, then sprinkle with baking soda once dry.
    8. How do I make my laundry room smell better? Keep your laundry room smelling fresh by leaving the washing machine door open after use to prevent mold growth. Clean the washer regularly with hot water and vinegar. Use half a cup of baking soda in your wash cycle to neutralize odors in clothes.
    9. Can I get rid of the old house smell? Yes, you can eliminate that persistent musty smell in older homes. Start with a thorough cleaning, addressing any mold or mildew issues. Improve ventilation by opening windows regularly. For wooden surfaces that may be harboring odors, try wiping them down with a solution of vinegar and warm water.
    10. When should I be concerned about smells in my house? If you notice persistent, unexplained odors, especially those resembling gas or sewage, investigate immediately. A rotten egg smell could indicate a gas leak, which is extremely dangerous. Musty smells that return despite cleaning could point to hidden mold growth, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. In these cases, it’s crucial to seek professional help promptly.

    Remember, if dealing with persistent odors is becoming overwhelming, especially when  trying to sell your home, consider reaching out to cash home buyers. They can offer a quick solution, allowing you to sell your house as-is and move on to a fresh start. Don’t let bad smells hold you back from your next chapter!