Your home might look spotless, but if it doesn't smell fresh, guests will notice the moment they walk through your door. While most people focus on cleaning surfaces, they often overlook the simple tricks that actually eliminate odors rather than just covering them up.
Store-bought air fresheners mask smells temporarily and many people make the mistake of thinking regular cleaning is enough to keep their home smelling great. The secret lies in targeting the source of odors and using methods that neutralize them.
These five overlooked techniques tackle everything from lingering cooking smells to mysterious musty odors, turning your home into a space that naturally smells welcoming and fresh.
1. Stop cooking smells in their tracks
Combine two cups of water, three tablespoons of baking soda, and lemon peels in a bowl and leave it out overnight after cooking fish or other strong-smelling foods. This mixture absorbs odors while naturally freshening the air with citrus.
For immediate relief, fill a pot with water and bring it to boil, then add citrus peels and spices like cinnamon or vanilla. Let it simmer on low heat for a few hours to replace cooking smells with pleasant aromas.
You can also clean your garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes and citrus peels to eliminate food odors that build up over time.
2. Banish toilet and mildew odors for good
Deep clean your toilet with white vinegar and baking soda if regular cleaners aren't eliminating urine odors. Both are natural deodorizers that kill odor-causing bacteria.
Place a bowl of baking soda in corners where mold and mildew develop to absorb moisture and musty smells from the air. If your bathroom is prone to dampness, run a fan regularly just outside, especially when drying clothes indoors.
Address the moisture source first, then tackle the odors — this prevents them from returning.
3. Make your fabrics smell fresh again
Wash all machine-washable fabrics like curtains, cushion covers, and throw blankets when smoke or other odors have settled into them.
For non-washable items, create a fabric freshening spray by mixing 1/8 cup fabric softener, two tablespoons baking soda, and water in a spray bottle. Spray lightly from a distance to avoid saturating the fabric.
You can also place bowls of white vinegar around the room overnight to neutralize lingering smoke smells. The vinegar deodorizes naturally and the smell should disappear within 24 hours.
4. Keep your sleep sanctuary smelling clean
Wash bedding weekly and don't forget often-overlooked items like pillow protectors and mattress covers that can harbor odors over time.
Place cotton balls soaked in vanilla extract or essential oils in hidden spots like behind furniture or in closet corners for subtle, long-lasting fragrance. Keep humidity levels in check with proper ventilation since moisture trapped in bedrooms creates musty odors that cling to fabrics.
Make sure you wash your pillows every few months as they absorb oils and sweat that can create unpleasant smells.
5. Beat that musty smell once and for all
Run a dehumidifier consistently to remove excess moisture that causes musty basement odors. This addresses the root cause rather than just masking smells. See our best dehumidifier guide for recommendations.
Place multiple bowls of baking soda throughout the space to absorb both moisture and odors from the air. Clean bins regularly with antibacterial wipes or a vinegar-water solution, then sprinkle coffee grounds or cat litter in the bottom before adding new liners to absorb future odors.
Ensure proper ventilation and fix any water leaks immediately since standing water creates the perfect environment for odor-causing mold and mildew.
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