How To Get Rid of Bad Smells In Your House: Complete Guide for 2022

No one wants a “bad” smell at home, work, or in our vehicles.   

Unfortunately, most of the advertised products to remove odors aren’t all that effective because they just mask the problem. 

And in some cases, the proposed cure is worse than the problem, as illustrated by this Natural Resources Defense Council study that outlines the hidden hazards associated with many of the air fresheners on the market.  

You won’t get that here, and we have done the heavy lifting for you.  Keep reading as we explain what you need to know about the science of odors and exactly what your options are to get rid of bad smells in your house or car.

What is an Odor?

Odors are gases that come from a source into the air, where we then take them into our bodies through our noses. Once in our nose, these gases make their way to the nerves’ endings from our olfactory bulb, a part of the brain that deciphers different smells. It doesn’t matter if an odor is pleasant or bad; all natural odors are just gases we notice in this way.

What is most remarkable about our ability to detect odors is that our olfactory bulb can sort out complex smells in a fraction of a second.

A substance must have the following properties to cause an odor.

1. It must be volatile. In other words, it must evaporate molecules into the air. A bowl of soup is volatile, whereas a stainless steel countertop would have no smell because it doesn’t give off molecules in the air.
2. It must be water-soluble. If it doesn’t dissolve in water, it won’t be able to reach the nerve endings in our nose, which are surrounded by a water film.
3. It must be soluble in lipids or fatty acid substances. Otherwise, the source molecules will not penetrate our noses’ nerve endings.
4. The final property is that the odor-bearing source must be typically absent from our environment. What this means is that we quickly became acclimated to odors. For example, the cook at your local burger joint doesn’t smell the fresh fries or the burgers after being there for some time.

The 4 Key Steps to Odor Elimination

Professional odor remediators follow this methodology.

1. Locate the source(s) of the odor
2. Remove as much of the source as possible
3. Treat the area with an odor counteractant
4. Seal the affected area

1. Locate the source of the smell.

Finding the source is the first and most crucial step to removing odor. If you can’t locate ALL of the sources, you may not be able to treat the problem to the level required to eliminate the odor.

Your nose is your best tool for checking for odors, but other tools can be beneficial too.

• UV flashlights are excellent for finding the urine contamination
• A hydroscope is great for checking under carpets for urine contamination
• For example, gas meters detect the presence of specific gases, like formaldehyde.

Acclimation to odors

When exposed to the same odor for some time, we get used to it and lose our ability to detect it. And this can happen quickly.

This is called acclimation and likely came about during evolution. Imagine what could happen if our brains were constantly bombarded with all the different scents we come into contact with all the time. Do you think we might find this a bit distracting?

And we are lucky, as we don’t have to stay alert to guard against predators as our ancestors did. Let’s get back to the here and now. You may be wondering why this is important.

Well, here’s why.

Acclimation often happens very quickly when diagnosing an odor’s location.

Therefore, always do a relatively quick walk-thru of the whole space in question when looking to determine the source(s) of the bad odor(s).

Spend no more than 10-15 seconds in any one area before moving to the next. This trick allows you to detect all locations of the bad odors before you become somewhat numb to the smell.

2. Remove as much of the odor-causing material as possible.

Once you locate the source, remove as much of it as possible. The more source material you remove, the less of an odor problem you’ll have to deal with. Examples:

• Cleaning up the visible waste from a pet accident
• Removing a dead animal from your crawlspace
• Discarding damaged carpet padding full of pet urine
• Discarding the carpet and pad in a house that has chronic cigarette smoke contamination

Once done, follow up with ventilating the area to remove any airborne odor molecules.

3. Treat the odor source material.

There are a wide variety of treatment options.

Adsorbents

Adsorbents capture and hold odor molecules on their surfaces. Examples are activated charcoal and baking soda.

Air cleaners can be loaded with activated charcoal filters to remove odors from the air actively.

However, simply setting out bowls of charcoal or baking soda is too passive of an approach and not nearly as effective at removing odors.

Neutralizers

Neutralizers usually involve changing the pH of an odor-causing material. Baking soda and vinegar, a base and acid, can bond with certain odor-causing substances and remove their ability to give off scents.

Oxidizers

Oxidizers combine with other substances by trading electrons from their oxygen molecules, and this exchange causes a disruption that breaks the substance down. Chlorine dioxide, ozone, and hydrogen peroxide are powerful oxidizers commonly used in odor remediation.

Biocides

Biocides kill microorganisms. Microorganisms are involved in the decomposition of organic material, which gives off odors. Render the microorganisms dead, and you can help eliminate the odor.

Counteractants

Counteractants are specialized chemicals that work against various chemicals that often accompany complex odors, like smoke. Counteractant products are usually made up of chemical combinations, including pairing and masking agents, which work together to stop the smell.

Bio enzyme Digestion

Bio enzyme Digestion is brought about through enzyme-based products created by specialized bacteria. These are commonly used to break down organic materials such as rotten eggs, spoiled milk, and animal waste. Many pet spotter products are made from enzymes.

4. Seal the area.

If you have done your homework in steps 1-3, this step is a safety measure to protect against the possibility of the odor returning just in case your process missed something. Do not confuse sealant paint with regular paint or an ionic paint additive. Ordinary paint will not effectively seal, but you can purchase products like Kilz (the oil-based version), which are highly effective at sealing any remaining odors. Ionic paint additives are designed to create an ionization interface on the interior walls that helps to reduce allergens and other airborne contaminants rather than seal anything in.

Never start with sealing.

If you want to eliminate an odor, always treat the source with an odor counteractant first.

Then paint over it. This is especially important with cigarette smoke odors that penetrate the porous surfaces of the walls right through the paint! Suppose you paint over nicotine contamination before treating it. In that case, you will not only fail to remove the smell but also create a barrier preventing the odor-counteractant product you’ll need to use later on from working.

Masking agents

Although professional odor remediators sometimes use masking agents to help disguise odors, these are always done in conjunction with other products that will break down and eliminate the odor. Time-release granules are a typical example of a masking agent that could be used to help freshen up the air during an active smoke remediation project.

However, many over-the-counter products are simply odor cover-ups. And while they claim to be odor eliminators, they are just substituting one scent for another. Sometimes the two scents combine to make an even more awful smell!

Febreze uses cyclodextrin molecules to trap odor molecules in combination with a masking agent (fragrance). While this can help remove odors from the air, it will not remove the odor source.

In summary, it’s perfectly fine to use masking agents, and just don’t expect them to address the core cause of the odor problem.

20+ Tips to Prevent Odors at Home

Here are tips for keeping your air quality fresh and strong odors away at home.

1. Stale Air

Not everything has to require rocket science to work! If your home smells stale, opening windows to let fresh air in may help.

This will help remove any odors and improve air quality. Most homes have HVAC systems that primarily recirculate the same air – very little fresh air gets let in.

Another way to help eliminate odor is to use a fan. Circulating the air in your home and allowing fresh air can significantly prevent a stale, musty smell from creeping up your house.

You can also try using an air purifier with activated charcoal filters to help with this, particularly if you cannot open the windows.

2. Replace or upgrade your air filters

If you want to eliminate smells in your house, consider upgrading your air filters. Standard air filters are designed to remove airborne particulates from the air, but they can also be effective at trapping and eliminating certain odors.

Filters with activated charcoal or carbon can be effective at absorbing odors. Keep in mind that with this method, you are treating the air and not the source of the smell causing the problem in the first place.

But, if you have an air circulation problem (for example, if you live in an apartment where you can’t open the windows) that’s the primary cause of a stale or bad air smell, then using air filters maybe even paired with a stand-alone air purifier with carbon elements to help refresh the air.

3. Clean air ducts

Dirty air ducts can be a significant source of bad odors in your home or office. Over time, dust, dirt, and other debris can build up inside the ductwork, causing it to smell musty or stale.

Regularly cleaning by a professional air duct cleaning service can clean your ducts and remove any trapped odor-causing dirt, grime, or mold growth.

In our experience, odor issues from chronic long-term cigarette smoking almost always mean the air ducts are contaminated.

4. Keep cooking vents clean.

Another common source of unpleasant odors in the home can be cooking vents. Grease, smoke, and other odors from cooking can build up on the ducts over time, causing them to smell bad. This is especially if you like cooking with fragrant spices, like curry.

While regular cleaning of the cooktop and grates can help neutralize bad odors from cooking with fragrant spices, don’t overlook the vents and the backsplash area.

One hack to cleaning your cooking vents is to run them through the dishwasher.

5. Adding plants to help reduce odors

One way to improve stale air is to add plants that help to reduce odors. Plants give off oxygen too. Peace lilies and bamboo palms are great for this purpose.

6. Dusting helps reduce odors, and

it smells from starting up in the first place, regular dusting should be on your list. Dust traps odor-causing particulates, which bacteria and insects feed on, causing further waste to accumulate. This then leads to odors and allergenic conditions in your home. Just because you can’t see the dirt does not mean the dust is not there.

If you want to keep stale and musty smells from starting up in the first place, regular dusting should be on your list. Dust traps odor-causing particulates, which bacteria and insects feed on, and then they excrete waste products which further the odor and allergen-producing cycle.

Just because you can’t see dirt does not mean the dust is not there.

If you have pets, be sure to vacuum regularly to remove any pet hair and dander that could be contributing to smells. Consider getting a vacuum cleaner with pet hair attachments and HEPA filtration to trap dander, mold spores, and other particulates.

7. Keep bathrooms clean

Another common source of unpleasant odors in the home is unclean bathrooms. Bathrooms are prone to harboring bacteria and other contaminants that can cause nasty smells: regularly clean toilets, sinks, showers, and floors to minimize bathroom odors.

Running the exhaust fan in the bathroom, especially after showering, will lower the humidity and help dry out surfaces which will help prevent mold growth.

8. Keep kitchens clean

Regular cleaning of areas you might not think of in the kitchen, like the garbage disposal and your dishwasher’s filter, can help reduce kitchen odors. So be sure to clean all surfaces, including the stove, fridge, garbage disposal, and trash can, to improve odor removal.

Use natural remedies like half a cup of vinegar or drop the lemon rind left over from your juice squeeze into your disposal to help keep odors at bay.

9. Keep your refrigerator clean.

Spills and drips can cause smells to linger, so make sure you clean up any messes right away. You should also regularly clean the inside of your fridge with warm water and vinegar.

Consider using products made for the exact purpose of keeping your refrigerated fruits and vegetables fresh longer.

10. Wash your dishes promptly.

Leaving dirty dishes in the sink will only cause odors and even draw in pests that worsen the problem. Try to clean the dishes or put them in the dishwasher right after eating. Don’t forget to run the garbage disposal frequently to eliminate food scraps and prevent garbage disposal smells.

11. Changing the bedding

Your bedding can trap sweat, skin cells, and other particles that can cause smells.

Wash your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water at least once a week.

Invest in a mattress protector to help keep your mattress clean and smelling.

12. Keep carpets clean

Carpets are excellent “air filters” as they capture and hold dust and other tiny particles from entering the air. This is great until they get overwhelmed with dirt and particles, at which point they convert to a breeding ground for dust mites, mold, and other allergens.

Regular vacuuming can help to keep your carpets clean and smelling fresh. Vacuum your carpets (and hardwood floors) at least once a week, and if they start to smell, you can shampoo them with a carpet cleaner. Be sure to follow the directions on the product to avoid damaging your carpets.

Avoid vacuuming because you hate pushing around a heavy vacuum cleaner. Consider these vacuum cleaner options for anyone looking for an easy-to-manage vacuum.

13. Use air fresheners

These can help mask odors and make your home smell nicer in a pinch.

However, be aware that most air fresheners behave like perfumes – they are cover-ups and don’t eliminate the problem.

Don’t be misled into thinking words like “natural” or even “unscented” equate to safety. Some of these products have been shown to contain toxic chemicals.

If you must use an air freshener, then be sure to choose one that is suitable for the size of your room, and follow the directions on how to use it properly.

14. Scented candles

Scented candles are primarily a way to make your home smell nicer, and candles can help to mask odors and make your home feel more inviting.

There are even specialized odor-reducing candles marketed to help remove cannabis smells!

The actual fire in the candle can help burn off some odor-causing molecules when used in confined spaces and significantly help prevent the build-up of odors during cooking, for example.

But candles alone can rarely address odor issues caused by items like an ashtray full of cigarette butts.

Be sure to choose candles made only from non-toxic ingredients. Also, blow them out before leaving the room to avoid fire.

15. Keep baking soda handy.

Baking soda is a great natural way to absorb odors. It’s hard not to at least TRY half a cup of baking soda before heading to the grocery or online store to buy a commercial product.

Most of us know to use baking soda in our fridges to help absorb smells from food. Baking soda is cheap, and while it doesn’t work well to eliminate the worst offenders, like cigarette smoke, it can be a quick fix to help freshen things up when you respect its limitations.

16. Night sweats/body odor

Check to make sure the smell that you detect isn’t you!

Make sure that you are showering regularly and using antibacterial soap. You may also want to try changing your diet, as certain foods can contribute to body odor.

Finally, see your doctor to rule out any medical conditions that could be causing the increase in body odor.

17. Upholstery, furniture, and curtains

Upholstery, furniture, and curtains can often trap smells. To help with odor removal, vacuum all upholstered surfaces and furniture regularly. You may also consider shampooing them with a couch cleaner or upholstery cleaner. Be sure to follow the directions on the cleaner to avoid damaging the fabric.

18. Remove trash regularly

Trash removal is vital in keeping your home smelling fresh. Be sure to take the trash out regularly. Consider a lidded can to contain any spoiled food smells.

And it’s OK to try a trash bag with a potent odor-neutralizing agent if you don’t mind spending the extra money; just don’t expect miracles.

And don’t forget to clean the trash container, including using a disinfecting spray, periodically!

19. Gym bags, sports gear, and home gym equipment

Gym bags, smelly home gym, and sports equipment can make your whole house smell. To help combat this, be sure to wash your gym bag and any smelly clothing regularly.

You may also want to consider using a dehumidifier in your home gym to help control the air’s moisture level. (Smells become more noticeable in the humid air.)

And be sure to clean any smelly sports equipment regularly.

20. Smoking

Tobacco smoke can often make your whole house smell, and it’s best not to smoke. If you must, consider opening up some windows to air the house. You may also want to consider using an air purifier with carbon and HEPA filtration to help remove tobacco smoke particles from the air.

Grandpa’s chronic long-term smoking in his house is another story altogether. While this problem is fixable, to do so requires specialized knowledge and experience to do so effectively and safely. Don’t mess around – bring in a professional.

Check out our article on how to get cigarette smell out of the apartment if you want to bring professional methods to your DIY game.

21. Smoking weed

Marijuana smell, similar to cigarette smoke, can be intense and linger in a home for a long time. If you smoke weed inside, be sure to open up the windows to air out the house.

You may also want to consider using an air purifier with carbon and HEPA filtration to help remove any smoke particles from the air. And, of course, clean any smelly smoking materials regularly.

Does your car smell? Here’s how to get rid of the weed smell in your car!

22. Skunks

The smell can be pretty strong and difficult to remove if the spray is in your home. The best way to remove the smell is to hire a professional skunk removal service, and they will have the proper equipment and experience to remove the skunk and the smell safely.

If a skunk has sprayed your pet, there are reliable products on the market to safely remove the smell directly from your pet. Be sure to follow the product’s directions for use!

23. Pet odors

Even common pet odors can make your whole house smell.

Most pet odors are built up over time. Ensure you wipe off your pet’s feet before entering the house. Over time, buildup on your carpets, especially in foyers, from the dirt and grime can cause a terrible odor. Not to mention ruin your carpet and padding.

Pets can exacerbate allergy symptoms. To help combat this, be sure to bathe your pets regularly. Consider using an air purifier with carbon and HEPA filtration to improve air quality, reduce odors, and lower the allergen count in your home.

If you have a puppy or older dog or cat that is having frequent accidents, clean them up quickly with an odor eliminator product.

The cat’s litter box can be a significant source of foul odor. Using a plastic container as a litter box makes it easier to clean. In addition to frequently changing the litter, be sure to use an odor-counteracting spray that’s pet safe.

Or try a hydrogen peroxide rinse periodically to keep the open box smelling fresh.

Pet odors from chronic urine contamination generally require professional odor remediation to eliminate the problem.

Keep pet bedding clean.

To help combat pet odors, be sure to keep their bedding clean. In the case of cats, be sure to empty their litter boxes frequently. The room that contains the litter box will also need extra cleaning as the tiny allergen-containing particles from the litter often collect on walls and fixtures in the room and can cause foul odors and allergy issues.

24. Clean your cleaning supplies

Cleaning supplies themselves can often make your whole house smell. To help combat this, be sure to use unscented cleaning supplies or a light scent. Always make sure you have proper ventilation when using them.

While you may not be cleaning as much as a professional cleaner, be aware of the toxic impact of cleaning chemicals on your health after repeated long-term exposures.

If you do a lot of cleaning, it’s best to use eco-friendly products and avoid the harmful effects of bleach. You may want to consider using an air purifier with a carbon filter to help remove any cleaning fumes from the air.

And, of course, be sure to clean the cleaning supplies themselves, especially sponges and clothes.

FAQ’s

How do I get rid of the smoke smell in the house?

Serious smoke odor issues that come from long-term smoking always require professional assistance.

But if you have minor issues that stem from a short-term smoking use of your car, apartment or Airbnb, for example, the products we recommend will likely eliminate the odor.

Don’t waste time with white vinegar or other kitchen pantry remedies. They do not work.

How to get smoke smell out of the car

If your car smells like smoke, and you don’t smoke in your car, there is one possible cause. It could be that the smoke is coming from your or someone else’s clothes. If this is the case, try hanging up a garment bag in the car to keep your clothes separate from the rest of the interior.

Don’t just sprinkle baking soda or waste time with kitchen pantry remedies like white vinegar. These methods won’t work.

I smoke in my house. What can I do to rid of the cigarette smell in the house?

If you smoke inside, you’ll never eliminate the smell.

The best you can do is to try to reduce the smell.

First, leave a door open and open windows. Or use an exhaust fan to change up the air. Don’t waste time putting out coffee grounds or other natural remedies, and they won’t work.

Consider using a good quality HEPA air purifier to remove smoke from the air.

How to get weed smell out of the car

You can do a few things to get the weed smell out of your car. First, try airing your vehicle by opening the windows and doors daily for a few minutes.

Baking soda and coffee grounds are unlikely to work.

If airing out doesn’t work, it’s too heavily embedded into the car interior. Next step: check out this article on how to remove the weed smell from your car now.

How to get weed smell out of the house

You can do a few things to get the weed smell out of your home. Try airing out your home by opening the windows and doors. Have your home professionally cleaned.

We recommend weed smoke eliminator products that are best for one or two rooms or a car. Chronic issues or issues associated with an entire property require a level of product use and knowledge beyond this blog’s scope.

In this case, we recommend hiring a professional odor remediator.

How to get rid of the pet smell in the house?

Severe pet odor or pet urine issues require professional assistance. But if you have minor problems, these hacks might help.

First, identify and clean the source of the odor.

• Next, wash all of your pet’s bedding in hot water.
• Use a pet spotter to treat affected areas on carpets and fabrics.

How to get rid of the fishy smell from a dog?

If your dog has a fishy smell, try thoroughly bathing it with mild soap and rinsing it with warm water. Here are some natural products you can try cleaning your dog with:

The issue might also have a dietary or metabolic cause. If the problem persists, then check with your vet.

How to get rid of cat urine odor in the air?

If you have a cat, you’re probably familiar with the occasional smell of cat urine. While cats are clean animals, they sometimes mark their territory by urinating on something. If you have a male cat, this is especially common.

The best way to get rid of the smell of cat urine is to clean it up as soon as possible. When it dries out, the urine crystallizes, becoming exponentially harder to remove.

You can use a commercial enzymatic cleaner, which contains enzymes that break apart the molecules that cause smells.

How to get rid of dog smell in the house?

You can do a few things to eliminate the dog smell in your home or apartment.

• First, make sure that your dog is clean. Bathe them regularly and brush their fur. You may also want to consider using a pet odor eliminator.
• Second, keep your dog out of certain rooms in the home, like the kitchen or living room. You can do this by closing doors or using baby gates.
• Finally, make sure that you are cleaning up any accidents immediately.

Should I use a commercial pet odor eliminator?

There are several commercial pet odor eliminators on the market. These products contain enzymes or chemicals that break down the molecules that cause smells. You can find them at most pet stores or online.

You can also try making your pet an odor eliminator—Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the area where your pet has urinated or defecated. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a paper towel or clean cloth. You may need to repeat this process several times to remove the odor.

What is a black-light urine detector?

A black-light urine detector is a small, handheld light that emits ultraviolet (UV) light. This light causes urine stains to glow, making them easier to see. You can find these lights at most hardware stores or online.

How do I remove the curry smell from the house?

Serious curry odor issues require professional assistance. But if you have minor problems, these hacks might help.

• Wash all surfaces with a diluted vinegar solution.
• Boil water in a pot and add a few slices of lemon or vinegar. Let it simmer for a while to help neutralize the smell.

How to get rid of the musty smell in the house?

If your home has a musty smell, there are a few possible causes.

It could be that your place is too humid, which can cause mold and mildew to grow. (While mold can grow at various temperatures and humidity, temperatures between 60-80 degrees and humidity above 60% are ideal for rapid mold growth.)

If it’s too humid, try using a dehumidifier.

If you have a water leak, you’ll need to quickly fix and dry out the wet areas to prevent mold from growing.

You may also need to clean or replace your HVAC filters.

Why does my apartment smell like gas?

If your apartment smells like gas, it could be dangerous, like a gas leak. Gas leaks can be hazardous, so you should leave immediately and call the gas company.

Do not try to find the source of the leak yourself.

If you have a gas stove, make sure that it is turned off before you leave.

Wrap-up

If you’re looking to keep smells out of your home, there are multiple things you can do that are preventative, as I’ve outlined in this post.

If you have a specific smell you are trying to eliminate; the most important thing is to identify its cause. Then follow a proven method to remove as much of it as possible, including using products to counteract and destroy the odor-causing molecules.

Unfortunately, some smells, particularly those caused by long-term chronic smoking and pet urine contamination, are tough to eliminate by DIY methods. In this case, you will need to seek professional assistance.

We hope this article has been helpful!