How to Safely and Effectively Remove Odors from Your Home

No one enjoys the idea of unpleasant odors in their house, but it is unavoidable at times. Food, pets, and musty odors are common sources of foul odors in homes. Many people try to conceal the noxious odors by applying air fresheners or burning candles, but these methods only mask the odors rather than eliminate them. Read on to discover what you can do to get rid of odors that can linger in your home.

What is an Indoor Odor?

This is an odor that is inside the house, but there’s more to it than that. Low levels of detectable volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air are responsible for some odors. A VOC is a compound that can vaporize at room temperature and can be toxic at high concentrations.

Examples of Indoor Odor

• Burning rubber or fishy smell

This may indicate a problem with your home’s electrical wiring. Appliances, a wall switch, or an outlet would be the first things to look for. It’s best to call an electrician if you suspect the odor is coming from your home’s electrical wiring. We recommend leaving the house and calling 911 if the burning smell is severe and you can’t pinpoint the source.

• Musty smell

Mold is the most common cause of musty odors in homes. You should be able to deal with mold on your own most of the time, but if it becomes a serious problem, expert assistance may be required.

• Rotten egg or sulfur smell

It’s usually a sign of a gas leak in your home if you detect one of these odors. In this circumstance, it’s advisable to leave your house, call 911, and then call your gas company to have someone come and fix the leak as soon as possible.

How to Get Rid of Odors in Specific Rooms in Your House

Mudrooms and laundry rooms

Dirty socks, sweaty workout clothes, and stinky sports equipment can all contribute to the smell of these rooms. Even finished basements have a musty odor; it’s cold, moist, and frequently humid. A dehumidifier will remove excess moisture, preventing mold, mildew, and a musty odor from developing. Place dehumidifiers near the sump pump, sink, or bulkhead doors because they must be emptied. Odors can also be found in washing machines. Put a cup of vinegar or a cup of bleach in the machine and run it through one cycle to get rid of the odor.

Mildew can grow in airtight washing machines. To avoid this, simply open the machine’s door between uses. Finally, while it may seem obvious, keep up with your laundry and don’t let smelly stuff pile up for too long. Wet towels should never be thrown in a hamper. Before doing so, allow them to air dry. If your mudroom and laundry room are located on the main level, they are most likely heavily used.

Mud and grime are frequently tracked in by sneakers, cleats, and boots. Use a portable vacuum or broom to avoid dirt from being tracked throughout the rest of the house.

If at all possible, have children and visitors drop their shoes by the front door, with the dirtiest being kept in the garage. Vinegar and bleach are effective cleaners that also eliminate odors. If none of these methods work, you might want to contact a professional cleaning service, like Top Cleaning GB, to come to your house and clean it thoroughly.

Bathrooms

Mold and mildew thrive in these frequently cramped spaces because of the high moisture level. When showering or bathing, keep the bathroom ventilated. In this room, ventilation is possibly the most critical thing that can be done to keep it odor-free. Keep the windows open if you don’t have a fan. To keep mildew at bay, wipe down the sink and bathtub regularly. Clean the toilets and wipe down the walls with a damp sponge. If you have a bathroom that isn’t used often, such as in a guest room, go in and run the water, flush the toilet, and open the window.

Avoid plug-in room fresheners; they’re overpowering and often make the odors they’re supposed to mask worse. Some individuals store their cat litter in their bathrooms. Kitty litter has a powerful odor that can pervade the air and impact the rest of the house, even when it is clean. An air purifying system is essential if you have a pet, particularly a cat. Deodorizers and room spray only last a few hours. Reeds with essential oils infused in them can be found in a variety of gentle and pleasant scents.

Living rooms

Family rooms, bedrooms, and living rooms are very easy to keep clean and odor-free. They should be vacuumed and dusted regularly. If you smoke, someone in your home smokes, or you’ve entertained a smoker, you’ll want to make sure the space has adequate air. Consider buying an air filter and opening windows when necessary. Fresh flowers and candles can both help to cover scents momentarily. Also, bed linens and upholstery should be washed and dried regularly.

It’s also a good idea to wash the curtains. It could be time to replace your rugs or carpeting if an odor continues. If your walls are painted in a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish, or if you have wallpaper on them, wipe them off with a moist sponge now and then.

Kitchens

Kitchens, with all of their activity and functions, are places where odors can build up and become trapped. Cooking creates a thin coating of light oil in the air that adheres to walls, light floors, fixtures, and countertops. Use your exhaust fan if it is available. When cooking, use it regularly and leave it on thereafter. Keep your counters clean by wiping them down at the end of each day with a cleanser. Vacuuming the floors daily is also recommended, especially in houses with kids and pets.

Pet hair, crumbs, and dander are not only ugly, but they can also be tracked throughout the house. After each use, wipe down the stovetop and any items on or near it. Cooking splatters can’t be avoided. Wipe the sinks down at the end of the day. All dangerous bacteria can be killed with natural or bleach-based products. If your dishwasher smells, add a cup of vinegar to the top rack and run a cycle. To absorb odors, put a canister of baking soda in the refrigerator and replenish it every few months. Clean the insides of doors and shelves regularly.

Wrapping Up

These suggestions will assist you in removing the odors in your home. Get in touch with us at Top Cleaning GB for professional deodorization services in homes with a variety of irritating odors. Our odor removal specialists are always available to assist you.