6 Ways to Get Rid of Any Lingering Odours in Your Home

It’s time to get rid of that stinky smell that’s been bothering you once and for all!

There’s nothing more unappealing than walking into a room tainted with an odour. Pets, smoke, humidity and cooking fumes are some of the major contributors to these unpleasant smells. If not dealt with, they will linger like an unwanted houseguest who refuses to leave and can cause serious long-term health problems for you and your family.

While many people resort to using air fresheners, diffusers or scented candles as a quick fix to make their rooms smell better, this only helps to mask the problem. Here are some tips to actually eliminate foul-smelling odours and make your house smell good again. Let’s get started!

1. Ensure proper air ventilation in your room

One of the simplest and most effective ways to get rid of unwanted odours is to improve air circulation. Open your windows regularly to let fresh outdoor air in and flush out any stagnant air trapped indoors. For better airflow, switch on a fan to push stale air out, or open windows on opposite sides of the room to create a natural cross-breeze.

If natural ventilation is limited, consider investing in an air purifier. These systems help trap and neutralise airborne pollutants, tackling some of the root causes of unpleasant odours and keeping your indoor air cleaner and fresher overall.

2. Remove odours with simple household items

If you have kids and pets, you likely know that carpets and rugs are a magnet for odours. To eliminate urine smells or other unwanted odours, try using baking soda. They are great at neutralizing many different types of smells. Sprinkle them all over the carpet and let it sit overnight to remove the odour. The next day, remove the baking soda with a vacuum machine.

Besides baking soda, you can also use white vinegar to absorb odour. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spritz it on in your room upholstery such as your sofa, curtains and throw pillows. Wait until the vinegar air dries. The strong smell of vinegar, along with the funky odours, will be gone once it has dried.

Lemon, like vinegar, has antibacterial properties that can aid in the elimination of unpleasant odours. Simply place a half-cut lemon on any area where odours linger (for example, the fridge) to make the space smell fresh again and replace them once a week to combat those ‘extra-cheesy’ odours.

3. Wash your sheets regularly

Your bedsheets and pillowcase absorb a significant amount of bodily oils, fluids and skin cells that odour-causing bacteria feed on. To keep your bedroom smelling fresh, consider washing your bedsheets and pillowcase once a week.

While you are at it, make sure to empty your laundry hamper regularly. The gasses released by bacteria break down the oil and sweat left on your clothes, causing them to emit unpleasant odours. To avoid this issue, never put excessively sweaty clothes in your laundry hamper. Instead, wash them right away.

4. Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture in the air

Moist air/humidity and damp surfaces can cause a musty odour in the air. To help combat humidity, consider investing in a dehumidifier. It will help to remove moisture from the air in your room, making it less conducive to mould and mildew growth. You’ll also notice that your room feels less stuffy, which is essential for making your room smell good!

If space or budget is an issue, consider using small moisture-absorbing products in areas that are prone to becoming damp, such as your wardrobes or drawers. Look for additional micro sources of moisture, such as towels and bath mats. After using them, never leave them on the floor; instead, hang them to dry on a shower rod.

5. Introduce some houseplants

Adding plants to your home is yet another great way to help eliminate bad odours. Plants provide numerous value-added benefits, including acting as a natural air purifier by removing toxins from the air and improving air quality, as well as adding aesthetic value to a space.

Many plants, including Boston Fern, Aloe Vera, Snake Plants, and Devil’s Ivy (Pothos), can help to purify the air in your home by removing toxic fumes produced by smoke, glue, paints, ammonia, and others. These plants are also easy to care for and can provide years of improved air quality with just a little watering and attention. Not to mention it requires zero electricity!

6. Repaint your walls

Some odours, such as cigarette smoke, are harder to get rid of. Cigarette smoke residue and particles can contain heavy metals, carcinogens, and toxins that contaminate your home. If you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to be working, consider repainting your interior with low-level Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) paint, which will cover up the lingering odour in your walls while also sealing in harmful contaminants. If you do decide to paint, make sure to use a sealer and primer to effectively trap contaminants.

If odours keep coming back, here’s what to do next

If lingering odours are a sign that your home needs more than just a quick fix, the right interior designer can help improve both its look and functionality. From better ventilation to smarter layouts, we’re here to help. Drop us a request for a free quote below and we’ll match you with up to five interior designers near you, tailored to your budget.

All recommendations made by Qanvast will be protected under the Qanvast Guarantee scheme that covers 50% of your contract value, up to RM50,000, in the case that the recommended Contracting Service Provider becomes insolvent.