If Your Home Smells Off, Look Into These 8 Problem Areas

You know that fresh, citrus-infused aroma that welcomes you when you step into the luxurious lobby of a high-end hotel? Have you ever wished your own living space could exude such a fragrance? Perhaps you dream of your home having a distinctive scent that transforms it into a pristine and secure haven. However, the realities of life can sometimes disrupt such desires.

Whether it’s an unpleasant odor emanating from the dishwasher, mysterious shower drain smells, the presence of pets, the activities of children, or even unwanted moisture, various everyday factors can fill your home with less-than-pleasant scents. This can occur even if you meticulously maintain a clean appearance using products like dish soap or tile and grout cleaner. If you’re struggling to pinpoint the source of that disagreeable odor, consider these potential causes. You might discover the culprit in the least expected place.

Trash Can

This one seems rather apparent—garbage typically emits unpleasant odors. Even if you empty it regularly, small spills and crumbs can accumulate over time, contributing to foul smells inside your kitchen trash can. For a quick remedy, consider using Febreze AIR, which effectively eliminates odors instead of merely masking them. It offers a burst of freshness to swiftly refresh the air in your kitchen.

To thoroughly clean the trash can, Abe Navas, General Manager of Emily’s Maids house cleaning service in Dallas, Texas, suggests spraying it with diluted bleach and allowing it to sit for a few hours. Afterward, rinse it thoroughly with water and use soap to clean it.

Another solution is to designate one trash can for “dirty trash” that you empty every day, even if it’s not full. This advice comes from Jennifer Snyder, a certified professional organizer based in Waco, Texas, and the owner of Neat as a Pin Organizing & Cleaning.

Pets

Pets are considered part of the family, but they can develop odors just like humans. “When their hair sheds, bacteria can proliferate—and things can turn unpleasant rapidly,” according to Navas. It’s advisable to give your pet regular baths and clean the areas where they sleep and eat weekly using soap and water (avoid harsh chemicals). Additionally, remember to vacuum under beds and sofas to prevent the accumulation of hair (and odors). Employing a quality air freshener can also significantly assist in maintaining your living spaces smelling less like your pets.

Wet Clothing

According to Navas, it’s not advisable to place the dirty clothes basket in your bathroom. Instead, consider keeping it in your bedroom or another closet where it won’t be exposed to the steam generated by baths and showers. “Bacteria thrives in a humid environment, and that’s what causes unpleasant odors,” explains Navas. Even if you’ve thoroughly cleaned the surfaces using a quality shower cleaner, the scent of dirty laundry can persist. Therefore, it’s important to do your laundry as soon as possible if you have wet, soiled clothes.

Bedding

“We’ve all heard that we can’t detect the scent of our own homes, and that’s because it carries our body odor,” says Snyder. A bit unsettling, isn’t it? One particular culprit is your bed sheets, which absorb your body oils and dirt when not laundered frequently. Snyder suggests washing your sheets on a weekly basis if you shower in the morning and every two weeks if you shower at night.

Front-Load Washer

Household appliances that regularly come into contact with water can serve as breeding grounds for mold, providing an ideal environment for odor-causing bacteria to thrive, as explained by Ron Shimek, President of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly company based in Minneapolis. “Moisture from each washing cycle gets trapped in the seal every time you open and close the washer’s door,” he points out. Moisture and mold can also accumulate in the detergent drawer. To prevent this, it’s essential to leave the door and detergent drawer open for a few hours after completing your last load. In case you discover mold, use a one-to-one mixture of white vinegar and baking soda to clean the affected areas. Additionally, using a washing machine cleaner on a regular basis can help prolong the lifespan of your washing machine.

Dishwasher

Similar to your washing machine, your dishwasher is another common area where mold can develop, leading to unpleasant odors. According to Shimek, its warm and damp environment creates an ideal breeding ground for mold spores, especially when food particles from your previous cycle are left behind.

To address this issue, it’s advisable to regularly run an empty dry-heat cycle to flush out the interior of the dishwasher. This should include cleaning the silverware basket, filter, panels, and door gasket. In case mold forms on your silverware basket, remove it and soak it in the kitchen sink with a mixture of diluted bleach and warm water for 30 minutes. Thoroughly rinse it before putting it back in place. Alternatively, you can opt for a reputable commercial mold remover.

Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal is another frequent source of kitchen odors. Dana Kofsky, a wellness expert based in Los Angeles and the creator of Wellness Styled, advises ensuring that the inside of the garbage disposal is wiped clean regularly, as grime can sometimes become trapped beneath the drain. You have the option to purchase garbage disposal deodorizers from brands like Plink, or you can opt for a DIY approach by grinding a few thin strips of lemon, lime, or orange peel in the disposal. This not only helps in maintaining a clean drain but also serves as a deodorizer, filling your kitchen with a fresh citrus scent, according to Kofsky.

New Furniture

You might assume that you love the fragrance of your new sofa, much like the allure of a new car, because it exudes that “new” aroma. However, Bart Wolbers, the founder of Nature Builds Health, points out that this scent is likely due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). “Many people don’t realize that indoor levels of toxins can be 10 times higher than those found outdoors, and furniture is one reason for that,” he notes.

VOCs can emit a potent odor, but they can also pose health risks. According to the EPA, they may lead to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as headaches, and potentially more severe conditions like liver and kidney damage. The most effective way to eliminate VOCs is by using an air purifier equipped with a carbon filter.

Have you noticed that any item in your home, whether it’s furniture or mattresses, continues to emit a strong odor even after a month? According to Wolbers, “You may want to consider requesting a refund.”