Removing Household Odors

Some ideas to removing household odors

If you notice an unpleasant smell in your house, the only way to eliminate it is to find its source and then solve the problem.
If you know where the smell is coming from, it will be easy to tackle but otherwise ask a friend for help.

Two noses are better than one for removing household odors!!

It is tempting to use air fresheners or rely on a home dehumidifier and put off the cleaning job for another day but the problem will only get worse so put time aside, become a detective, find the source of the smell and do the cleaning job.

Causes of Household Odors

• blocked drains
• the fridge
• old cooking smells
• Pet smells, both old and new
• Residues from smoking
• Bathroom odors
• Dampness and mildew
• Old and blocked air conditioning filters, extraction fans, vacuum bags or trash cans
• A dirty house (sorry!)
• Hot plastic smell.

Blocked Drains

• Remove any visible obstruction. Pour some neat bleach down the plug hole and leave it overnight. If this is unsuccessful, buy a plunger from the hardware store and plung!
• If this fails you may have to resort to using chemical drainpipe cleaner but be aware, some can harm your bathroom fittings and accessories as some of these cleaners are corrosive. If these methods are unsuccessful, call in a drainage contractor.

Stale or Strong Smelling Food in the Fridge

• Take everything out including the drawers and shelving and wash them well in hot soapy water or hot water plus bicarbonate of soda and rinse well.
• Sort out the foods and return the appropriate items.
• Where necessary, keep items in covered food containers.

Getting Rid of Old Cooking Smells

• Give the kitchen a good clean. Wash the curtains or blinds and give the walls, floor, furniture and fittings a good clean. It is fine to use hot, soapy water followed by a good rinse.
• Use the extractor fan when cooking or open windows or doors in good weather. This will prevent new smells getting stuck in the kitchen.

Removing Pet Odors

• Train your pet to use the litter tray (changed frequently) or to go outside for nature’s callings.
• If your pet has had an accident, blot up residual moisture with a paper towel. Use an enzymatic cleaner which will remove the proteins and the smell. White vinegar may be useful and neutralizes many odors.
• If the accident is on a carpet, remove the spoilage as best as possible, and then use a carpet steamer to sterilize the area. If you cannot remove the pet odor from your carpet, try the spray Fabreeze. This will only cover up smells, so in the end you may have to discard the carpet and buy a more practical floor covering.

How to Minimize Pet Odors

• Groom your pets.
• Vacuum and steam carpets and floors
• Encourage your pet to sit on his/her own rug so it can be washed regularly

Removing Household Odors made by Smokers

• If this cigarette smell is a problem, ask all smokers to light up outside!
• To remove residual smoking smells, steam the carpets and furnishing, launder the curtains, wash wall hangings and light pendants and wipe down the walls.

Removing Household odors from the Bathroom and Toilet

• This area must be aired daily and kept spotlessly clean.

Removing Mould and Mildew

• Find out the cause of dampness and remedy it.
• Check your air bricks. Are they blocked?
• Mix one part of 3% hydrogen peroxide with two parts water, put in a spray bottle and spray the area and leave for at least 1 hour before scrubbing and rinsing.
• Renew filters on air-conditioners and extraction fans. And while you are busy just make sure your vacuum dirt bag is emptied regularly.
• Do not ignore and leave damp and mildew.

Arrange a visit from DAMP PROOFING COMPANY and ask for advice.

Hot Plastic Smells could be a Danger Warning

• Check all light fittings incase the bulb is touching the shade.
• Do not tamper with but check for heat around switches and plugs.

If you have any concerns, call a QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN.


There are certain fragrant oils that smell nice and as a side effect can mask odors. It is also believed that they actually clean the air. Do try them in potpourris, simmering pots and diffusers and in sachets for the laundry room, closets, drawers or in between sofa cushions.

And finally to rid your house of lingering odors, go to my website called
Declutter and Organize
and make your home sparkle with cleanliness.





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