10:45 22-09-2025

How to Remove Bad Odors at Home: Proven Tips and Tricks

Generated by Dall-e

Discover simple and effective methods to remove bad odors from furniture, clothes, and appliances. Use natural solutions for a fresh, clean home atmosphere.

Even after a deep cleaning session, a home can sometimes hold on to unpleasant smells. They might come from pets, dampness, old furniture, or minor household mishaps. Quick fixes rarely work — the key is to tackle the source, not just disguise it.

Urine Odor: Remove It, Don’t Mask It

Upholstered furniture like sofas, carpets, and armchairs easily absorb strong smells. A few tested methods can help:

• Iodine solution: Add 10 drops of iodine to a basin of water. Soak a cloth, wring it lightly, and leave it on the affected area for several hours. Repeat if necessary. This method should not be used on light-colored furniture.
• For light surfaces: Mix hot water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 50 ml of vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of dish soap. Wipe the spot with a sponge — the smell should disappear.
• Freshening spray: Combine 200 ml of water, 1 tablespoon of vodka, and 3 drops of lavender essential oil. Spray the surface for disinfection and a subtle scent.

Smoke, Dampness, and Stale Smells in Clothing and Closets

Clothes that smell of smoke or tobacco can be revived with simple tricks:

• Potassium permanganate: Repeated soaking and rinsing help neutralize stubborn odors.
• Moisture absorbers: Place rice in socks or gauze bags inside the closet — it will absorb excess humidity and smells.
• Fragrant soap: Tucking bars of soap between folded clothes keeps a pleasant aroma.

Kitchen Appliances and Bathroom

Bad smells often linger in household appliances and wet areas:

• Refrigerator: After regular cleaning, wipe the interior with chlorhexidine. It eliminates bacteria and the odor along with them.
• Washing machine: Add a cleaning product such as “Pirsoll” and run a full cycle. The drum will smell fresh afterward.
• Toilet: Sprinkle baking soda in the morning and flush it away in the evening. For a stronger effect, bleach can be added.

Old Flooring: Laminate and Linoleum

Floor coverings can also trap odors over time:

• Deep cleaning mix: A bucket of water with a little potassium permanganate and laundry soap works well when used two or three times.
• Baking soda treatment: Spread it over linoleum overnight. Sweep it up in the morning, and the smell will be gone.

After Flooding: Mold and Musty Air

When water damage leaves behind a damp stench:

• Thorough drying: Start by drying the room completely.
• Ozonator: This device helps clear lingering smells from the air.
• Antifungal treatment: Specialized products or hydrogen peroxide sold in pool supply stores work against mold growth.

Extra Hacks for a Fresher Home

• Kitchen counters: A solution of one cup of vinegar and half a cup of liquid fabric softener, followed by airing the room, leaves a clean scent.
• Routine cleaning plan: Apps with reminders and photo logs help maintain order and freshness without stress.

Household odors are tied to microbes, dampness, and residues. With simple tools like potassium permanganate, baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils, it’s possible to restore a fresh atmosphere. The real solution lies in eliminating the source, not just covering it up.