Does your home have a musty or sour smell? Don’t worry, most unpleasant odors can be eliminated with a little effort and the right cleaning techniques. Follow this step-by-step guide to get your home smelling fresh and clean again.
Step 1 – Find the Source
Before you start cleaning, it’s crucial to find the source of the bad smell. Persistent odors often come from places that aren’t cleaned on a regular basis.
Kitchens and Garbage Bins
Check your trash can, garbage disposal, and dishwasher. Food scraps can accumulate and decompose, creating a strong odor. Clean the inside of your garbage bin and check for any leaks or spills around it.
Bathrooms and Drains
Musty and sewage odors are common in bathrooms. Check for mold or mildew behind the toilet, on shower curtains, or in grout. A sewage smell can be from a drain clogged with hair and soap scum.
Carpets, Fabrics, and Upholstery
If the smell isn’t from a specific room, it could be coming from carpets, upholstery, or even bedding. Fabrics absorb odors from pets, cigarette smoke, and food.
Cleaning Methods to Eliminate Odors
Once you’ve found the source, use the right tools to get rid of the smell.
Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Lemon
Baking soda is an amazing natural deodorizer. Sprinkle it on carpets and upholstery, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up. For tougher odors, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use it on washable surfaces. Lemon can be used to give a fresh, citrusy smell.
Enzyme-based Cleaners
For pet accidents, use an enzyme-based cleaner. They break down the odor-causing proteins instead of just masking the smell, which is crucial to ensure your pet doesn’t urinate in the same spot again.
Steam Cleaning Carpets
If your carpet has a persistent smell, it might be time for a professional steam clean. The high heat and steam penetrate deep into the fibers to kill bacteria and remove tough odors.
Room-Specific Cleaning Tips
Each room in the house has its own odor challenges.
Kitchen Appliances
To clean a smelly oven, use a paste of baking soda and water. For the refrigerator, an open box of baking soda will absorb food odors.
Bathroom Fixtures
Clean drains regularly with the vinegar and baking soda mixture. Make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated to prevent moisture and mold from building up.
Living Areas with Pets
Wash your pet’s bedding regularly and use washable blankets on the areas they like to lie on to make cleaning easier.
Preventing Bad Odors Long-Term
The best way to deal with bad odors is to prevent them in the first place.
Regular Cleaning Routines
Maintain a consistent cleaning routine. Clean out your garbage bin and kitchen sink drain weekly. Vacuum and spot clean carpets and upholstery frequently.
Air Circulation and Filters
Ensure your home has good air circulation. Open windows whenever possible and change your air conditioner filters regularly to prevent mold from accumulating.
If a bad smell persists, it might be a sign of a bigger problem that requires professional attention. At Asubra Cleaning Services, we offer deep cleaning services to tackle the toughest odors and ensure your home is fresh and clean. Contact us today for a free estimate!