Tips for Eliminating Odours in Your Home

Creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere in your home is essential, especially when selling or welcoming guests. Odours can significantly impact how people perceive a space, and unpleasant smells may even deter potential buyers. Here’s a guide to keeping your home smelling its best, inspired by expert advice and practical tips.

Why Odour Matters in Real Estate

A home that smells clean and fresh immediately makes visitors feel comfortable and relaxed. Conversely, bad odours (whether from pets, moisture, smoke, or mustiness) can create a negative impression and reduce the appeal of your property. Addressing odours is as important as decluttering or staging your home for sale.

Tips to Eliminate Bad Odours and Promote Freshness

Control Moisture: High humidity encourages mold and mildew, which cause musty smells. Use a dehumidifier in rooms with humidity above 60%, replace sponges and towels regularly, hang bathmats to dry, and avoid rugs in humid climates.

Clean Thoroughly and Regularly: Vacuum carpets, furniture, curtains, and throw pillows often. Steam clean carpets and upholstery to remove embedded odours. Wash linens and curtains frequently.

Maintain Trash Bins: Use small trash bins to encourage frequent emptying and remember to clean the bins regularly.

Freshen the Air: Open windows when possible to let fresh air circulate. Use air purifiers to reduce airborne bacteria and fungi that cause odours.

Natural Odour Absorbers: Baking soda is excellent for neutralizing smells on carpets, mattresses, and pet beds. Coffee grounds or charcoal briquettes can absorb odours when placed in bowls around the home.

Use Pleasant Scents Wisely: Potpourri, diffusers, candles, and room sprays can enhance a home’s scent but should never mask bad odours. Houseplants like begonias, citrus trees, and lavender add subtle, natural fragrances. Hanging eucalyptus branches in the shower releases refreshing scents with steam.

Clean Drains and Toilets: Monthly cleaning of drains with vinegar, baking soda, and boiling water prevents buildup and odours. Toilets should be cleaned frequently to avoid unpleasant smells.

Address Specific Odours: For pet smells, vacuum thoroughly and clean pet beds. For smoke odours, airing out the home, steam cleaning carpets, and possibly replacing flooring or repainting walls may be necessary.

Final Thoughts on Eliminating Odours

Eliminating odours at the source—not just masking them—is the key to a truly fresh-smelling home. A clean, well-ventilated, and pleasantly scented environment not only improves your daily living experience but also enhances your home’s marketability. When your home smells inviting, buyers feel more relaxed and positive, increasing the likelihood of a successful sale.

If you’re preparing your home for sale or simply want to maintain a welcoming atmosphere, these odour-busting tips will help you keep your space smelling great and leave a lasting good impression.