What Can You Use for a Bad Smell in the House?

Mold or Mildew

• If there is mold or mildew somewhere in your home, it can create a persistent bad smell. Common areas for hidden mold are under the carpet, behind drywall in areas exposed to moisture, under or along the bathtub or shower base, or under a sink. If you find mold in small areas, remove it with a mixture of one part bleach to 10 parts water. Spray the mix on the moldy area, let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe it away. Repeat until the mold is gone, then dry the area thoroughly with a clean rag or towel. Run a dehumidifier in the room if moisture is a recurring problem. The air should become fresher with the mold gone.

Pet Odors

• Pets, especially cats, can have accidents in the house and will sometimes go in areas you least expect. You can detect old urine stains by using a black light to look for yellowish, glowing areas, which are the salts from the urine. Old pet accidents can often be removed with an enzymatic cleaner, which you can find at any pet store. Spray it on the affected area, let it sit for the time recommended on the bottle, then wipe away excess moisture. You might have to repeat the treatment for persistent odors.

Plumbing Smells

• Sometimes bad smells can be emanating from the plumbing. If the toilet is not tightly sealed at the floor, smells can escape. A dry trap in a rarely used drain can release odor into the home. Sludgy buildup in the overflow hole of your sink can also smell bad. Once these problems are fixed, the smell should improve. Keeping the window open for at least an hour on dry, warm days will help remove and prevent bad smells from reoccurring. Tuck a small box or bag of baking soda into the corners of your bathroom and under sinks to help remove smells from the air.

Air Fresheners

• Once you have removed persistent causes of household odor, you can use household products to keep your home smelling fresh. A small bowl of vinegar set out in a room will help remove lingering odors from the kitchen or dining area. Fill old socks with cat litter and place them in the laundry room, basement and pet areas to absorb smells. Charcoal briquets are also excellent for soaking up odors. Put briquets in a small paper sack, and set them in smelly areas to remove the offensive stench.