October 2023 Update: This blog mentions a product, BactroBug, that has since been discontinued, but we feel the information presented is still useful. Please view our other products that can aid in sanitation and pest prevention.
Let’s face it: no matter how clean you try to keep your home, if people live there, there will be odors. Pets take it to the next level, but really, just cooking, eating, and living in a house can make it smell bad. Short of sending your family away, what can you do? Here are some tips to remove bad odors from your home.
- In the kitchen: Identify and eliminate the source of the problem. It could be that something’s gone bad in the fridge or cabinet, or the trash has been sitting around for too long. If you’ve cleaned the fridge and taken out the trash and the odor still persists, try putting out a bowl of coffee grounds or an open box of baking soda to absorb bad smells from the room. Clean everything you can, including the trashcan itself, and pour vinegar down the sink to neutralize odors. Clean your dishwasher, clearing out the filter and running it with a dishwasher cleaner once a month.
- In the bedrooms: Wash linens regularly, and periodically sprinkle baking soda on your mattress, let it sit, and vacuum it. Leave your closet ajar to prevent moisture and odors from building up, and consider a closet dehumidifier to absorb any moisture lingering there.
- In the living areas: Especially if someone has been smoking inside, washing the walls and window treatments can help remove strong odor from the house. If you have pets, groom them regularly and use washable furniture covers if you let them up on the furniture. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming, and regularly vacuum furniture, too.
- In the bathrooms: Clean your bathrooms, especially your toilets, before they look dirty. Consider air freshener or candles to mask unavoidable odors.
- In the air: Poor indoor air quality may be the source of some of your home’s odors. Regularly changing your HVAC filters can help, and so can an air purifier.
- In general: Cleaning up messes as soon as they happen can go a long way to get rid of bad odor from a house. Certain substances, like baking soda, enzymatic cleaners, and vinegar, can work to neutralize odors. When you’re vacuuming, sprinkle baking soda around to help absorb odors. If you’ve cleaned and odors still linger, simmer some vinegar on the stove. This is one of the most effective home remedies to remove odor from the air. If all of your efforts can’t eliminate odors from your home, consider calling in the professionals.
A microbial control company, Bactronix specializes in treatments against bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew, and odors. Our highly-trained technicians are certified to analyze, measure, and treat a facility, and our treatments are non-invasive. The Bactronizing™ Process uses eco-responsible, hospital-grade, EPA-registered disinfecting products, which are highly effective against microorganisms and dangerous biofilm. These disinfectants are distributed with an advanced electrostatic spray system, and our process is backed by certification and a one-year warranty. For more information or to request a quote, call 412-375-7886, or contact us through our website.
