A home can be clean and still have a strange smell hanging around. Sometimes it’s obvious where the odor is coming from, like an overflowing trash can. Other times, you may notice a stale or musty smell without being able to pinpoint the source.
Kitchen appliances, damp fabrics, pets, and even poor air circulation can all contribute to odors around the house. Once you figure out where the smell is coming from, getting rid of it becomes much easier.
Here are some common places to check if your home doesn’t smell as fresh as you’d like.
Garbage Disposal
Food scraps can get trapped inside the garbage disposal and along the drain, where they eventually start to break down and smell. Grease and other residue can add to the problem.
Give your disposal a regular cleaning to keep food buildup under control. Ice cubes can help knock loose debris, while baking soda and citrus peels can help freshen things up.
Related: Ways to Get Rid of Smells in Garbage Disposal
Bed Sheets
Your bed collects more than you might realize while you sleep. Sweat, body oils, skin cells, and other everyday buildup can leave sheets smelling stale.
Washing your sheets regularly can make a noticeable difference. For many households, once a week is a good routine. Don’t forget pillowcases, blankets, and mattress covers, which can also hold onto odors.
The Refrigerator
A refrigerator can develop a funky smell long before you notice exactly what’s causing it.
Old leftovers, spoiled produce, spilled liquids, and forgotten containers can all contribute. Give your refrigerator a quick inspection before your next grocery trip and toss anything that’s past its prime.
If a spill has dried onto a shelf or drawer, remove the affected part if possible and wash it with warm, soapy water.
Dishwasher
Your dishwasher cleans dirty dishes all the time, so it’s easy to forget that the machine itself needs cleaning.
Food particles can collect around the filter, door seal, and other areas. Moisture left inside the machine can also contribute to musty smells.
Clean the filter and wipe down the door and seals regularly. Running a cleaning cycle can also help remove residue and buildup.
Related: How to Clean a Dishwasher with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Smelly Shoes
Shoes spend hours around warm, sweaty feet, so they can develop some pretty unpleasant odors.
Start by letting them air out completely between wears. Baking soda can help absorb moisture and odors when sprinkled inside overnight. Just shake it out before wearing the shoes again.
For washable shoes, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Giving shoes enough time to dry between uses can also help keep odors under control.
Dirty HVAC Filter
Your HVAC filter collects dust, pollen, pet hair, and other particles as air moves through your home. A dirty filter can also contribute to stale or unusual smells.
Check your filter regularly and replace it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Many homes need a replacement about every one to three months, though the right schedule depends on the filter, system, pets, and household conditions.
If a new filter doesn’t solve an unusual odor, there may be another issue with the HVAC system that needs attention.
Related: How Often Should You Change the HVAC Air Filter in Your Home?
Your Pet
Pets bring plenty of joy into a home, but they can also bring along some less pleasant smells.
Cat litter boxes, pet beds, food bowls, accidents, and damp fur can all contribute to lingering odors. Clean litter boxes regularly, wash pet bedding, and keep food and water areas clean.
Regular grooming can also help. If your pet suddenly develops a strong or unusual odor, it’s worth checking with a veterinarian since a new smell can sometimes signal a health problem.
Lack of Air Circulation
Sometimes the problem isn’t one particular item. The air simply isn’t moving enough.
A closed-up home can start to smell stale, especially after cooking, showering, or doing laundry. Opening windows when weather permits can bring in fresh air and help move stale indoor air outside.
Running bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans can also help remove moisture, cooking smells, and other odors before they spread through the house.
Trash Can
Taking out the trash doesn’t always solve a smelly garbage can.
A leaking bag can leave food scraps, liquids, and grease at the bottom of the bin. Those leftovers can continue to smell even after the old bag is gone.
Wash the inside and outside of the trash can with warm, soapy water. Rinse it well and let it dry completely before putting in a fresh liner.
It’s also worth checking underneath the can and around the area where it sits. A small spill nearby can sometimes be the real source of the odor.
Washing Machine
A washing machine spends a lot of time around water and moisture, which can create a good environment for mildew and musty smells if the machine isn’t allowed to dry properly.
This can be especially noticeable with front-load washers. After finishing a load, leave the door open for a while so the inside can dry. Leaving the detergent drawer open can help too.
Clean the washer’s door seal, detergent drawer, and filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Run the machine’s cleaning cycle if it has one.
If there’s visible mold or a persistent odor that cleaning doesn’t fix, check the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations rather than mixing random household cleaners together.
A few small cleaning habits can make a big difference in how your home smells. Instead of covering up an odor with air freshener, look for the source first. Once you find what’s causing it, a good cleaning, better ventilation, or a simple change in routine may be all it takes to get your home smelling fresh again.
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