As a realtor, you walk into countless homes. Some greet you with the warm smell of fresh-baked cookies or a gentle floral breeze. Others… not so much. It’s amazing how much of an impact a home’s scent can have, often without us even realizing it. When potential buyers step inside and wrinkle their noses—even subtly—that negative first impression can linger just as much as the odour itself.
Whether you’re prepping a property for sale or just want your space to feel fresher, lingering odours are easier to deal with than you might think. The key is identifying the root cause, doing a little targeted cleaning, and bringing in fresh air the right way. You don’t need a cleaning crew or a stash of harsh chemicals. Just a bit of know-how and some simple steps.
So, how do you get rid of those stubborn smells and bring that clean, inviting atmosphere back into your home? Let’s walk through it.
First, Find the Source
Before you start lighting candles or spraying room fresheners, take a moment to play detective. Lingering smells usually come from somewhere specific, and masking them won’t fix the issue. Common culprits include pet areas, kitchen garbage bins, stale food in the fridge or pantry, musty basements, bathrooms with poor ventilation, or soft furnishings like rugs and couches that have soaked up smells over time.
Take a slow walk around your home, sniffing (yes, literally!) as you go. Open cupboards, lift couch cushions, check under the sink, and inspect the carpet. Finding the source is the most important step—and the one that makes all the difference.
Then, Roll Up Your Sleeves and Deep Clean
Once you’ve zeroed in on where the smell is coming from, it’s time to clean. And I don’t mean a quick wipe-down. This is your chance to get into those areas that often get overlooked.
Soft surfaces like curtains, bedding, throw blankets, and pet beds can trap odours and should all be washed. Carpets and rugs tend to be odour magnets, especially in high-traffic areas. Try sprinkling baking soda over them, letting it sit for a few hours, and vacuuming thoroughly. For older or more persistent smells, a steam clean or professional carpet service might be worth it.
Upholstered furniture can be spritzed with a water-and-vinegar solution and gently blotted. Just be sure to test on a small, hidden spot first to make sure it’s safe for the fabric.
In the kitchen, clean out the fridge and pantry, toss any expired items, and wipe everything down with a simple vinegar and water mix. Don’t forget the garbage disposal—running citrus peels and ice cubes through it does wonders. Bathrooms can harbour mildew smells, so give the grout and tile a good scrub and make sure there’s enough ventilation going forward.
Sewer or rotten egg smell? This unpleasant odour is often caused by dry plumbing traps, blocked vents, or sulphur in your water supply. Running the tap in seldom-used sinks or showers can refill dry traps, while cleaning drains with baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water, may also help. If the smell persists, it’s a good idea to contact a plumber to investigate further.
And here’s a realtor tip that often surprises homeowners: smells can even cling to your walls and ceilings. If you’ve lived with smokers, done a lot of cooking with strong spices, or burned lots of candles, that scent may be sitting in the paint. Washing down walls or adding a fresh coat with an odour-blocking primer can make a big difference.
Let the Fresh Air In
Once everything’s clean, swing open those windows. Even just 10–15 minutes of fresh air every day can completely change the way a home feels. If the weather allows, create a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the house. This pulls in clean air and pushes the old, stale air out.
Fans are a big help here, too. Place one near an open window to help move things along faster. A little airflow goes a long way toward a fresher home.
Neutralize Naturally
Instead of masking leftover smells with heavy scents, go the natural route. Simple products like baking soda, white vinegar, coffee grounds, or activated charcoal can actually absorb and neutralize bad odours rather than just cover them up.
Place small bowls of baking soda in closets, bathrooms, or the fridge. Activated charcoal is incredibly effective and available in small pouches that are perfect for tucking away in corners. Vinegar in an open bowl can pull smells from the air overnight, and coffee grounds are especially great for absorbing musty odours in basements or garages.
These tricks are budget-friendly and surprisingly effective.
Add a Gentle Touch of Fresh Scent
Once the odour is gone, now you can add a little pleasant aroma—but go light! Overpowering scents can be just as off-putting as bad ones, especially for buyers with sensitivities.
Try using an essential oil diffuser with subtle, clean scents like lemon, eucalyptus, or lavender. Simmer pots on the stove with citrus slices and spices like cinnamon and cloves also create a cozy, natural scent that won’t be overwhelming. And don’t underestimate the power of fresh flowers or greenery; it’s beautiful, subtle, and a bonus for your home’s aesthetic.
Why This Matters for Sellers
Here’s the bottom line: smell is emotional. It hits people right in the subconscious. A fresh-smelling home instantly feels cleaner, calmer, and more welcoming. If you’re selling your property, it’s not just about what buyers see—it’s about how they feel when they walk through the door. And the nose knows.
So if your listing isn’t getting the love you hoped for, it might be time for a little sniff test. You’d be amazed how quickly a clean-smelling home can turn a hesitant buyer into a serious one.
You don’t need fancy sprays or expensive treatments to get rid of odours in your home. Just a little bit of detective work, some honest cleaning, and smart use of natural deodorizers can refresh your space and make it far more inviting.
If you’re unsure where to begin or feel “nose blind” to your own space, ask a trusted friend (or your realtor) for a second opinion. Sometimes a fresh perspective is all you need to get your home smelling – and feeling – like new again. For all your real estate-related questions, reach out today and let’s talk real estate!