Everything you want to know about odour removal but are too embarrassed to ask

Do you have a bad odour in your home? Even the cleanest of homes can suffer from time to time, but that doesn’t stop it from being an embarrassing situation. We’re giving you the lowdown about odour removal so you can get back to feeling house-proud in a flash.

Whether you have a lingering odour that you just can't shake or a new, intrusive smell, act now and get it gone, once and for all.

What causes bad odours?

We’ve covered this in detail before so click here to read the full article. In short, odours are usually caused by bacteria or carcinogens, neither of which is good news for your home or your health. Bacteria can quickly turn into mold, a health hazard you shouldn’t ignore and a potential structural risk. Carcinogens, such as those from cigarette smoke, can cause unpleasant smells and also create low-level exposure for you and your family.

How can I neutralize odours?

The key to successful odour removal is to find its source. This may sound simple, but, depending on the specifics, you can hunt high and low for the culprit and come up empty-handed. While there are plenty of products that promise to neutralize bad odours, they only neutralize the particles in the air without treating the source. Treating air particles is a good step if you have dealt with the root cause, but otherwise, you are simply masking the issue without removing the health risk.

N.B. Some products mask bad odours, such as air fresheners and scented candles, but these simply work by overloading your sense of smell with a more powerful, pleasant smell, which doesn’t fix the issue. They often work by dispersing a perfume with carcinogens, exacerbating the problem, not removing it.

What absorbs bad smells?

If you have removed the offending article (dead animal, rotten food, cigarette butts etc.) then there are some steps you can take to remove that lingering bad smell.

  • Open all the windows

  • Wash hard surfaces with your favourite cleaning product

  • Get your carpets and soft furnishings steam-cleaned either DIY or using a professional cleaning service

  • If your smell is lingering in your bin, wipe it down with a mix of water and white vinegar, then leave newspapers and a layer of baking soda in the bottom and change as needed

  • Add an open packet of baking soda near the smell

  • If your smell is rising from your garbage disposal or a drain, use a mix of bleach and water (50/50), pour it down the drain and wait 30 minutes before rinsing through with plain water

Why does my house smell musty?

Are you wondering how to get rid of that ever-present house smell? Musty odours are usually created by a low-level mold issue, especially if you have an older home. That musty smell can be a tell-tale sign of a hidden problem and often appears before you find signs of visible mold. Finding the source can be challenging enough, but even if you locate it, you shouldn't treat it yourself.

Mold-removing products only treat live mold on the surface (and you can inhale this mold as you treat it!). Mold should always be treated by a professional. Mold removal services will reach the mold spores that are deeply embedded, removing that mold once and for all.

Many home “mold removal treatments” kill the surface mold but, also feed the mold spores leading to quicker and more aggressive regrowth.

Why does my washing/towels/bedding smell musty?

Fabrics gradually become breeding grounds for bacteria and dead skin cells. If a fabric item is easily washable, wash it thoroughly and spread it flat to dry. If the fabric odour is from something a bit trickier to clean, such as curtains, sofas, rugs etc., use a steam cleaning device or a professional cleaning service to blitz those bacteria. Of course, this isn’t a permanent fix; many homeowners like to schedule annual or six-monthly steam cleans to ensure their home is visitor-ready year-round.

If your washing comes out of the machine smelling less than fresh, make sure you clean and treat any mold or odours in the machine itself!

Let us Restore your Peace of Mind

If you have an embarrassing odour in your home, we can help. Our team of trained professionals will locate and eradicate your odour, whether it is mold-related or more benign. We know you want your home to look and smell its best; reach out today to find out more.

ServiceMaster Restore Moncton – Restoring Peace of Mind® since 1972.