15 Tips to Get Rid of Bad Odors: How to Make Your Place Smell Fresh Again
Maybe you’ve just moved into your new apartment and want to make it smell clean and fresh or you’ve been dealing with persistent pet odors due to a furry friend’s accidents. Whatever the reason, bad odors can really put a damper on your mood – and sometimes your health, too. Whether you’re renting an apartment in Scottsdale, AZ, settling into a home rental in Kansas City, or finally buying your dream home in Albuquerque, NM, nobody wants to live in a place that smells bad.
To get you started on your purifying journey, ApartmentGuide reached out to a wealth of experts to offer tips on how to banish bad odors for good. Read on to learn more and make your place smell fresh again.
1. Start with a deep clean
If you are looking for how to get rid of bad odors in your apartment, experts recommend starting with a thorough deep cleaning, but first get some fresh air in the place. “The first step to removing harsh odors is to open up the windows and doors and get as much fresh air in that area as possible,” says Rachel Seavey, professional organizer and coach with Collector Care.
Next, you’ll want to get into deep clean mode. “You must do a thorough deep clean before disinfecting or sanitizing with a disinfectant and odor eliminator – an air freshener probably won’t give you a lasting result,” recommends Hank Williamson, President of The Maids of the Triad, a cleaning company that services North Carolina. “Your carpets have likely retained odor so you will need to vacuum and clean them. If your walls have absorbed cigarette smoke or other odors you should wipe them down with a vinegar and water mixture – using a microfiber mop greatly assists. If your refrigerator has odor, dispose of dated food and thoroughly clean it; you may use baking soda or coffee grinds to absorb any remaining odor. Next, open the windows, turn on fans, and change air filters.”
Jonathan Herrera of Master Clean Bay Area, agrees that starting with a deep clean is the best way to get rid of odors before a more focused solution. “A deep clean focusing on floors, bathrooms, living areas, and the kitchen can significantly reduce harsh odors in an apartment,” says Jonathan. “By thoroughly cleaning these areas, we eliminate trapped dirt and lingering smells. Our go-to products are Simple Green and dish soap. Simple Green not only cleans but also helps disinfect, making it an effective solution for neutralizing odors while ensuring a hygienic environment. Regular deep cleaning of these high-traffic areas can help maintain a fresh-smelling space, especially when dealing with persistent smells from cooking, pets, or moisture.”
2. Clean your garbage cans
Aside from taking the trash and recycling out frequently to ensure that smells don’t linger, you need to be sure you’re properly cleaning your bins to get rid of bad odor that may be building. “I recommend garbage receptacles to be cleaned at least once every two weeks,” says Omar Arroyo of Blue Sea House Cleaning, a house cleaning company serving California and Monterey Peninsula. “Start by making a mix of about a half gallon of water, two teaspoons of liquid dish soap, and three teaspoons of baking soda. Pour the mix into the garbage receptacle and let it soak for about five minutes. After five minutes, scrub, rinse, and dry it with a towel or paper towel. Your garbage receptacle will be odor-free for about two weeks.”
3. Be smart about the scents you use
Instead of just masking the smell with candles and air fresheners, try using scents that do a great job of neutralizing odors. “Certain fragrance notes like citrus, lavender, and eucalyptus are excellent for freshening up spaces and neutralizing harsh odors,” adds the team at Be Layered, a fragrance company. “These notes work by not just masking smells but by refreshing the air with clean, natural scents. For a cozy and long-lasting effect, warm notes like vanilla, musk, and sandalwood can create a comforting atmosphere while also combating unpleasant smells.”
The team at Cleany, an NYC-based cleaning company, agrees, “Odor-absorbing candles with scents like lavender or eucalyptus can mask and refresh harsh smells, especially in small spaces like bathrooms or kitchens.”
4. Simmer a solution on the stove
Another classic trick to get rid of bad odor is to simmer a natural mixture on the stove. “We all love a home that smells wonderful. In fact, our sense of smell is the sense most closely tied to memory,” shares Alejandra Fortin, founder and CEO of This is Home, a cleaning, organizing, and interior design company based in Houston. “A great way to make your home smell amazing and give you that cozy feeling inside, especially during the holidays, is by warming water on the stove and adding cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom, an orange and a lemon into the hot pot. Leave it there simmering and it will quickly have your entire home smelling like the holidays and will put you and your family in the best mood!”
If you’re looking for another concoction to try, consider Edgar Villafranco’s remedy from We Leave Clean, a cleaning company with locations based all over the country. “For stubborn odors, especially from cooking or pets, try simmering a pot of water with slices of lemon, a few sprigs of rosemary, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract for 30 minutes,” says Edgar. “The steam from this natural mixture not only freshens the air but also neutralizes lingering smells, leaving your home smelling clean and inviting.”
5. Use a steam mop
Steam mops are a great chemical-free and eco-friendly way to get stains and smells out of your floors. “At NeatO, we find that one of the best defenses against harsh odors in our clients’ homes is by using a quality steam mop like the Shark Genius, along with a light spritz of diluted Pine-Sol on the mop pad,” says NeatO Cleaning, a Los Angeles-based cleaning company. “The heat and moisture from the steam helps lift dirt and stains, while simultaneously killing odor-causing bacteria. The spritz of Pine-Sol doubles down on eliminating bacteria while leaving a clean scent that lasts.”
6. Reduce laundry odor
If you’ve got smells baked into your clothes, try using some vinegar in your next load. “For laundry odors, use a quarter cup of white vinegar in the wash. White vinegar neutralizes laundry odors and surprisingly makes clothes smell fresh and clean,” says Beth McGee, author of Get Your House Clean Now: The Home Cleaning Method Anyone Can Master.
7. Get creative with dryer sheets and fabric softener
A lot can be done with simple household items to clean up your space. Take some tips from Greg Strine of Dream Cleaning, a top-rated home cleaning service in Chicago, and get your space spelling good with what you have on hand. “Start by taking dryer sheets and putting them in each vent. This will absorb odors in the ducts and create a clean scent from the duct work. Some furniture just needs to be thrown out, but try unzipping the cushions and putting a dryer sheet inside a couch cushion. Leave it there for three weeks and smell how this helps with your furniture,” says Greg.
“Lastly, take a small bowl with one cup of coarse salt, add two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol and mix. Then add four to six ounces of fabric softener and put it under the couch. This will help eliminate odor, keep insects away, and add a clean fragrance to your property.”
8. Tackle your garbage disposal
If a bad odor is wafting from your garbage disposal, it might be time to focus your cleaning efforts on this area. “To quickly combat a bad smell in your garbage disposal, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar, which will create a fizzing reaction that helps break down odor-causing particles; then run cold water to rinse thoroughly,” recommends NYC house cleaner Sunnyside Clean.
9. Use a combination of white vinegar mixed with baking soda
A quick and natural cleaner can be made by combining white vinegar with baking soda. As an easy way to tackle pet-related harsh odors, listen to Sarina Ocal of MissionCat Cleaning, a cleaning company servicing both the New Jersey and New York area.
“To get rid of bad odors, especially pet-related ones, use a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. Apply it directly to the stained area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub gently,” recommends Sarina. “For persistent smells, you can also try an enzyme-based cleaner to break down odor-causing compounds.”
Luis Da Silva, CEO of My Cleaning Angel, a residential and commercial cleaning company based in Tampa, Florida, seconds this method of removing bad odor. “To remove harsh odors in your apartment, use a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda — vinegar neutralizes odors while baking soda absorbs them.”
10. Combine vinegar and water
For an easy cleaner, combine vinegar with water. This creates a quality cleaner that is non-toxic and friendly to most surfaces. “To neutralize lingering smells, we wipe down surfaces with a vinegar solution, which disinfects and freshens the space,” shares the team at Superb Maids NYC.
This solution can also be used on fabrics and carpets. “Use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle to mist fabrics and carpets, allowing it to dry completely – vinegar neutralizes tough odors without leaving a lasting smell,” shares Lisa Shultz, owner of Anderson Carpet Cleaning Inc.
11. Use baking soda and vinegar on their own
Together, baking soda and vinegar are a force to be reckoned with, but they offer special benefits on their own. “Vinegar is a powerful odor neutralizer – fill a bowl with white vinegar and leave it in a smelly room overnight to absorb strong odors,” suggests the team at Cleany.
Baking soda is also powerful at absorbing odors on its own. “For general odor removal, we use baking soda on carpets and upholstery, allowing it to absorb odors before vacuuming,” says Superb Maids NYC.
If you combine all products – a water and vinegar solution with baking soda – you can do a lot of good. “For more stubborn smells, such as pet odor or lingering food aromas, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the odor. Then, spray a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar, let it fizz for a minute, and wipe clean. This method is natural, safe, and leaves surfaces odor-free!” advises Camden of ClothesLyne, a laundry service with locations along the East Coast.
Using organic products like baking soda and vinegar can be a great way to clean without using harsh chemicals. “We always use organic products that our professional cleaners prepare to leave the areas shiny, clean, and smelling clean,” says Heromaid, a house cleaning service in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. “For organic cleaning products, we recommended vinegar, baking soda, and sometimes hydrogen peroxide to remove harsh stains.”
12. Tips for cleaning with store-bought products
If you’re looking for something stronger that you can buy at the store, Cleaning Glow, an office, AirBnB, and house cleaning service, has got you covered with their recommendations to get rid of bad odor.
“1. To get rid of general odors throughout your room, use compact OZONE Spray. It can kill bacteria and viruses in seconds.
2. Use Arm & Hammer Extra Strength Carpet Odor Eliminator to get rid of odors stuck in carpets.
3. Mix 1 hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water and a small dish soap; spray to remove pet odor stains.
4. Place activated charcoal bags in various rooms to absorb offensive smells without covering them.”
13. Clean up pet stains and leftover odor
We love our furry friends, but they can wreak havoc on the quality of our spaces. If you’ve got pets that struggle with accidents, give this section a read and try out some of these tips to get rid of bad odor and stains.
“For pet odors, sprinkle baking soda generously on the area and let it sit overnight to absorb smells before vacuuming it up; follow with a light mist of white vinegar for extra odor-neutralizing power,” suggests Lisa Shultz, owner of Anderson Carpet Cleaning Inc. “Treat urine stains by first blotting up as much liquid as possible, then apply an enzyme-based cleaner specifically designed to break down proteins that cause lingering smells.”
It may be tempting to just mask the urine smell if the job seems too mighty, but you need to be using a cleaner designed for pet stains. “For pet stains that are causing odors, use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for protein-based stains like animal waste. This way, the source of the odor is broken down and removed, not just masked,” says Beth McGee, author of Get Your House Clean Now: The Home Cleaning Method Anyone Can Master. “If the stain is on fabric like furniture or carpet. Test a hidden area first to be sure it won’t damage the fabric.”
Professional cleaners do have favorites when it comes to products of pet stains. “If you identify you have a pet odor problem due to naughty or incontinent pets, we always suggest using Naturals Miracle, which is all-natural and uses enzymes,” recommends Rachel Seavey, professional organizer and coach with Collector Care. “You spray a small amount on the area and let it go to work. It is all natural so it’s safe to use around your fur babies.”
Another favorite of professional cleaners is Arm and Hammer Pet Fresh Powder. “If you have a harsh odor coming from your carpets and don’t want to call your carpet cleaning company, start by buying Pet Fresh powder that you can find anywhere,” says Seattle Steamers, a carpet cleaning company in Seattle. “Next, spread it on the carpets. Agitate the carpets using a broom and let it set for an hour. Then vacuum the carpets and you’re done!”
Now, it does matter whether the stain is old or new – this will change the method by which you attack the stain. “Urine is one of the few things that will change on the pH scale from an acid (new urine stain) to an alkaline (old urine stain) over time,” shares Carpets by Chris, a carpet repair company based out of Mukilteo, Washington.
“For this reason, it is necessary to clean a new spot with a different product than you would with an old spot. Since a new spot is acidic, you want to use an alkaline like ammonia to break the chemical bond and remove the urine. Conversely, if the urine stain is old, then more than likely it has changed from an acid to an alkaline. This means we need to use an acid like white vinegar to break the alkaline, chemical bond. To do this, simply saturate the stain with the chemicals, apply a dry towel to the spot, and stand on it multiple times to soak up as much as possible. If there is a visible stain, use a 35% solution of hydrogen peroxide. Mist it on the stain and let sit. This is very effective in getting rid of the urine stain.”
14. Use an ozone generator
Sometimes odors stick around and don’t want to leave. If your place is like this, it might be worth it to look into a different type of solution. “In more persistent cases, we use activated charcoal to absorb odors or deploy an ozone generator,” says the team at Superb Maids NYC.
“Ozone generators are highly effective at eliminating tough odors, such as those from smoke, mold, or pets, by releasing ozone (O₃), which breaks down odor-causing molecules. This method reaches areas that standard cleaning cannot, making it ideal for deeply embedded smells. However, ozone generators must be used in unoccupied spaces, as ozone can be harmful to humans and pets during treatment. After use, we ventilate the area thoroughly before allowing re-entry, ensuring the space is fresh and odor-free.”
15. Get rid of smoke
Maybe you’ve just moved in and your apartment smells like cigarette smoke – not the best thing in the world to be around all the time. Well, an ozone generator is actually a great way of solving this issue. “To remove smoke odors, use an ozone machine to purify the air quickly, but follow the directions for use carefully,” says Beth McGee, author of Get Your House Clean Now: The Home Cleaning Method Anyone Can Master. “You can buy one for a reasonable price or many rental companies have them available.”
If purchasing or renting an ozone generator is out of the question, Beth has another tip for getting rid of smoke. “Wipe surfaces with vodka and distilled water to neutralize smells. The alcohol in vodka kills odor-causing bacteria. As it evaporates, it takes the smells with it,” says Beth. “Lightly spray vodka diluted with water onto fabric, carpet, or surfaces and let it air dry. It works great for smoke or musty odors and doesn’t leave a strong scent behind.”
The team at Cleany also has a tip for getting rid of smoke. “For persistent smells like smoke, placing bowls of activated charcoal around the room can help absorb unwanted scents,” they say. Lisa Shultz, owner of Anderson Carpet Cleaning Inc., seconds this idea and adds another tip. “For smoke or musty odors, place bowls of activated charcoal or coffee grounds in the room for 24 – 48 hours to absorb odors naturally,” says Lisa.