Smell is often considered our most powerful sense, and it can reveal a lot about our surroundings. In our homes, a fresh scent usually signals cleanliness, while unpleasant odours can make us feel uncomfortable. But making a home smell good isn’t just about masking bad smells with air fresheners. The real trick is tackling the root of the odour head-on. 

In this article, you’ll learn how to get rid of musty smells in the house fast and how to do so naturally. The tips are practical for keeping every room smelling fresh and clean.

How to Remove Smoke Odour From the House

Air Out Your Property

To reduce smoke, open all windows and doors for fresh air. In condos or apartments with limited airflow, use strategically placed fans to circulate air and push the smell outside more effectively.

Clean Fabrics, Carpets and Upholstery

Fabrics, carpets, and upholstery trap smoke odour after a fire. Wash removable fabrics, treat carpets and upholstery with baking soda or steam, and vacuum thoroughly. If the smell persists, professional upholstery and carpet cleaners can help by using specialised treatments such as deep steam cleaning and advanced deodorising agents to eliminate the odours.

Clean Surfaces & Windows

Smoke particles can settle on all surfaces, so clean walls, floors, furniture, and appliances thoroughly. Use appropriate cleaners for each surface, often vinegar-based. Walls may require special products and repainting if the smoke odour still lingers.

Consider Wall Cavities

Many homeowners overlook the smoke odour trapped in wall cavities, which regular cleaning can’t remove. Professionals use techniques like wet or thermal fogging to effectively disinfect, decontaminate, and eliminate stubborn smoke odours from your property.

How to Get Rid of Pet Odours Indoors

Vacuum Regularly

Vacuum regularly to remove pet fur from carpets and hard floors, as it can hold lingering odours. It also helps clean up spilt pet food and debris, which can add to unpleasant smells.

Carpet Cleaner 

Even after removing pet fur, carpets can still hold embedded odours. Using a carpet cleaner can help lift these lingering smells and refresh the space. It works by spraying water and detergent, then suctioning the dirty solution as you move it over the carpet.

Clean Pet Essentials

Change your cat’s litter weekly to avoid strong ammonia smells from urine residue. Clean the box with gentle, scent-free soap and fresh litter. Regularly wash your dogs’ beds to remove fur, drool, and accidents that cause odours.

Bathe your Pets 

Keeping pets clean reduces lingering odours. Bathe your dog as needed with deodorising shampoo, and brush cats and dogs regularly to remove loose fur. Also, brush their teeth and clean their dog’s ears to prevent bad breath and infections.

Odour Removers 

If pet odours persist, try products like gel odour removers. They absorb smells for months, just keep them safe or out of pets’ reach. Baking soda also absorbs odours, but it is toxic, so use it carefully around pets.

Natural Ways to Remove Musty Smells From Your Home

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a powerful deodoriser that absorbs acids and balances pH. Sprinkle it on floors or place it in a bowl in your fridge to eliminate stubborn smells from carpets, fridges, or pet areas.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal, made from natural materials like coal and coconut shells, absorbs odours and eliminates bacteria. Simply place breathable bags in enclosed spaces like closets or basements to effectively eliminate odours in the house.

White Vinegar

White vinegar works like baking soda by reducing odour and neutralising acidity. However, it’s more versatile and stronger. It’s acetic acid kills odour-causing bacteria and breaks down grease, making it an effective, natural deodoriser for many cleaning needs. 

Citrus Peels and Herbs

Another fresh and gentle solution to remove bad smells from a room naturally is using citrus peels and herbs. They release clean, odour-fighting aromas and even provide antimicrobial benefits, ideal for anyone sensitive to artificial scents.

Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds do more than boost energy, they’re great at neutralising odours. Rich in antioxidants and nitrogen, they react with air to absorb smells. Just place them in odourous areas such as fridges, pet areas, or bins, to remove bad odours from the room.

White Rice

Uncooked white rice is a simple, natural answer to the question of what absorbs bad smells in a room. It helps soak up moisture and trap odour-causing particles. Place a cup of dry rice in a breathable container where smells linger, and change it every four months for continued freshness.

Lemon Juice

Lemon’s fresh scent is widely linked to cleanliness.  Its natural acidity works as both a deodoriser and disinfectant. It cuts through grime, stains, and mildew while breaking down odours and leaving behind a refreshing citrus aroma.

Fresh Finish

A clean home should smell as inviting as it looks. Getting rid of stubborn odours takes regular effort and the right approach. Using practical steps and simple household items can help you create a welcoming space that truly feels clean and comfortable.