How to Get Rid of Unpleasant Odors in the House Fast

Have you ever come home after a long day, opened the door — and something just didn’t smell right? Not awful, not obvious, but definitely not fresh?

That was me a few months ago. The house was clean, the floors were shining and the candles were lit, but the air was not fresh. I could no longer ignore the weird, old smell in the house. And once I noticed it, I couldn’t un-notice it.

If you’ve been there too, I promise — you’re not stuck with that lingering smell. Here, I’ll show you five methods that I really apply at home to remove unpleasant smells. They’re fast, simple, and most importantly — they work.

Let the Air Move — Not Just In, But Through

Here’s the part I didn’t expect: opening a window isn’t always enough.

I used to crack the same kitchen window every morning, thinking I was “airing things out.” One weekend when it rained, I cleaned the room thoroughly and the damp smell was still there. That’s when I realized: fresh air has to move, not just enter.

What made the difference?

I started opening windows on opposite sides of the house for just 10–15 minutes, even in colder months. When I made a cross-breeze, I could really notice the air shifting. I also moved the sofa slightly away from the wall, opened closet doors, and let sunshine hit the carpet for a while.

And yes, I even propped open the bathroom cabinet under the sink. Turns out, trapped air likes to hide.

Now I schedule “airflow sessions” — quick 15-minute resets when I’m home. No sprays, no gadgets, just old-school movement. It makes everything feel instantly clearer.

2. Don’t Mask the Smell — Remove It at the Source

It started with a vanilla candle. Then lavender. Then those cute “linen-scented” plug-ins. But no matter what I used, the odd smell kept coming back — especially in the hallway.

Here’s what I finally realized:

I was layering pretty scents on top of the problem — not actually fixing it.

So I switched strategies. I did not try to mask the smell; I looked for the source of the odor. And it worked. Here are the 3 steps that changed everything:

3 Steps to Actually Remove Odors (Not Just Hide Them):

1. Find the source. Look under the sink. Check inside trash bins, drains, damp towels, or even the dishwasher filter.

2. Neutralize it. Use baking soda, white vinegar, or a mix of lemon juice and hot water — depending on where the smell is.

3. Air it out. Once cleaned, open the space: pull out drawers, crack windows, run a fan or diffuser (with natural oils, not heavy fragrance).

The result? No more “air freshener on top of funk.” Just clean, neutral, breathable space.

Would you try this next time something smells off?

3. Use Natural Absorbers — They’re Surprisingly Powerful

Let me tell you a little secret my grandmother swore by: a bowl of baking soda in the fridge.

Back then, I thought it was just an old-school habit. But when I tucked a small dish of it into my linen closet and noticed the air there smelled better — I was sold.

What actually works (and where)?

Natural odor absorbers don’t add fragrance — they quietly pull bad smells from the air. Here’s what I use around the house:

What to Use and Where:

• Baking soda — great for closets, fridge, and trash bins

• Activated charcoal — works wonders in bathrooms or under kitchen sinks

• Coffee grounds — absorbs strong kitchen odors (plus smells cozy)

• Salt — reduces moisture and mildew smell in tight corners

• Bay leaves — oddly magical in pantries and drawers

I rotate them out monthly and replace as needed. They’re affordable, non-toxic, and honestly… they just work.

Sometimes the best fixes are the simplest ones.

4. Wash What Doesn’t Look Dirty

Here’s what I didn’t see coming: our homes can smell “off” because of fabrics that seem clean.

I’ll admit it — I hadn’t washed the throw blankets or decorative pillows on our couch in months. They looked fine. But after a weekend deep clean, I gave them a run in the machine and the air instantly felt fresher.

The hidden odor magnets?

Anything soft and absorbent:

• Curtains

• Pillowcases and throws

• Rugs

• Dog beds

• Upholstered stools or benches

How Often Should You Refresh These?

When I started treating textiles as part of my “odor control” routine, things shifted. Now I wash throws regularly and rotate curtains by season.

It smells — and feels — better. Like slipping into fresh sheets, but for your whole living room.

5. Make a Quick DIY Spray That Works Instantly

Let me paint the picture: unexpected guests are 15 minutes away. The house is clean-ish, but something still feels stale. I don’t have time to clean — I need to fake fresh fast.

That’s when my DIY odor spray comes in.

Here’s the recipe I swear by:

• 1 cup water

• 10 drops of essential oil (lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus are my go-tos)

• 1 tbsp vodka or white vinegar (helps the scent linger)

Shake it all up in a spray bottle — glass if possible — and lightly mist:

• Curtains

• Sofa pillows

• Rugs

• The air above your bed

Tips for using it right:

• Don’t oversaturate — a light mist is enough

• Always spot-test fabrics first

• Store out of direct sunlight

This spray has saved me more times than I can count. It smells clean without being overpowering, and unlike heavy room sprays, it fades naturally.

Bonus: guests always ask what I use. That’s how I know it works.

Final Thoughts

Fresh air isn’t just about cleanliness — it’s about atmosphere. When your home smells fresh, everything feels lighter, calmer, more like you.

These five tricks aren’t just hacks — they’re habits I’ve built into my routine. And every time I notice that the air is clear, the space is calm, and nothing smells “off”… it feels worth it.

Would you try one of these tricks in your space?
💬 What’s your go-to for getting rid of unwanted smells fast?
📌 Pin this post if you’re planning your next home reset!