How to Freshen Your Home

Have you ever walked into a room and wondered, "What is that smell?” Perhaps it's the kitchen trash, or maybe a clogged drain or the moldy-smelling washing machine. No matter what might be giving off that foul odor, there are tricks that you can use to bring a halt to it.

Here are simple tricks to seek and remove any awful smells coming from your home.

1. Track it down

When it comes to smells, the sources could be numerous. The first step would be to find out where the stench is coming from, and bring it to an end. Check the places the smell could be emanating from such as your kitchen sink, the trashcan, the bathroom or even an accent rug. It could also be mold or mildew in the crevice of the tub or the lip of the fridge, or an animal carcass in the dryer vent or chimney. Once you have located the source, determine if you'll need to disinfect the area or if you'll simply need to throw away the cause of the smell.

2. Sewer smells

Sewer smells in the basement is one of the worst and concerning smells that could infiltrate your home. Is it a result of trapped water under a floor drain, or perhaps a clogged drain or a cracked sewer line? No matter the cause, it is imperative to find the source of the odor as soon as possible as leaving it unchecked could result in loss of your home's value. As soon as you discover what the problem is, fix it immediately to avoid any potential property value decreases or possible health issues that could arise from any substance residing within the sewage or trapped water.Some circumstances may require the assistance of a professional plumber or cleaner to take care of the issue. Be sure to get the appropriate estimates needed to correct the problem and clean away residue from areas that may have been affected.

3. Carpet and rug odors

Most of the time, homeowners keep looking for the source of that annoying house smell, forgetting to pay attention to the very thing beneath them – the carpet or rug. But often times, a simple cleaning will correct the issue of an over-trafficked carpet or rug. While vacuuming may get rid of the immediate dirt, you may need to delve a little deeper and steam or wash it. You could clean with a mixture of one part white vinegar and three parts water to remove the smell. You may opt to put it in your carpet cleaner and deep clean the rugs or simply spot treat a particular area. Either way, a homemade mixture or store-bought one can do wonders for your home's scent.

4. Food smell

Most of the time, cooking smells can get trapped in your kitchen, especially if you have a diverse menu of heavily spiced produce and proteins. A great way to remove the smell of these dishes from your kitchen and home is to wipe down the cabinets, interior and exterior, to get rid of any food residue or scents that may be trapped on or inside the cabinets. You may also want to consider removing any food waste after enjoying the dishes or if there are any raw components left over once you're done cooking.

Perhaps you may be worried that you might be too accustomed to possible weird smells in your home to know when one creeps up. Ask your real estate agent or staging professional to do a walkthrough of your home and get a second opinion. Once you’ve solved any deterring smell issues, create good scents to entice your buyers. Your agent will know what works best for buyers in your area, from cedar to baking bread.