How to Get Rid of Strong Household Smells

Remove strong household odors with items you have around your home.

Strong odors will often linger in the air, which can become offensive. Opening windows to allow the air to circulate in your home may not always completely remove the odor, and commercial fragrance sprays often just mask the smell. You can remove the strong odors from your home with items that you have in your pantry that are efficient and safe. Removing the odors with household items will save you money as well.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Bowls
• Lemon juice
• Hot water
• Baking soda
• Spray bottle
• Activated charcoal
• Containers
• Fresh coffee grounds
• Old socks
• Citronella oil
• Rubbing alcohol
• Gallon-sized bucket

Instructions

Vinegar

1. Pour vinegar into wide-mouth trays or bowls.

2. Add three to four drops of lemon juice to the bowl.

3. Stir to mix the lemon juice with the vinegar.

4. Place the bowls on the kitchen counters or in the bathroom to absorb odors.

Baking Soda Spray

1. Combine 2 cup of hot water with 1/8 cup of baking soda in a spray bottle.

2. Shake the bottle to dissolve the baking soda.

3. Add 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice to the spray bottle. Shake it again to mix the lemon juice into the water.

4. Spray the solution around your home to freshen it.

Activated Charcoal

1. Place activated charcoal into an open container.

2. Place the container in discrete areas in your home to absorb odors.

3. Replace the activated charcoal as needed.

Coffee Grounds

1. Place 3 to 4 tbsp. of fresh coffee grounds in old socks.

2. Tie the old socks closed to prevent the coffee grounds from spilling.

3. Place the socks in drawers, closets or other small spaces to absorb odors.

Citronella and Rubbing Alcohol

1. Combine 2 tbsp. of citronella oil with 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol in a gallon-sized bucket.

2. Add 1 gallon of water to dilute the solution.

3. Clean the area that smells with the solution. Test it on a small inconspicuous area first to ensure that it will not damage the area.

Tips & Warnings

• Always clean or treat the area that smells as soon as possible to prevent the odor from sticking to other items and areas in your home.

References

• "Good Housekeeping": How to Get Rid of Household Odors
• Tip Nut: Homemade Air Freshener
• Versatile Vinegar: Use Vinegar to Save Money
• University of Kentucky: Odors: What's that Smell?