9 Common Habits That Could Be Causing Unpleasant Odors in Your Home

There’s something special about stepping into a home that smells delightful. But what happens if your home is giving off anything but a fresh scent? Even with regular cleaning and air fresheners, an unpleasant odor may still linger in your space. Struggling to pinpoint the source of that odd smell? It could be time to evaluate your daily routine—you might be unknowingly contributing to the problem with some bad habits. Here are a few that might explain why your home has that funky smell.

You’re Not Taking Out the Trash Often Enough

Do you recall the last time you took out the trash, particularly from that large kitchen bin? If it’s hard to remember, it’s probably time to empty it. A major contributor to bad smells is decaying food, which becomes more of an issue without a sink disposal.

Before replacing the bag, consider giving your trash can a thorough clean. Simply spray a multipurpose cleaner onto a paper towel and wipe the surfaces. Don’t forget to check all of your trash cans, wastebaskets, and diaper pails if you use them. A useful trick to reduce unpleasant odors is to line the bottom of the bin with a few layers of newspaper to absorb any smelly leaks.

You Haven’t Cleaned the Inside of Your Fridge

The interior of our refrigerators is often overlooked during cleaning. Spills, leaks from food containers, or expired food can start to smell if not addressed promptly.

To properly clean your fridge, it’s best to remove the shelves and wash them with hot, soapy water. Then, wipe down the walls with a mixture of white vinegar, baking soda, and water. Aim to do this at least four times a year, but make sure to clean up spills as soon as they happen.

You’re Letting Towels Develop Mildew

Are your bathroom towels smelling musty? Excess moisture can promote the growth of mildew and bacteria! Clean your towels thoroughly with a good detergent and either vinegar or baking soda on a hot wash cycle. To avoid future issues, make sure to spread them out after each use to dry properly—avoid bunching them up, as this can lead to mildew growth.

Also, small bathrooms are prone to mildew. If there’s a window, keep it open when you're not showering, and always remember to turn on the fan if you have one. Using a moisture-absorbing product like DampRid can also help.

You’re Not Vacuuming and Dusting Enough

If your home doesn’t smell outright bad, but feels a bit stale or not quite fresh, it might be time for a deep clean involving vacuuming and dusting. Dust is made up of a mix of bacteria, dead skin cells, pollen, dirt, and other particles in the air, which can lead to a faint, stale odor.

You’re Not Cleaning Your Carpet and Rugs

Carpets and rugs, especially if you have pets, can trap odors like nothing else. If regular vacuuming doesn’t seem to do the trick, try using a carpet-safe deodorizer like Aunt Fannie’s Carpet Refresher. Sprinkle it on, let it sit for fifteen minutes, and then vacuum it up. Don't forget to clean your filters regularly, as dirty filters can spread bad smells around while you vacuum!

For washable rugs, it’s best to clean them frequently according to the manufacturer's guidelines. If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, however, you might want to consider hiring a professional to do a deep cleaning.

You’re Leaving Stinky Shoes Out in the Open

Unfortunately, smelly feet are a common issue, and they often lead to shoes that carry those unpleasant odors too. When several pairs start piling up by the door, they can create an invisible cloud of bad smells. Try storing them in a closed bench or basket to contain the odor, and for a more thorough fix, consider washing them to address the source of the problem.

You’re Not Taking Care of Your Plants

If your plants start to smell, it might be a sign you’re not quite the plant parent you hoped to be. Root rot, often caused by overwatering, can turn your home into anything but a fragrant, thriving garden. You may need to drain the pot and provide some care, depending on the type of plant you’re tending to.

You’re Leaving Dead Flowers Around

Receiving fresh, beautiful flowers is a joy, but unlike plants, freshly-cut flowers don’t last long. Dead flowers can produce an unpleasant odor. Remember to use the provided flower food and change the water daily to help them last longer. When the bouquet starts to wilt, discard or compost them before the smell takes over.

You’re Not Bathing Your Pet

While we adore our furry companions, their natural scent often isn’t the most pleasant. Sometimes your home just has that unmistakable dog or cat smell. If you can’t remember the last time your pet had a bath, it’s probably time to book an appointment with your groomer or grab some pet shampoo and give them a wash yourself.