Tips for getting rid of unpleasant smells at home
Unpleasant smells at home can be very off-putting and can build up in different areas of our home such as the kitchen or the bathroom… Or they can linger in the air, like the smell of tobacco or damp. That's why we're giving you some tips to get rid of bad smells at home, depending on where they occur, so make sure you keep reading!
How to get rid of damp smells
Damp smells are usually caused by condensation, poor ventilation or fabrics that don't dry completely.
What to do
- Air out your whole home for 10 to 15 minutes a day — even in winter.
- Get a humidity meter. If it always shows a value above 60%, we recommend using a dehumidifier.
- Is it affecting your walls? Clean them with hot water and white vinegar to kill the surface spores.
- Place activated charcoal in fabric bags inside your wardrobe (it absorbs moisture better than bicarbonate of soda). It also helps not to overload the shelves and to leave some space between garments.
How to get rid of damp smells
Damp smells are usually caused by condensation, poor ventilation or fabrics that don't dry completely.
What to do
- Air out your whole home for 10 to 15 minutes a day — even in winter.
- Get a humidity meter. If it always shows a value above 60%, we recommend using a dehumidifier.
- Is it affecting your walls? Clean them with hot water and white vinegar to kill the surface spores.
- Place activated charcoal in fabric bags inside your wardrobe (it absorbs moisture better than bicarbonate of soda). It also helps not to overload the shelves and to leave some space between garments.
Eliminate tobacco smells at home
Sometimes airing out your home every day just isn't enough. Here are some tips:
- Wash curtains and covers regularly.
- Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on sofas at night and vacuum the next day.
- If the smell is ingrained, use vinegar: clean your furniture with a natural solution of hot water and vinegar. You can also spray this mixture around the house, or even place small bowls of vinegar in the areas with the strongest smells.
- Change the filters in your air conditioning or purifier: HEPA filters with activated charcoalwork better than air fresheners, which only mask the smell.
Eliminate tobacco smells at home
Sometimes airing out your home every day just isn't enough. Here are some tips:
- Wash curtains and covers regularly.
- Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on sofas at night and vacuum the next day.
- If the smell is ingrained, use vinegar: clean your furniture with a natural solution of hot water and vinegar. You can also spray this mixture around the house, or even place small bowls of vinegar in the areas with the strongest smells.
- Change the filters in your air conditioning or purifier: HEPA filters with activated charcoalwork better than air fresheners, which only mask the smell.
How to prevent unpleasant pet smells
Even if you bathe your pet, bacteria can build up in other places, such as where they sleep or that blanket they like to chew on:
- Wash beds and blankets every 1 to 2 weeks.
- Vacuum sofas and rugs daily if there's a lot of hair.
- Do not use fabric softener on pet textiles (it traps odours).
- Use unscented odour-neutralising sprays.
- If the smell persists, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on the area where they sleep, leave it for 2–3 hours and then vacuum.
How to prevent unpleasant pet smells
Even if you bathe your pet, bacteria can build up in other places, such as where they sleep or that blanket they like to chew on:
- Wash beds and blankets every 1 to 2 weeks.
- Vacuum sofas and rugs daily if there's a lot of hair.
- Do not use fabric softener on pet textiles (it traps odours).
- Use unscented odour-neutralising sprays.
- If the smell persists, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on the area where they sleep, leave it for 2–3 hours and then vacuum.
How to get rid of bad smells in the bathroom
Bad smells in the bathroom don't always mean it's dirty. They often come from the drain, which collects soap residue and hair that, over time, cause smells. Cleaning drains regularly with very hot water and a little vinegar helps prevent smells.
- Towels: if you reuse them while damp, they'll smell unpleasant when you get them wet again. Change them weekly and avoid leaving them folded or behind the door. If the bathroom isn't well ventilated, hang them outside.
- Shower curtains and bath mats: wash them regularly and let them dry completely. If they still smell, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the dry mat, leave it to work for a few hours and then vacuum it.
How to get rid of bad smells in the bathroom
Bad smells in the bathroom don't always mean it's dirty. They often come from the drain, which collects soap residue and hair that, over time, cause smells. Cleaning drains regularly with very hot water and a little vinegar helps prevent smells.
- Towels: if you reuse them while damp, they'll smell unpleasant when you get them wet again. Change them weekly and avoid leaving them folded or behind the door. If the bathroom isn't well ventilated, hang them outside.
- Shower curtains and bath mats: wash them regularly and let them dry completely. If they still smell, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the dry mat, leave it to work for a few hours and then vacuum it.
Bad smells in sofas, mattresses and rugs
Sofas, mattresses and rugs have something in common: they're large, porous surfaces and, since they’re not cleaned every day, smells can gradually build up. Here are some tips:
- Vacuum them regularly and give them a deep clean from time to time.
- Deep cleaning: sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the dry surface, leave it to work for several hours, then vacuum.
- In textiles like rugs, the trick isn't to add fragrance, but to absorb and remove what's trapped inside.
Bad smells in sofas, mattresses and rugs
Sofas, mattresses and rugs have something in common: they're large, porous surfaces and, since they’re not cleaned every day, smells can gradually build up. Here are some tips:
- Vacuum them regularly and give them a deep clean from time to time.
- Deep cleaning: sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the dry surface, leave it to work for several hours, then vacuum.
- In textiles like rugs, the trick isn't to add fragrance, but to absorb and remove what's trapped inside.
A practical guide to keeping your household always smelling fresh
We love it when customers use our products in a creative way. Why don't you try it too? But please note that any modifications or changes that you make to IKEA products will prevent them from being resold or used for their original purpose, thus invalidating IKEA product warranties and your right to return them.
Solutions for tackling unpleasant smells
Sometimes, unpleasant smells appear without warning. At IKEA you'll find ideas and products to get rid of them and make every corner smell fresh. Because a home that smells fresh is a home you want to be in.
A fresh-smelling home isn't down to luck, but to a few simple steps. First, get rid of unpleasant smells. Next, choose your favourite scent. Take a look at the range of wardrobe fresheners and scented candles to make your home unique.
How to care for your home to avoid unpleasant smells and keep it smelling fresh?
Prevention is better than the cure when it comes to avoiding unpleasant smells, so it's important to air out your home every day. Open your windows for a few minutes, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
It also helps to keep every room clean and fresh, and to look after your textiles by washing curtains, rugs or covers, as they absorb smells.
After airing out and cleaning your home, you can light scented candles to make your home smell glorious.
