During a home showing, even minor smells can turn away buyers. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t notice the natural smells that occur in their house. If you’re a homeowner who is thinking about selling your home in the next few months, deodorizing your property could make a big the difference. These tips will help you cut back unpleasant odors, which in turn could attract buyers.

Different Rooms, Different Smells

Different rooms of the house are known for having different odors. These smells vary from one house to another. Below are some of the most common odors that home buyers may smell in the houses they see.

  • Bathroom. Bathrooms can become moist or even dank if they’re not properly ventilated. In some bathrooms, a musty smell can indicate the presence of mold or mildew.
  • Guest bedroom. Guest bedrooms can stay shut up for many months at a time, and some even smell like mothballs.
  • Kitchen. Cooking odors, food garbage, old food in the refrigerator and even the smell of favorite spices (like garlic) can be unpleasant for home buyers.

In some cases, it is not one single room affected by the odor, but the entire house. For example:

  • Homes that belong to smokers. The smell of smoke can easily be absorbed into the upholstery, walls and floors of the house. In fact, some studies show that the smell of cigarette smoke can devalue a property by as much as 29%.
  • Homes that have been closed up for a long time. Homes that don’t get enough fresh air can start to smell musty and stale. This is usually a problem in homes that have not been lived in for many months.
  • Homes with pets. Pets can affect indoor air quality, which in turn can affect the smell of the house. Homes with multiple pets and homes with pets that struggle with house training tend to be worse.

Minor Smell Remedies

There are many things you can do as a homeowner to get rid of natural household smells. In some cases, making small changes to your housekeeping habits or cleaning with everyday household products can help you sell.

  • Clean the house from top to bottom. A good scrubbing with bleach and specially scented cleaning products will help the house smelling fresh and well tended. Clean the house thoroughly before every showing.
  • Use an odor absorber. Sprinkle on the upholstery and carpet, then leave it there overnight. Vacuum the carpet and upholstery the following day. This can help get rid of smells from spills and stains. Repeat the process as necessary.
  • Clean out the fridge. Get rid of any old food in the fridge, then place packages of baking soda inside the door to absorb the odors.
  • Get rid of food garbage. Empty out the kitchen trash every night and before showings. If possible, buy a separate garbage container for food waste, hide the garbage can under the sink where it will be hidden from home buyers.

Smell Remedies for Severe Cases

The suggestions above work best for home owners with minor odors in their house. In severe cases, like in the case of a house owned by someone who smokes, more dramatic action must be taken.

  • Purge. Upholstery, carpeting and curtains have a way of absorbing odors. Getting rid of these items (or moving them into storage, if needed) can help get rid of the odors.
  • Repaint. Even the walls will absorb odors. Painting the walls with a coat of odor-blocking primer and a fresh coat of paint can help make your home smell fresh and clean.
  • Change the HVAC filter. Your home’s HVAC filter will absorb a variety of odors. When the air from the house is filtered through the HVAC system, this can spread the odors throughout the house.

It’s important to note that removing smells from the house can be a multi-step process, so getting started well before listing the house for sale is key.

Use SMELLEZE® Reusable Deodorizer Pouches for Guaranteed Results

If you’re thinking about selling your house soon, it’s a good idea to deodorize your house using proven commercial strength scent-free odor eliminators even if you’re not aware of a smell. Remember, most homeowners grow accustomed to the scent of their own house and will not recognize bad smells that are always around them.