Getting Rid of Home Odors

Why is it important to get rid of home odors while selling your home? Home buyers don’t just look at homes…other senses also come into play when deciding which home to choose.

For example, they listen for noises from busy streets, airplanes and railroad tracks.

But, of all the senses, smell can be the most powerful – and is (thankfully) the easiest to fix.

As a home seller, your job is to ensure that your home is as enticing to potential buyers as possible – and that includes ensuring that the home’s scent doesn’t give buyers a reason to look elsewhere. Unfortunately, when living with the odors every day, we can become “nose blind” to them (meaning that we no longer notice the odor). Your real estate agent should tell you if he/she smells an odor when entering your home, but there are steps you can do to remove odors even if you’re not aware of them.

1. First – look for the source of potential odors and remove or remedy them.
   • If you’ve ever had a roof leak, be sure there’s no mildew in the attic and ensure that the insulation is dry.
   • Make sure doors and windows are sealed so water can’t enter the home.
   • Remove or replace old pet beds.
   • If you have a smoker in the home – wipe down the walls (consider a fresh coat of paint).
2. Be sure to remove the trash daily. Clean the trash can at least once a week.
3. Avoid making strong-smelling food (such as fish, onions, garlic).
4. Have carpets professionally cleaned (or replaced if they are stained or worn).

The Easiest Way To Get Rid Of Home Odors

Real estate agents have long used the trick of baking cookies the day of an Open House to fill the home with the inviting aroma. But, what about the day-to-day scent?

To remove odors naturally – without using strong-smelling sprays, candles or plug-ins – consider using this simple solution:

1. Pour at least 2 cups of water into a crock-pot (slow cooker)
2. Add 3 tablespoons of baking soda and mix to dissolve
3.  Set the slow cooker to LOW and leave it for several hours without the lid

The baking soda will actually pull the offensive odors from the air.

You can also add a few drops of any of the following to add pleasant scents to the room:

• a teaspoon of lemon juice (or a few slices of fresh lemon)
• a few drops of vanilla extract
• a sprinkle of ground cinnamon (you can also add cloves)
• essential oils such as lavender

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can use a small pot on the stove for kitchen odors. For other rooms, consider using a candle warmer.