It is important to know that for every smelly odor, there is a different remedy. Here are some of the most common offenders:

• Dirty/messy house
• Cigarette smoke
• Pet odors
• Mildew and/or mold

Even if you are not a smoker and do not have pets, it is still possible that your house has an odor. So, let’s start with your TOP 3 solutions:

1. Get your air ducts cleaned. Dust and debris in your ductwork will trap odors causing it to be recirculated throughout your home.
2. Aeroseal your home. Odors are pulled into your ductwork from areas such as crawl spaces and unconditioned spaces i.e. attics and wall cavities. The way to prevent these odors from entering is by sealing your ducts from the inside out.  To learn more aerosealnj.com .
3. Repaint walls and ceilings starting with a solvent-based, stain-blocking primer.
4. Turn to a professional carpet cleaner. If the smell is not resolved, unfortunately, it is trapped in the carpet padding and the carpet and padding must be replaced.

Now, let’s learn how to maintain a fresh smelling home:

1. Do not leave dirty laundry laying around especially wet items like towels, bathing suits, workout clothes, etc.
2. Wash your bedding regularly. While we sleep, our bedding collects bacteria from bodily fluids and dead skin cells.
3. Always toss expired food. Rotten food is sure to leave a smelly odor.
4. Maintain a NO shoe policy. Just think about the dirt and things you step on outside.
5. Keep up with the dishes. Soaking your dishes is sure to leave an odor throughout your kitchen.
6. Use baking soda! Baking soda is a great way to absorb smells throughout all areas of your home.

What about those hard to get rid of smells… we will start with cigarette smoke! Cigarette smoke is one of those odors that gets trapped in clothes, your hair, rugs, furniture, walls, etc.

• Start by washing items in cold water with at least 2 cups of vinegar. It may require more than one wash!
• If the item cannot be washed in the wash machine, take t to the dry cleaners but be sure to tell them you need to remove the smoke smell.
• Spread baking soda over carpets and furniture. Let is sit for about 1 hour than vacuum it up.
• Wash hard surfaces with a vinegar/water solution. Do not forget the walls and ceilings as cigarette smoke travels upwards.

Next, let’s talk about our furry friends. While we love them so, they can leave a distinct odor in our homes.

• Start with regular carpet vacuuming and washing of hard floors. Spend extra time in the corner and on the stairs where hair tens to collect.
• Trouble spots? Apply a thin layer of baking soda to those difficult areas, let it sit for at least 1 hour and vacuum it up later.
• Wash your pet beds regularly using hot water. If you still cannot remove the smell turn to an enzymatic cleaner.

Finally, what about those moldy, musty smells? Here is how we can start:

• Clean bathrooms regularly including shower stall and curtains with a beach solution to avoid mildew build up.
• Increase ventilation by opening windows and turning on fans. This keeps the humidity in check and prevents mildew growth.
• Hang towels and rugs after use to let them air out.
• Wash towels and rugs regularly and with a partial bleach solution to eliminate odors.
• Clean out your bathroom drains using baking soda and vinegar.