Its party time or open house as part of a plan to sell your house. But there is a problem. Something does not seem right; an unpleasant odor around the house is threatening to ruin your well-planned event. This horrible stench could be a big turn-off to guests and potential homebuyers when they step into your house.
Knowing the sources and potential causes of the odor, as well as how to eradicate them is crucial to taking back control of the situation.
Below is a few causes and prescribed low-cost, mostly do-it-yourself solutions.
#1 Front-Loading Washing Machine
Check your washing machine after every wash. Trapped water in the drain pump filter needs to be frequently drained and cleaned out; plus, your filter needs to be cleaned and maintained as well. Cleaning it on a regular basis will eliminate the stench from your washer. Leaving the door open between loads can also help keep the stench at bay. Regularly drying and cleaning the rubber gasket also helps.
#2 Garbage Disposal
Food trapped in your kitchen sink and drain can cause unpleasant odor in the kitchen. The kitchen garbage disposal needs to be cleaned at least once a week. One of the not-so-common ways for cleaning the disposal is to put 6 ice cubes, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 3 thin lemon slices, and 1 teaspoon of bleach into the disposal. Add six more ice cubes and turn it on. When the grinding stops, run cold water for 30 seconds. The ice helps knock food particles loose. The bleach kills bacteria, and lemon slices help with odor. Be sure to try a 1:9 bleach-to-water solution on surfaces less prone to damage such as cement floors or walls.
#3 Dirty Carpet
To ward off odors, always shampoo and vacuum your carpets and rugs regularly. Deep clean your carpets once a year using dry steam cleaning and deodorize if necessary.
#4 Funky Fridge
Go through the refrigerator once a week and toss anything that’s expired. Wipe up spills right away using hot, soapy water to keep your fridge fresh. Avoid cleaning products — they may make your food taste like chemicals. Place an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator to keep odors out. Remember to clean the vegetable bins as well as empty all drip pans. Also, check underneath the drawers or shelves for rotten foods.
#5 Dead Animals
Yes, it’s possible. A faint smell that slowly gets stronger and stays for days or weeks could be a sign that you have a dead creepy creature hidden away in your house. Even if such is still alive, the pee or poop left behind can be a source of the persistent odor. Keep the house clear of clutters and set traps as applicable. Enlist the services of a professional pest control firm to inspect and exterminate pests if the problem persists.
