10 Best Ways to Clean and Remove Odors

It doesn’t matter if it’s trash, pet smells, or mildew — odors can quickly take over your home and your patience! Knowing how to clean and remove odors properly makes a big difference. While air fresheners and sprays might help temporarily, the real solution is cleaning the source of the smell.

Before you get overwhelmed or call a professional, try these tried-and-true home methods. Most odors come from kitchens, bathrooms, carpets, laundry, and pet areas — all of which can be freshened with simple cleaning steps and natural deodorizing ingredients.

How to Clean and Remove Kitchen Odors

The kitchen is often the heart of the home — and the first place odors like grease, cooking smells, or spoiled food can build up. From garbage cans to drains and stovetops, kitchen odors usually come from lingering residue or bacteria. Regular cleaning and a few natural deodorizers can keep this busy space fresh.

To Clean and Remove Kitchen Odors

• Garbage cans: Wash them with warm, soapy water, then wipe with a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water. Sprinkle a little baking soda in the bottom before adding a new liner.
• Cooking smells: Simmer orange peels, lemon slices, or cinnamon sticks in a saucepan of water for 20–30 minutes to neutralize food odors.
• Microwave: Heat a bowl of water and lemon juice for a few minutes, then wipe the inside clean to remove stuck-on food smells.
• Garbage disposal: Drop in citrus peels or grind vinegar ice cubes to disinfect and freshen the drain.
• Refrigerator: Wipe shelves with a baking soda and warm water solution, and keep an open box of baking soda inside to absorb ongoing odors.
• Vent filters: Clean or replace range hood filters regularly — built-up grease can trap and spread unpleasant smells.

By keeping your kitchen surfaces, drains, and appliances clean, you’ll prevent odors before they start and make your home smell fresh every day.

How to Clean and Remove Smoke Odors

Smoke odors can cling to walls, furniture, fabrics, and carpets, especially in homes where smoking is frequent or there’s been a fire or burnt food. The smell is caused by tar and nicotine particles that stick to surfaces.

To Remove Light Smoke Odors

• Open windows and doors to circulate fresh air.
• Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and upholstery, let it sit overnight, then vacuum.
• Fill a nylon stocking or mesh bag with cat litter to absorb odors — place behind furniture or near air vents.

For Deep Smoke Odor Removal

• Mix 1 gallon of warm water with 1 cup of non-sudsing ammonia.
• Protect the floor with towels, wear gloves and eye protection, and open windows for ventilation.
• Wash walls, cupboards, and hard surfaces with the solution, then rinse with clean water.
• Wash or professionally clean curtains, furniture, and carpets if necessary.

Encourage smokers to go outdoors — it’s the easiest way to prevent smoke odors from returning.

How to Clean and Remove Pet Urine Odors

Pet urine odors are among the most stubborn because they soak into carpets and flooring. Finding the exact spot is crucial before cleaning — and a black light can help locate dried or invisible stains.

To Clean and Neutralize Pet Urine Odors

• Turn off the lights, shine a black light over the area, and mark glowing spots.
• Blot wet areas with paper towels — don’t rub.
• Apply a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water, let sit a few minutes, then blot dry.
• Once dry, sprinkle baking soda over the spot and gently work it into the carpet fibers. Let sit several hours or overnight, then vacuum.
• Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners — urine naturally breaks down into ammonia, and it will encourage pets to re-mark the area.

How to Clean and Remove Carpet Odors

Carpets trap odors from pets, spills, and daily foot traffic. Even a clean-looking carpet can hold on to dust, dander, and moisture that cause musty smells. Regular vacuuming and fresh air circulation are your first lines of defense.

To Refresh and Deodorize Carpets

• Open windows to air out the room, then vacuum thoroughly.
• Empty or replace your vacuum bag regularly — a full bag can smell musty.
• For natural deodorizing: Sprinkle baking soda generously over the carpet, brush it in, let sit overnight, then vacuum.
• For spot cleaning: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, spray lightly, and blot dry.
• If strong odors remain, consider professional cleaning or replacing old carpet padding, which can trap smells over time.

How to Clean and Remove Refrigerator Odors

Fridge odors are usually caused by spoiled food, spills, or bacterial buildup. A good cleaning can make a huge difference — and a little maintenance keeps it fresh.

To Clean and Deodorize Your Refrigerator

• Discard expired or moldy food.
• Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with 4 cups warm water.
• Wipe down shelves, drawers, and walls, then dry with a clean towel.
• Replace food and leave an open box of baking soda inside to absorb new odors.

To Prevent Refridgerator Odors

• Wipe spills right away.
• Store leftovers in sealed containers.
• Keep the temperature below 40°F to slow food spoilage.

Fixing a Stinky Sink

Sinks collect residue from soap, toothpaste, food particles, and grease. Over time, these build up in the drain and P-trap, causing unpleasant smells.

To Clean Your Sink and Drain

• Remove hair clogs: Pull out the drain plug and use a drain tool or bent wire hanger to remove debris.
• Clean the P-trap:
  • Turn off the water and place a bucket beneath the trap.
  • Unscrew both ends of the trap with pliers.
  • Run a washcloth through the pipe to clear buildup.
  • Reassemble securely and check for leaks.

How to Clean and Remove Garbage Disposal Odors

Garbage disposals can develop odors from stuck food particles, grease, or bacteria. Regular cleaning keeps them odor-free and working efficiently.

To Freshen the Disposal

• Run cold water (never hot) while the disposal is on.
• Add a squirt of dish soap and let it run for a minute.
• Avoid pouring grease down the drain.
• Drop citrus peels in for a fresh scent.
• Grind frozen white vinegar ice cubes to disinfect and clean blades.
• Sprinkle baking soda down the drain, let sit for a few hours, then rinse.
• For strong odors, pour 4 tablespoons of Borax down the drain, let sit an hour, and rinse.
• Use a small brush to clean the underside of the rubber splash guard — it collects grime easily.

Cleaning Stinky Sponges

Sponges absorb bacteria and odors fast, especially when used for greasy dishes or raw foods. Keeping them clean or swapping them out regularly is key or switching to washable kitchen dishcloths.

To Clean and Deodorize Kitchen Sponges

• Run through the dishwasher on the top rack or wash in the washing machine.
• Soak in a diluted bleach solution: Mix 3/4 teaspoon of bleach per quart of water (or about 1 tablespoon per gallon) and let the sponge soak for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This should be strong enough to disinfect and deodorize a single sponge without wasting bleach or risking skin irritation from residue.
• Replace sponges frequently, or switch to washable dishcloths you can toss in the laundry daily.

How to Clean and Remove Dishwasher Odors

Even dishwashers need cleaning! Food particles, grease, and soap residue can build up and cause unpleasant smells.

To Keep the Dishwasher Clean and Odor-free

• Scrape excess food off dishes before loading.
• Wipe door seals with warm, soapy water.
• Empty and clean the bottom filter or trap.
• Place a coffee cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle.
• Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and run another short hot cycle to freshen.

How to Clean and Remove Toilet Odors

Bathroom odors often come from bacteria around the toilet base or inside the tank. Regular cleaning prevents lingering smells and keeps the space hygienic.

To Clean and Deodorize Toilets

• Scrub the bowl, outer sides, tank, and floor area weekly.
• Pour 1 cup bleach into the bowl, let sit 10 minutes, then scrub and flush.
• If odors persist near the base, the wax ring may be worn and need replacement — call a plumber if necessary.

Knowing how to clean and remove odors gives you control over every room in your home. With these safe, effective methods, you can tackle everything from smoke to pet smells — leaving your home fresh, healthy, and truly clean.

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