Whether at home or at work, odors can be quite distracting and often indicate an unhealthy indoor air environment. And it is suggested that many guests and clients make long-term judgments based on the smell of their home or office.

So if you feel like your place may be a little off or “not so cool,” it’s time to consider your options. There are several ways to improve the smell of your home or office, as long as you stay dedicated to an odor-free environment. Read on to learn some easy and effective practices that are sure to keep bad odors at bay.

persistent odor sources

There are several odor-causing elements that can enter your home or office from the outside, but there are also many that can come from inside. These impurities will grow, rot, or decompose, which can cause lingering odors and even pose certain health risks. Mold, bacteria, mildew, pet dander, pollen, dust, dead bugs, dust mites, dust mite droppings, dirt, and more are common odor-causing contaminants.

Although freshening the air is an important part of improving the smell of your home, candles and air fresheners are not enough to complete the job. These products only cover odors. They are great for adding an extra fresh scent, but they do not eliminate odors at their source.

There are other areas of your home that retain odor, namely fabrics and textiles. This includes carpets, rugs, curtains, furniture, pet beds, cat towers, and even insulation. All of these areas should be treated carefully and cleaned regularly to remove and prevent lingering odors. And at some point, these textiles simply need to be replaced.

Tips to prevent odors:

Do not smoke inside.

Replace all carpets and rugs that are between 10 and 15 years old.

Have the plumbing and roof inspected for water leaks, then make any necessary repairs.

Have your carpets and rugs professionally cleaned at least once a year; most often for older homes or homes with multiple occupants, pets, and heavy foot traffic.

Have your couches (even leather ones), chairs, and curtains professionally cleaned once a year.

Have your HVAC ducts and vents professionally cleaned.

Install a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms, cellars, attics, and cellars.

Periodically open your windows to ventilate your indoor environment. Leave them open for at least an hour 3 or 4 times a year.

Try not to regularly cook spicy foods, such as fish or pickles.

Keep windows open when cooking with a lot of fat to release strong cooking odors.

Bathe your dogs routinely (at least once a month) with a quality shampoo. Small, furry pets should be wiped down monthly with a damp cloth, including ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters, as well as exotic pets like chinchillas, pigs, raccoons, monkeys, and squirrels.

Clean litter boxes, pet cages, cages, and aquariums once a week. This includes washing pet bedding and blankets inside cages, as well as changing dirty pet bedding and wood chips.

Incorporate artificial or organic air fresheners for an added boost, such as fresh flowers, potpourri, candles, add-ons or sprays.

Use a special cleaning solution that removes enzymes to clean pet messes from carpets and rugs.

Periodically ask a friend what your house smells like! Your nose is too used to your house and can’t detect bad odors as well as someone else.

And more important:

Have your property inspected, repaired and upgraded by a professional handyman company or contractor. They have the right tools, training, and equipment to repair or refinish windows, doors, garages, plumbing, roofing, concrete, drywall, paint, and much more.