In carpets, a missed stain can lead to mold or mildew. Even after a spill dries or dirt gets wiped away, odor-causing bacteria can linger. And if you can, try to use small garbage pails in your home, so you're forced to take out the trash more regularly.Ĭarpets, throw pillows, upholstery, bed linens, and window covers are magnets for bad smells. Launder pet beds regularly, and scoop the litter box every day. Keep a bit of kitty litter at the bottom of the pail to absorb smells. So it's important to be proactive: Clean the inside of your garbage can (including the lid, if there is one) at least once a month, Hoffman suggests. But it can also mean your stuff smells, and you don't even know it. This "nose blindness" is adaptive when regular smells fade into the background, then an unfamiliar scent pops up (like smoke), we notice it more.
"It's called sensory adaptation, and it's common to all the senses," says Leslie Stein, Ph.D., former director of science communications at the Monell Chemical Senses Center. Duh, you might say, but unfortunately, the more time we spend around these things, the less likely we are to realize they stink. Spots like litter boxes, garbage cans, pet beds, and diaper pails are all places that give off funky smells. And keep an eye on micro sources of moisture, such as sponges and towels: Replace sponges at least every one to two weeks, ensure clean towels are fully dry before folding and putting them away, and hang bath mats over the shower rod to help them dry. Consider keeping moisture-absorbing products in smaller areas that get damp, such as bathrooms and closets. If you live in a humid climate, avoid wall-to-wall carpeting or rugs (which can trap moisture), especially in areas like the kitchen and bathroom, Hoffman says. If needed, you can run more than one dehumidifier, but note that they can use a lot of energy: Start with one and see how it goes. Consider using a hygrometer to test the humidity level in each room-if you discover a room with humidity above 60 percent, you may want to use a dehumidifier.
It's the number one cause of household odors, says Rachel Hoffman, author of the (bluntly yet inspirationally named) book Unf*ck Your Habitat: You're Better Than Your Mess ($16 ).
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