Does your home smell? How to find out and fix this problem permanently |

“Ghar kitna bhi saaf karo, par phir bhi ek ajeeb si badbu aati rehti hai”, says Vinita Aggarwal, a 52-year homemaker from Amritsar. If that’s the case with you too, then the problem is not in the way you clean the house, but the ventilation. There are many households which have an unpleasant foul smell. The issue is residents of the house continue to live there without even realising the smell. It is because over time, our noses adjust, and what once felt off slowly becomes normal. You only realise it when a guest hesitates at the doorway or opens a window quietly! And let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite as unsettling as a foul smell lingering in the house—whether it’s a musty dampness, or a lingering curry aroma. But a smelly house doesn’t necessarily mean poor hygiene. Mostly, it is about poor ventilation, trapped air, or moisture. So what can be done to tackle the situation. Well, before spending money on air fresheners that only mask odors, the key to a truly fresh-smelling home is identifying the real causes and eliminating them at the source.

Read on to know more how to get rid of bad smell:Finding the culpritYou need to ask yourself: Is the smell strongest near the kitchen or is it from the washroom? At what time is the smell stronger, after rain or in humid weather?These patterns help you identify causes — whether it’s moisture build-up, leftover food or poor ventilation. It can also be pets, among others. So walking through the house and note where the smell is worst will reveal what’s behind it.Kitchen odors remain for long

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Indian households use strong spices to prepare foods. Sometimes it’s the smell of curries or fried food which can leave an aroma — especially when ventilation is not apt. Indian kitchens without good exhaust systems easily trap these smells and steam in cabinets, curtains, and soft furnishings which stay for days.To avoid this, use an exhaust fan while cooking Keep windows open Regular cleaning of walls and cabinets is necessaryPlace a bowl of white vinegar overnight in the kitchen to neutralize smells Damp smells (monsoon season issue)

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Monsoons are the worst time for house odors. This is the time when humidity hits and it is a known rival of a fresh-smelling home! Moist air also causes mold and mildew, which release an unpleasant musty smell.You can deal with this by opening windows and balcony doors. Cross-ventilation helps.Don’t let moisture build up on floors and wallsPlace moisture absorbers like baking soda in house cornersAdd camphor in wardrobes and corners Smelly bathroom

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Bathrooms are prone to foul smell. Even with regular cleaning, smells can remain or return if moisture inside is not controlled.To fix the issue, keep cleaning drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar Ensure proper ventilation A running exhaust fan helps in fighting foul smellFood waste

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Another major reason could be overflowing garbage bins! These are frequent villains. Leftover food, and wet waste attract bacteria and produce foul smells.To deal with this, empty trash daily Line bins with biodegradable bagsClean and disinfect bin interiors weeklyPet odors

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Pets too contribute to foul smells at home. You need to regularly clean your pet bedding Bath them as neededVacuum floors oftenSprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming to absorb odors.How to deal with the foul smellWell ventilation: Now this is the main solution. For a fresh-smelling home, you need to spend on a good exhaust fan. Good airflow removes old or trapped air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air. Natural deodorizers

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Instead of using chemical sprays, make your own deodorizers by using baking soda that absorbs odors from carpets, refrigerators, and drains. You can also use coffee grounds and keep them in bowls. Fresh herbs or flowers improve air quality.If the smell still lingers for long, especially from a sewage or dead rat, you need professional help and cleaning.