Things Making Your Home Smell Bad That You May Not Have Thought Of

Sometimes you can smell something funky in your home, but finding the source is another matter. The trash is empty, the dishes are done, and there’s nothing obviously rotting in the fridge, so what gives?

Odors can hide in places you don’t clean very often, including drains, garbage disposals, washing machines, and even the drip tray under your refrigerator. If your house doesn’t smell as fresh as you’d like, it’s worth investigating these often-forgotten spots.

Key takeaways

• Food crumbs and spills can hide underneath and beside kitchen appliances.
• Pet beds, carpets, curtains, and other fabrics can hold onto odors.
• Drains, garbage disposals, trash cans, and recycling bins can smell even when they look clean.
• Washing machines and dishwashers may develop odors if food residue, detergent buildup, or moisture collects inside.

Hidden food

You know that crack between your oven and the wall or the fridge? That’s a prime hiding spot for food crumbs and spills. Chances are, those little buggers are making a stink.

If you have an electric oven, carefully pull it out from the wall. Then, sweep and mop the floor. If you have a gas range, leave it in place so you don’t disrupt the gas line, and do your best to clean the area around it.

To prevent food from getting down there again, invest in silicone crevice oven covers. They cost less than $20 for a set and are well worth it.

Pet beds

Fido and Frida’s beds probably stink after a week or two, even if you can’t smell it. If they’re machine washable, give them a spin every week or two to keep the smell at bay. If they aren’t washable, spray them with a vinegar and water solution or a fabric freshener and let them air-dry before your furry friend plops back down.

Trapped carpet odors

Sometimes carpets just trap odors. A good trick to try is to sprinkle baking powder all over the carpet, and then really rub it in with a broom. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Then, vacuum up the baking soda by vacuuming in one direction and then vacuuming again in another direction.

If you suspect your carpet may stink because of pet or toddler pee, an enzymatic cleaner may be the answer. Follow the bottle’s instructions and test it out in a small, hard to see area of the carpet before trying it everywhere, just in case it discolors the fibers.

Garbage disposals

Your garbage disposal deals with a lot of food, so it’s not surprising that it can eventually start to smell. Tiny pieces of food and grease can stick around inside and create an odor that makes the whole kitchen smell funky.

Cut a lemon in half and run it through the garbage disposal. It should get rid of any smells. Clean the rubber splash guard, too, since grime can collect underneath it.

Sink drains

If you keep getting a whiff of something unpleasant near a sink, the drain may be the culprit. Food residue, soap, hair, toothpaste, grease, and other gunk can collect inside drains. Start by cleaning the drain opening and stopper, since both can get surprisingly gross. If the smell continues or you notice slow drainage, bubbling, backups, or a sewer-like odor, you may have a plumbing problem that needs more than a quick cleaning.

Trash cans

Taking out the trash doesn’t necessarily take out the smell. Leaks, food residue, and mystery goo can collect in the bottom of the can or underneath the trash bag. Every so often, empty the can completely and clean the inside, outside, lid, and surrounding floor using a method that’s safe for the material. Check underneath it, too, especially if a bag has leaked recently.

Remember to let the trash can dry completely before adding a fresh bag.

Recycling bins

Your recycling bin may be sneakier than your trash can. You don’t expect clean cans and bottles to stink, so the bin may not get washed very often. The problem is that those containers aren’t always completely clean. Drops of soda, milk, juice, sauces, and other food residue can collect in the bottom of the bin.

Your dishwasher

The machine that cleans your dishes can get pretty dirty itself. Food particles, grease, and other residue can collect in the filter and other areas of your dishwasher. Check your owner’s manual to find out how to remove and clean the filter, if your model has an accessible one.

While you’re at it, wipe the door, gasket, and other accessible areas. If the dishwasher still smells after a thorough cleaning, check the troubleshooting information for your model.

Your washing machine

If freshly washed clothes have a musty smell, your washing machine may need attention. Detergent, fabric softener, dirt, hair, and moisture can collect inside the machine. Front-loading machines can also develop grime around the door gasket.

Clean your washing machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions, including the detergent dispensers, gasket, filter, and self-cleaning cycle if your model has them. If the manufacturer recommends leaving the door or lid open between loads, doing so can help the interior dry.

Your refrigerator drip pan

You cleaned every questionable leftover out of the refrigerator, but the smell is still hanging around. The problem may be underneath it. Some refrigerators have a drain pan or drip tray that collects condensation. Depending on the appliance, it may be accessible for cleaning. Dust, spills, food residue, or other gunk around the refrigerator can also create odors.

Check your refrigerator’s owner’s manual before trying to access or remove anything. If the drip pan is designed to be cleaned by the owner, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. While you’re there, clean accessible areas underneath and around the refrigerator without disturbing water or electrical connections.

FAQ

What causes a house to smell bad even when it’s clean?

Hidden food, dirty drains, pet bedding, carpets, damp towels, trash cans, appliances, and other overlooked areas can create odors even when visible surfaces are clean. Try to determine where the smell is strongest, then check nearby odor sources.

Why does my house smell musty?

Musty odors can come from damp towels, bath mats, carpets, stored textiles, or other items that haven’t dried completely. Persistent musty smells can also be a sign of excess moisture or mold, so investigate smells that continue after cleaning.

Why does my kitchen smell bad after I take out the trash?

Check the trash can itself, recycling bin, garbage disposal, sink drain, dishwasher, refrigerator, and spaces beside and underneath appliances. Food residue can hide in all of these places.

How do you get trapped odors out of a house?

Start by finding and cleaning the source instead of trying to cover the odor with fragrance. Wash dirty textiles, clean carpets and upholstery according to their care instructions, empty and clean trash cans, clean appliances, and investigate drains or moisture problems when needed.

Can curtains make your house smell?

Yes. Curtains and other fabric window treatments can hold onto cooking smells, smoke, pet odors, dust, and other particles. Clean them according to their care instructions.

Why does my washing machine smell bad?

Moisture, detergent, fabric softener, dirt, and other residue can build up inside a washing machine. Clean the machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions, paying attention to dispensers, filters, and door gaskets when applicable.

Can a vacuum cleaner make your house smell bad?

A vacuum filled with pet fur, crumbs, dust, and other debris can develop an odor. Empty the bin or replace the bag regularly, and maintain filters, brush rolls, and attachments according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

What should I do if I can’t find the source of a bad smell?

Check hidden and rarely cleaned areas first, including underneath appliances, drains, trash cans, pet bedding, carpets, washing machines, dishwashers, closets, and damp textiles. If a persistent odor smells like gas, sewage, burning materials, or mold, or you can’t identify the cause, consider having the problem inspected by a qualified professional.