How Do I Neutralize Smells in My New Home?

If you’ve just purchased a property and it has some lingering smells, don’t despair! There are some simple things you can do to neutralize odors and make your new home or office smell fresh and inviting.

1. Open the windows and doors. This is the first and most obvious step. If there’s good ventilation, many odors will dissipate on their own.

2. Bring in some fresh air. If the weather permits, open all the windows and doors and let in some fresh air. You may even want to set up a few fans to help circulate the air.

3. Clean, clean, clean. Thoroughly clean the entire property, paying special attention to any areas where the odor seems to be concentrated. Use a strong cleaning solution on all surfaces, and don’t forget to clean carpets, upholstery, and draperies.

4. Absorb odors with baking soda. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber. Sprinkle it liberally on carpets, upholstered furniture, and in closets. Let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up.

5. Deodorize with vinegar. Vinegar is another natural odor absorber. Again, sprinkle it on affected surfaces and let it sit for a while before cleaning it up.

6. Use activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is available at most hardware stores and can be very effective at absorbing odors. Place it in strategic locations around the property, such as in closets, near windows, and in any areas where the odor seems to be particularly strong.

7. Try a commercial odor eliminator. If all else fails, there are a number of commercial products available that are designed to neutralize odors. Follow the directions on the product label carefully.