You clean regularly, take out the trash, and spray air fresheners — so why does your home still smell a little… off? The truth is, odours don’t always come from obvious sources. Sometimes, the worst culprits are the ones you’d never expect.
Let’s explore four sneaky sources of household smells and how you can eliminate them using the Smell Away® Odour Neutraliser and Dust Remover and a dependable Air Purifier to keep your space smelling fresh every day.
1. Washing Machines That Smell Worse Than Dirty Clothes
Ironically, one of the most common sources of household odours is the very machine meant to clean your clothes. Washing machines — especially front-loaders — can trap moisture, detergent residue, and even bacteria in the drum and rubber seal. The result? A sour, mildew-like smell that sticks to your laundry.
Run a hot, empty wash cycle with vinegar or baking soda once a week, and leave the door open between loads. Spray the drum and rubber lining with Smell Away® Odour Neutraliser and Dust Remover to eliminate odour-causing residue. Install an Air Purifier nearby to manage humidity and control musty air in your laundry room.
2. Houseplants and Their Soil
While houseplants purify the air and add natural beauty, overwatered or poorly draining pots can actually cause mouldy smells. Soil that stays damp for too long promotes bacterial growth and root rot, both of which release a distinct, earthy odour.
Use well-draining pots, avoid overwatering, and remove dead leaves regularly. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. You can lightly mist the area around your pots with Smell Away® — it’s safe for indoor use and won’t harm your plants. Keep a small Air Purifier in plant-heavy rooms to balance moisture and freshen the air.
3. Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans
Dust and dead insects can accumulate in enclosed light fixtures, while ceiling fans redistribute these particles every time they’re turned on. Over time, this creates a dusty, burnt smell that spreads throughout the room — especially when lights heat up.
Clean fixtures and fan blades monthly. After dusting, spray Smell Away® on a cloth and wipe down the surfaces to remove any stubborn odours. A strategically placed Air Purifier can capture airborne dust particles before they settle again, keeping your room smelling and looking clean.
4. Door Mats and Entryways
The doormat is your first line of defence against outdoor dirt and grime — and often your first source of bad smells. Mats trap moisture from shoes, especially during rainy seasons, and develop mildew or musty odours. Because they’re near the front door, these smells greet every visitor who walks in.
Wash mats regularly or replace them every few months. Spray them with Smell Away® Odour Neutraliser and Dust Remover between washes to keep them fresh. Place an Air Purifier in the entryway to catch dust, pollen, and outdoor odours before they spread further inside your home.
Final Thoughts: The Little Things Make the Biggest Difference
It’s easy to focus on big cleaning tasks like scrubbing the bathroom or mopping the kitchen — but often, it’s the small, forgotten places that harbour the worst smells. Light fixtures, soil, and washing machines quietly collect odour-causing particles until your entire home starts to smell off.
The solution? Regular attention, paired with smart tools like Smell Away® Odour Neutraliser and Dust Remover, which neutralises odours without heavy chemicals or fake fragrances. Add a high-quality Air Purifier to maintain air circulation and trap airborne pollutants, and you’ll enjoy a home that truly smells clean — all the time.
