At Azuna, we know that there are a few crucial steps to eliminating home odors: cleaning, air circulation, and reliable odor neutralizers. We pair those techniques with plant-powered cleaning and freshening products. And we're here to help share specific strategies to keep your space feeling naturally clean and reliably fresh.
How to Remove House Odors
Every home has its own scent. But when odors compound and your indoor air begins to feel a little stifling, it's time to tackle those unwanted smells (with proven methods that just work).
1. Start with Fresh Air
One of the fastest ways to freshen a room is also the simplest: open the windows. Even in cooler weather, just a short burst of outdoor air helps flush out stale odors. For the best results, create cross-ventilation by opening windows on opposite sides of the room. This lets air move freely and carry lingering smells outside. If possible, leaving a window cracked for even an hour or two each day helps maintain freshness without much effort.
2. Deep Cleaning and Surfaces
Odors often hide in places we don’t think about. Upholstery, rugs, and curtains are some of the most common culprits; regular vacuuming keeps these fabrics from holding onto unwanted smells, while an occasional professional deep clean refreshes them completely.
Don’t forget about hard surfaces like tables, countertops, and floors. Food residue, dust, and spills can contribute to unpleasant odors if not addressed quickly. We’ve found that consistent cleaning prevents buildup and makes odor control a lot easier in the long run. Even wiping down baseboards or washing throw pillow covers every so often (say, once a month) makes a noticeable difference.
3. Use a Trusted Odor Eliminator
Some odors simply don’t go away with cleaning and fresh air alone. That’s when odor eliminators become essential. Long-term solutions, like our Luxe Glass Whole Home Kit, delivers steady, plant-powered freshness that keeps rooms comfortable day after day. By working continuously with your home's airflow, our Australian tea tree oil-based gels ensure you don't need to think about reapplications.
For quicker fixes, our Odor Eliminator Ultra Mist Spray is ideal. It neutralizes tough odors almost immediately without harsh chemicals or heavy perfumes, and leaves behind a crisp, natural scent (nothing cloying or artificial). Keeping one in the kitchen and another near the entryway makes it easy to tackle odors as soon as they pop up.
4. Add Greenery
Certain varieties of plants are known for their air-purifying properties. Peace lilies, pothos, snake plants, and English ivy can actually reduce airborne contaminants (and reduce stress, too).
Placing plants in rooms that tend to feel stuffy, like bedrooms or offices, helps balance the air naturally.
5. Wash Linens and Fabrics Often
Bedding, towels, and blankets are some of the most overlooked sources of household odors. They trap sweat, body oils, and everyday smells, which can spread to the rest of the room. Washing them regularly keeps these fabrics fresh and prevents mustiness from taking over. Even decorative items like throw blankets and accent pillows benefit from occasional washing to remove hidden odors.
6. Focus on High-Traffic Zones
Entryways, mudrooms, and hallways are hotspots for odors. Shoes, gym bags, and jackets bring in outside smells that can spread to other areas of the home. Giving these spaces regular attention helps stop odors from traveling.
Vacuuming or mopping these zones more often than others pays off quickly. We also place a single Azuna pod (Luxe Glass or reusable plastic) near entry points to prevent odors from building up. It’s a small step that makes the whole house feel cleaner.
7. Pay Attention to Flooring
Floors handle the bulk of household activity, which means they also trap the most odors. Carpets absorb spills and pet accidents, while hard floors can collect grime that eventually smells stale. Regular sweeping and mopping, along with an occasional carpet shampoo or steam clean, keeps these odors from setting in. Even small details, like wiping down baseboards or cleaning entryway mats, make a big impact on the way a space smells.
8. Refresh with Seasonal Maintenance
Some odors build slowly over time, especially in areas we don’t clean often. Heating vents, air filters, and ceiling fans can all collect dust that carries smells through the house. Swapping out filters every few months and wiping down fans at the start of each season makes a noticeable difference.
When vacuuming, remember to move large furniture and couch cushions to clean crevices that you may not normally access. Crumbs, dirt, and dust can collect here and are often overlooked.
9. Tackle Odors at the Source
Eliminating odors when they've already developed is still crucial, but finding where they start makes the biggest difference. Trash cans, pet areas, and even fridge drawers are often the hidden culprits. Wipe these surfaces down regularly to keep smells from spreading to the rest of the home.
Even simple habits like rinsing food containers before tossing them in the garbage can cut down on unwanted odors. Staying proactive with odor sources saves a lot of effort later.
10. Use Light and Heat Wisely
Sunlight and warmth can naturally freshen spaces if used strategically. Opening curtains during the day allows sunlight to reach areas where musty odors tend to build, like damp corners or heavy curtains. Letting rugs or cushions sit in the sun for a few hours makes them smell noticeably fresher.
Warmth also helps reduce lingering moisture, which is often tied to unpleasant smells. Taking advantage of natural light is an easy, no-effort step toward a fresher home.
