You vacuum, mop, and open a window now and then — so your home should smell great, right? Unfortunately, everyday habits that seem harmless can actually be filling your home with odours and pollutants you may not notice until they become overwhelming. These bad smells don’t just affect your comfort — they can also impact your health.

Let’s explore 7 common habits that may be making your home smell worse, and how you can reverse the damage with the help of the Smell Away® Odour Neutraliser and Dust Remover and a reliable Air Purifier.

1. Letting Laundry Sit Too Long

Whether it’s damp towels tossed in a corner or clothes that linger in the washer for a few extra hours, lingering moisture leads to mildew — one of the most stubborn and unpleasant household odours. That musty scent can even transfer to other clothes.

To prevent this, make laundry a daily or every-other-day routine. Dry clothes immediately and wash smelly fabrics with vinegar when necessary. After removing clothes, spritz the inside of your washer with Smell Away® to neutralise bacteria and prevent lingering odours. Use an Air Purifier in the laundry area to reduce humidity and trap airborne mildew spores.

2. Cooking Without Ventilation

Cooking — especially frying or roasting — releases grease, smoke, and odour molecules into the air. Without proper ventilation, these smells can cling to walls, curtains, furniture, and even your clothes.

Always use your kitchen exhaust fan and open windows while cooking. Afterward, use Smell Away® Odour Neutraliser and Dust Remover to treat curtains, seat cushions, and kitchen surfaces. Placing an Air Purifier with a carbon filter in your kitchen can help absorb lingering food smells and reduce airborne grease particles.

3. Ignoring Pet Areas

Pets bring joy, but they also bring dander, fur, and some very distinct smells. If you’re not cleaning their bedding, litter boxes, or toys regularly, the odour can spread quickly throughout the house.

Wash pet bedding weekly, replace litter as often as needed, and treat soft surfaces with Smell Away® — it’s safe around pets and works quickly. A Air Purifier is especially helpful in homes with pets, capturing odours and allergens before they affect your indoor air.

4. Using Scented Candles and Air Fresheners

While these may mask unpleasant smells for a short time, many commercial air fresheners and candles release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to indoor air pollution. Ironically, these “solutions” often make the problem worse.

Instead, choose fragrance-free or non-toxic alternatives like Smell Away®, which actually neutralises odours on a molecular level. It’s plant-based and safe for all rooms of the house. Pair it with a Air Purifier to clean the air itself, not just the scent.

5. Skipping Trash Can Cleaning

You empty the bin, but do you ever clean the bin itself? Food particles and liquids often leak through the bag and fester at the bottom of the can — especially in warm weather. Over time, this creates a powerful odour that no amount of bag-changing can fix.

Clean your bins weekly with soap and water, then spray with Smell Away® to keep them fresh. For kitchens, a nearby Air Purifier will help absorb organic odours that rise from the trash before they settle into fabrics and walls.

6. Neglecting Your Entryway

Shoes track in dirt, bacteria, pollen, and moisture — and it all collects in your front hall. Left unchecked, this mixture produces a stale or even sour odour, especially in small spaces.

Place mats at every entrance and clean them weekly. Keep shoes in a ventilated rack and treat musty corners or flooring with Smell Away® spray. A compact Air Purifier near your entranceway is a smart move to intercept outside pollutants before they spread throughout your home.

7. Forgetting to Clean Soft Surfaces

Rugs, upholstery, and curtains absorb odours daily, but they’re often overlooked in regular cleaning routines. This is why even a spotless home can still smell stale — the fabrics are silently soaking up scents from pets, cooking, and people.

Vacuum and wash soft items regularly. Between cleanings, use Smell Away® to refresh fabric and eliminate odours. An Air Purifier will trap microscopic particles before they embed themselves in your soft furnishings.

Final Thoughts: Break the Odour Cycle

We all have habits that unintentionally cause our homes to smell worse — but breaking the cycle doesn’t require a major lifestyle overhaul. A few adjustments, combined with smarter products, can make a big difference.

1. Smell Away® Odour Neutraliser and Dust Remover is your first line of defence against household odours, tackling them at the source without adding chemicals or artificial scents. When paired with a quality Air Purifier, you’re not just covering up odours — you’re creating a cleaner, healthier home environment.