You light candles, open the windows, and scrub every inch of your home. Yet somehow, a funky smell still lingers. If you’ve done everything “right” and your house still doesn’t smell clean, the problem might lie in places you never considered. Odours can hide in the most unexpected spots — and they tend to grow stronger over time if left unchecked.
In this guide, we’ll uncover four hidden sources of bad smells that might be sabotaging your home’s freshness — and how to eliminate them effectively using the Smell Away® Odour Neutraliser and Dust Remover and a quality Air Purifier.
1. Indoor Plant Soil and Trays
Plants are meant to freshen your home, not stink it up — right? But if you notice a musty, earthy odour, your houseplants may be to blame. Overwatering leads to stagnant soil, which becomes a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and even pests like fungus gnats. The water trays beneath pots can also collect moldy residue and create unpleasant odours.
Let the topsoil dry between watering, and always drain excess water. Sprinkle baking soda on the soil surface and clean trays regularly. Smell Away® can be lightly misted around plant stands and pots to neutralise musty smells without harming the plants. To ensure fresher air overall, add an Air Purifier near your plant collection — it will reduce mold spores and improve humidity control.
2. Gym Equipment and Home Workout Areas
Working out is great for your body — but not always for your home’s aroma. Exercise mats, resistance bands, foam rollers, and other workout tools can retain sweat and bacteria, producing a sour smell over time. Home gyms in basements or spare rooms are especially prone to odours due to limited ventilation.
Wipe down gym gear with disinfecting wipes after each session. Once a week, spray the entire area with Smell Away® Odour Neutraliser and Dust Remover — it binds to dust and sweat particles, neutralising odours instantly. Placing an Air Purifier in your workout zone will help keep the space fresh and free of odour-causing bacteria and moisture.
3. Decorative Pillows and Upholstery
Throw pillows, upholstered headboards, and fabric chairs often go months (if not years) without being cleaned. These soft surfaces absorb everything from body odour to food smells, pet dander, and even cigarette smoke. Over time, they develop a subtle but persistent scent that affects the overall freshness of your living room or bedroom.
Vacuum these items regularly using a brush attachment, and whenever possible, remove and wash pillow covers. For items that can’t be laundered, mist them with Smell Away® — its plant-based formula eliminates the embedded odours without damaging fabric. Use a room-based Air Purifier to constantly cycle clean air and trap microscopic particles that contribute to upholstery odours.
4. Entryways and Mudrooms
The first place people walk into your home is often the smelliest — and not in a good way. Mudrooms and entryways are where shoes, jackets, sports gear, and even pet leashes accumulate. Wet shoes and dirty soles in particular can leave behind bacteria, mildew, and unpleasant odours that spread through the house.
Use trays and mats to contain outdoor debris and clean them frequently. Keep a bottle of Smell Away® near the door and spray it after muddy days or rainy weather. Adding an Air Purifier near the entryway ensures constant air filtration and odour control, especially in small, enclosed spaces.
Final Thoughts: Conquer Odours Where They Begin
The truth is, odours aren’t just caused by obvious things like the trash or dirty dishes. They’re often lurking in quiet corners of your home — like upholstery, soil, or workout gear — where they slowly build up and take over your living space.
The good news? You can neutralise these odours at the source. Smell Away® Odour Neutraliser and Dust Remover is a powerful, non-toxic spray that binds to airborne and surface-level odour particles and gets rid of them for good. Combine it with a reliable Air Purifier and you’ll create a home environment that not only looks clean — it smells clean, too.
