If your flat smells bad, you may get used to it.
But when you have guests, they will likely notice it.
And it might even start causing your clothes to smell, too.
So, how can you remove a bad smell from a flat? And how can you keep it smelling good?
Read on to find out.
Why a good odour in a flat matters
Whether you’re renting a flat or own one, a good odour matters.
The most important issue is health and hygiene. Bad odours could be a sign of something something related to a pest infestation.
And if you own the flat and plan on selling it, a bad odour will likely put off many potential buyers. Conversly, a good odour will help increase the flat’s value.
Either way, speed is crucial if you identify a bad smell. Allowing it to linger for several weeks or months can exacerbate the situation. And it’ll eventually cost a lot more to fix.
1. Ventilate properly
Proper ventilation helps you avoid moisture issues (such as mould) that create bad smells.
Regularly open your windows when it’s not too cold and use air filters. You could also install a fan that keeps the air circulating through your flat.
2. Clean regularly
Regular cleaning is another way to avoid bad smells.
Whether you handle this yourself or hire a professional, thorough cleaning can eliminate bad odours that build up in your carpet, walls, or bins.
You should consider cleaning bins themselves. Over time, dirt can accumulate outside the space covered by the bag.
If the flat’s carpets are old, consider hiring a deep cleaning service or even purchasing a specialist deep cleaning vacuum.
You’ll be surprised at the difference this can make.
3. Keep good personal hygiene
Personal hygiene has a huge effect on the smell of your flat. You’re in your flat all the time – so when you look after yourself, this has a positive effect.
Your food should not be left in the fridge too long, otherwise it goes mouldy and starts to smell.
You should also air out your clothes and shoes with proper ventilation. Wash your body daily and clean your linen every week.
Taking out your rubbish bins is another ‘easy win’. Lots of bacteria will build up, and create a bad smell, if you don’t.
You should also encourage anyone else living in your flat to maintain their own hygiene.
Children are especially important since they may get dirty from playing outside during the day.
4. Look after your plumbing system
One of the parts of your flat most susceptible to generating a bad smell is your plumbing.
Even if there are no serious plumbing problems, the build-up of residue over many months can still have an effect.
Make sure to use bleach and a plunger regularly on your toilet. You can also use a potent sink-cleaning agent.
6. Air fresheners or scented candles
These will not solve any underlying issues with your property. But it can help to improve the aroma and freshen up the place.
Both air fresheners and scented candles are inexpensive. You can get a few without spending too much.
Air fresheners can be plugged into the wall, and scented candles are ideal for rooms where you’re creating a ‘cosy’ and ‘relaxed’ atmosphere.
7. Ensure your pet goes outside regularly
Pets are one of the main contributors to a flat smelling bad, including the most common ones: dogs and cats.
Especially if you live on a higher floor, as it can be more work to take them out regularly. This is something you must commit to, so your flat doesn’t smell too bad.
If you have a dog, make sure they go outside twice a day. And your cat’s litter tray should be cleaned out regularly as well.
Plus, with pets, carpet tends to develop a bad odour. You could either remove the carpet in your flat or ensure it is cleaned consistently.
8. Take shoes off inside
Even the smallest of measures can make a noticeable difference.
When you have visitors, they’ll bring mud, grime and particles in on their shoes.
Getting them to remove these at the door stops it from spreading into the rest of your flat.
You should also consider placing air freshers or special deodorising soles in shoes.
9. Speak to the council if the smell is external
Lastly, there’s no guarantee that the bad smells will only come from inside your flat.
In some cases, it could be something outside of your property. Common examples include nearby:
- Farms
- Sewage treatment plants
- Commercial buildings
- Restaurants
- Communal bins.
And more. Your flat may even be above a shop.
You should speak to the council in this situation. Explain what the problem is, and where it’s coming from. They may have received other complaints about it.
This could trigger them to visit the site in question and find a solution that keeps everyone happy.
