When it comes to selling your home, smells can be a significant deterrent for potential buyers. Often, when a beautifully presented and well-priced home lingers on the market, the culprit is almost always either an odor or noise. Among these, odors have a particularly powerful impact. The moment a prospective buyer steps into a house, their first impression is shaped not just by what they see but also by what they smell. An offensive odor can immediately diminish the perceived value of a property, making it difficult for buyers to envision themselves living there. The most concerning odors for buyers typically include smoke, pets, and dampness.
When I purchased my own home, it was during the height of the pandemic, a period when almost every listing was receiving multiple offers. However, our home had a distinct smell—a blend of cats and dogs—that turned off many potential buyers, myself included. My husband, however, was confident that he could eliminate the odor, and we decided to take a chance. Our offer was accepted below the list price, an unusual occurrence at the time. True to his word, my husband successfully eradicated the smells using various methods, which I’ll outline below.
Step 1: Smell Test
First, many homeowners become desensitized to the smell of their own homes. Therefore, whether you think your home smells or not, I recommend having a trusted friend or your realtor give it a smell test.
Step 2: Remove the Source Immediately
Once you’ve identified an odor, it’s crucial to address its source without delay. For instance, if your home smells like smoke, stop smoking indoors and avoid doing so near entry points like the front door. I recently sold a home where the owner smoked by the front door, causing the foyer to reek of smoke.
If pet odors are the issue, consider temporarily rehoming your pets until your home sells. Relocate litter boxes and pet beds to minimize their scent. For dampness, pinpoint the source and fix it promptly to prevent mold and musty smells. Investing in dehumidifiers can also help keep moisture levels in check.
Step 3: Eliminate Odor Trappers
Remove as many items as possible that may have absorbed odors, particularly porous materials like fabrics. Items such as clothing and drapery are notorious for capturing and holding onto smells. If necessary, consider removing furniture and replacing carpeting to ensure the elimination of any lingering scents. Additionally, deep clean upholstery and rugs that you plan to keep, using professional cleaning services if needed. Pay special attention to less obvious odor trappers, like throw pillows, blankets, and even books, which can all harbor unpleasant smells.
Step 4: Fresh Air
Try to get as much fresh air flowing through the house as possible. Keep windows open to allow air circulation and use fans to enhance airflow throughout your home. Turning on ceiling fans and bathroom vent fans can also help improve circulation.
Step 5: Conduct a Thorough Cleaning
Engage in a comprehensive cleaning of your entire home. This will be much more involved than simply vacuuming and dusting. You will need to scrub all surfaces, including walls, as smells can embed in paint or wallpaper. Pay close attention to commonly overlooked areas such as baseboards, window sills, and light fixtures, as odors can accumulate there too. Deep clean all floors, including under furniture and in corners, using appropriate cleaning agents for each type of surface. By meticulously cleaning every nook and cranny, you can significantly improve the overall scent and appeal of your home to potential buyers.
Step 6: Replace Filters
Replace HVAC filters to ensure clean air circulation throughout your home. Over time, filters can become clogged with dust, allergens, and odors, reducing their effectiveness. Also, consider cleaning the air vents and ductwork to remove any trapped particles that may harbor bad smells. Don’t forget to also replace filters in other appliances, such as range hoods and vacuum cleaners, to eliminate any lingering odors they might be harboring.
Additionally, investing in high-quality air purifiers with HEPA filters can be highly beneficial. These purifiers capture a wide range of pollutants, including pet dander, smoke, and other allergens.
Step 7: Add Odor Absorbers
Utilize odor absorbers like baking soda to help neutralize any lingering smells. Place open boxes of baking soda in the corners of rooms, inside closets, and other enclosed spaces to effectively absorb odors. For an added measure, consider using activated charcoal or odor-absorbing gels, which can be placed discreetly around your home to further eliminate unwanted scents.
Step 8: Repaint Walls and Replace Flooring
If the smell is particularly strong, repainting the walls with fresh paint may be necessary to effectively eliminate the odor. Consider adding a paint fragrance additive to the paint, which can help impart a pleasant scent to the room as the paint dries. Additionally, if you are replacing floors, consider painting the subfloor with an odor-blocking primer such as Kilz. This extra step ensures that any lingering smells are sealed away, providing a fresh and clean foundation for your new flooring.
Step 9: Avoid Masking Odors with Strong Deodorizers
Avoid masking odors with strong deodorizers, as many people find them overwhelming and they can make buyers suspicious of underlying issues. Instead, opt for subtle, natural fragrances such as lemon, which is often associated with cleanliness. Additionally, you can place fragrant flowers around your home or bake cookies or bread to create a warm, inviting aroma.
Step 10: Maintain a Comfortable Temperature
During showings, keep the thermostat at a cooler temperature. An uncomfortably warm home seems to intensify smells, which can be off-putting to potential buyers.
Smells can make a lasting impression on buyers, often more so than visuals. By addressing these common odors, you can create a more inviting and appealing environment for potential buyers. A fresh-smelling home not only looks well-maintained but also gives buyers confidence that the property is cared for and ready to move into. If you’re preparing to list your home, taking these steps to eliminate unpleasant odors can make all the difference in achieving a successful sale. Happy selling!