You’ve likely walked into someone’s home and noticed the lingering scent of dinner, pet odors, or a musty bathroom. But why is it so hard to tell if your own home smells unpleasant? The answer lies in a phenomenon called nose blindness — and it’s all due to your brain.
Nose blindness, or olfactory adaptation, happens naturally over time. The brain becomes accustomed to continuous smells and “tunes them out,” according to Dr. Nick Rowan, an otolaryngologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine. This adaptation allows the brain to focus on new and potentially important smells, like the scent of smoke or food. Dr. Tran Locke, a professor of otolaryngology at Baylor College of Medicine, explains that when we’re exposed to familiar scents, like those in our home, our brain filters them out to avoid sensory overload.
Moisture is a major cause of household odors. Prolonged exposure to moisture can foster mold and mildew, leading to musty smells. According to Carolina Kazimierski, president of Sophia’s Cleaning Service, moisture can affect anything from towels to closets to drains. Proper ventilation and regular cleaning are the best ways to combat this issue.
Common odor sources in homes include trash cans, refrigerators, garbage disposals, carpets, upholstered furniture, and pet items, says Natalie D’Apolito, communications coordinator for the American Cleaning Institute.
So, how can you figure out if your home smells fresh or a little too funky? Here are expert tips on detecting unwanted odors and freshening up your space.
How to Assess Your Home’s Scent
While nose blindness can be tough to fight against, there are ways to refresh your senses and identify lingering odors.
Leaving your home for a while — such as on vacation — can help reset your brain’s olfactory senses. Dr. Rowan suggests that returning from a trip gives you a fresh perspective on the smells in your home. Even stepping outside for a few hours and returning can provide a milder reset.
If you’re not planning a vacation or prefer not to ask someone for an honest opinion, you can keep your senses sharp by introducing a variety of scents. Using different fragrances, opening windows, or circulating air with fans can prevent your home from feeling stagnant and help you stay aware of odors.
7 Tips to Make Your Home Smell Great
To freshen up your space, experts recommend these strategies:
Use Natural Air Purifiers: Bamboo charcoal bags are great for absorbing odors naturally. Place them in areas like trash bins or near pet areas to neutralize smells.
Try Vinegar: If your home has a strong odor, especially after cooking, pour distilled white vinegar into a bowl and leave it in the room. It will absorb odors and dissipate quickly, leaving your space smelling fresher.
Sprinkle Baking Soda: A classic trick for neutralizing odors is baking soda. Sprinkle it on carpets, upholstered furniture, and even in your fridge. You can also use it to clean garbage disposals by pouring boiling water, followed by a mix of baking soda and vinegar, to eliminate foul smells.
Use a Diffuser with Essential Oils: Adding essential oils to your home is a great way to set the mood and keep things smelling fresh. A diffuser with natural oils like lemon eucalyptus can make your home feel more zen and inviting.
Clean with Essential Oils: Add a few drops of refreshing essential oils like lemongrass or orange to your cleaning solutions. It masks strong chemical smells and leaves a lasting, pleasant scent throughout the house.
Try Wall Plug-ins: If you prefer a constant, subtle fragrance, wall plug-in air fresheners are a good option. They’re easy to use and offer a steady flow of pleasant scents, which you can change based on the season or your personal preferences.
Make a Simmer Pot: Simmering ingredients like orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, or sprigs of rosemary on your stovetop will fill your home with an inviting fragrance. Be sure to monitor the water level and turn off the heat after a couple of hours.