No one wants to live in a smelly home, and tenants are no exception. Foul odors in a rental unit can originate from many sources including smoke, pet accidents, mold, and burnt food. But unless a landlord removes all traces of these foul smells, he’ll struggle to secure a new renter.
So, how can you deodorize a rental unit? Here are five key considerations:
Air: The most obvious starting point is freshening up the air. If the weather permits, open the windows and doors for a few hours. Fresh air will circulate throughout the unit, and the sun’s ultraviolet rays will naturally disinfect the living space. An air purifier, ozone generator, or odor-eliminating spray can also remove unpleasant airborne smells. Regularly replacing the unit’s HVAC filter will maintain that fresh air feeling year-round.
Flooring: Carpeting is notorious for retaining foul odors. To naturally deodorize carpets, sprinkle them with a thin layer of baking soda, let the soda sit for several hours to absorb the bad smell, and then slowly vacuum the sprinkled area. If you’re the DIY type, you can rent a variety of carpet cleaners to get the job done. Otherwise, you can call carpet-cleaning professionals to apply their specialized products and techniques. For hardwood floors, a steamer should eliminate any lingering smells.
Appliances: The source of a nasty odor could be hiding behind the door of the washing machine, fridge, microwave, or dishwasher. Remove any visible food particles or other debris before wiping down the interior and letting it dry with the door open. For appliances with running water, process the machine through an empty cycle to promote self-cleaning. Then, educate tenants about healthy practices like throwing out rotten food and emptying the washing machine before mold or mildew forms.
Textiles: Like the carpet, fabrics hold onto unpleasant odors like smoke or pet urine. Take down drapes or curtains and freshen them with a good washing. For couches or other cushioned seats, use baking soda or another cleaner to remove malodor. Follow guidelines specific to the material involved to avoid stains or other damage.
Other surfaces: Odors can linger on any surface—from countertops to windowsills to cabinets. Giving the entire unit a good scrubbing can eliminate bad smells and freshen up the space. Avoid chemical-laden products by using warm water and vinegar to remove stains and odors. And consider adding a few drops of essential oils as a natural air freshener.
When all else fails, a professional cleaning company can remove stubborn odors from your rental property. Sometimes, replacing flooring or giving the walls a new coat of odor-sealing paint will do the trick. Preventative measures like a no-smoking policy, regular inspections, air purifiers, fabric sachets in closets, or UV-C lights in cupboards can also eliminate the need for future odor removal. Remember, you and your tenants will both benefit from a fresh-smelling rental unit.
About Rentals America
Rentals America provides full-service property management for residential rental properties. Our team is completely dedicated to property management, and we’re here to help landlords navigate the rental market.
