Removing Household Odours
Creating a Pleasant Atmosphere for an Open House
When selling a house, it is important to create a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers. Replace unpleasant household odours with a pleasant fragrance.
There are many everyday odours and smells in homes that can create a less than positive atmosphere for prospective buyers. When organising an open house or planning to make a home available to buyers, it is important to create a neutral environment that will not create a negative impression.
Pet Smells
The presence of pets and their associated smells can put off potential buyers. Large dogs can create havoc in a yard and it is important to keep this area as tidy and well maintained as possible. Cats shed hair that can be an irritation for anyone who has allergies. If possible, arrange for pets to temporarily stay with friends or family.
If pets must remain at the home, review problem areas before every house viewing. Litter trays for indoor cats should be changed and placed outside during the home viewing. The yard should be checked for any mess from outdoor pets. Make sure pet food and water bowls are clean and empty if possible. A handheld vacuum can clean up obvious pet hair from furniture. Air rooms where pets' bedding, litter trays and/or food bowls are kept.
Fish tanks can be very relaxing, but will create a bad impression if they are dirty. Make sure that the tank is clean and the water is fresh.
Bathroom and Laundry Odours
Bathroom and laundry smells can be unpleasant and will cancel out any positive effects from nicely presented areas. Ensure that bath towels are clean and fresh to prevent lingering odours from wet material. Clean these areas well with a eucalyptus or pine scented disinfectant.
Laundry hampers containing wet or sweaty clothing can also produce unpleasant odours. Keep dirty washing to a minimum during times when the house may need to be opened for viewing.
Cleaning Rubbish Bins
Kitchen, bathroom and outside bins need to be cleaned regularly to prevent odours. Inside bins can be easily washed out and outdoor bins can generally be cleaned with a garden hose.
Wipe lids of bins with disinfectant spray to clean and reduce unpleasant odours.
General Odour Removal Tips
Remove ashtrays and wash curtains in rooms where residents have regularly smoked. While the house is on the market, if possible restrict smoking to outdoor areas.
Opening windows and allowing the house to air properly can easily clear many odours. If there is sufficient warning, allow the house to air the day before a viewing.
Some shoes are more prone to foot odour than others and smelly shoes can create an unpleasant atmosphere in bedrooms or other storage areas. Ensure that any problem shoes are aired. There are freshening sprays specifically designed for dealing with this problem.
Pleasant Fragrances for the Home
There is a wide range of air fresheners and deodorisers available on the market. Be aware that not everyone appreciates a heavily fragranced home and allergy suffers particularly can find them quite off-putting. Keep fragrances neutral if possible.
Vanilla is pleasant and helps to neutralise bad odours. Eucalyptus, tea-tree and pine are fresh scents and are good for laundry and bathroom areas.
The smell of fresh baking or freshly brewed coffee can create a pleasant, homey atmosphere. Bread machines are particularly good, providing the aroma of freshly baked bread without any visible mess or clutter.
Don’t forget that everyday smells tend to fade into the background for residents of a house. If necessary, get a friend or real estate agent to point out any problem areas that might need attention.
