Sometimes, though, you come across unpleasant smells that are harder to find and deodorize.

Here are some common culprits, along with methods of attack.

Theres hidden mold

Maybe youve noticed a musty or wet cardboard smell in your home.

Or perhaps youve referred to it as old home smell.

As you probably know, some types of mold can be toxic.

Then, the first real order of business?

Figure out where that mold might be hiding.

Vinegar or diluted bleach are also useful.

Add it to water, then spray directly on the mold and clean up.

For larger mold problems, you should call a professional.

Soil on dirty articles can supply enough food for mildew to start growing when moisture and temperature are right.

Greasy films, such as those that form on kitchen walls, also contain many nutrients for mildew-causing molds.

Spread a layer of moisture-barrier material over the soil in crawl spaces under houses.

you could use heavy roofing paper or polyethylene plastic film.

Good ventilation is important.

If possible, do not enclose the crawl space.

In rooms that are not air-conditioned especially the basement mechanical dehumidifiers are useful.

A humidistat can be attached to the unit to control the humidity.

Mechanical dehumidifiers, however, can add heat to a room.

Dilute using a one-to-one ratio with warm water for less noticeable stains.

Apply the warmed vinegar or mixture directly to the walls.

Vinegar removes both smells and stains.

The Ammonia Method

For stains, weve also suggested ableach and water mixture.

Dont forget to replace the air filters in your home, too.

They can also be stink traps.

Its an expensive project, and if youre a renter, your landlord might not comply.

To remedy stinky carpets, sprinkle baking soda on them and let it sit for a whileperhaps even overnight.

Then, thoroughly vacuum the carpet and the baking soda along with it.

If that doesnt get the job done, you might need a deeper clean.

Rent acarpet cleaning machineor steam cleaner.

Alternatively, you could sprinkle some baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run it.

The video above will show you how its done.

Find the trap (or filter) under your dishwashers sprayer.

If you havent cleaned it in a while, you might find scraps of food and other gunk.

Sometimes the tray comes out so you’re free to just rinse it in the sink.

If not, youll need a towel to remove the gunk build-up.

Second, wipe down the rubber seal around the dishwasher door.

Use a vinegar and water solution to get rid of any mold or buildup around the area.

Experts sniff out the spot, cut a hole, remove the carcass, and patch it up.

They add that people often think theres a dead animal in their ductwork, but thats actually very rare.

Usually, its just the airflow stirring up the smell.

Speaking of cleaning up, removing the carcass might not be enough.

Clean the area thoroughly to get rid of any remains or smell left behind.

You may also use the Earth Care Odor Remover Bags.

If the carcass is in an inaccessible area, bring in a pro.

If you have the DIY skills, you could try it on your own, though.

In other words, sewage gas passes right on through, stinking up your bathroom.

Similarly, gasses can escape when the water level in your toilet bowl drops.

Simply flush your toilet or run your sink or bathtub for a bit to reset the pipe.

Run your hot water and see if the smell is more prevalent.

The above video shows you how its done.

Home odors can be subtle and tricky.

Sometimes theyre faint and they creep up on you over time, making them hard to pinpoint.

Updated again March 15, 2021 with a new header image and to reflect current style guidelines.