Ot: Need Advice How to Get a Smell Out of the House!

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses various personal experiences and suggestions for eliminating unpleasant odors in a home, particularly after cooking. Participants share anecdotes about dealing with strong smells and offer home remedies they have found effective.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a strong odor in their grandmother's house after cooking leg of lamb, expressing concern about the lingering smell.
  • Several participants mention using Febreeze, noting it masks odors rather than eliminating them.
  • One participant shares a personal experience of discovering a dead animal in their attic, suggesting that the source of the smell may be something similar.
  • Multiple participants suggest using vinegar as a remedy for odors, with one stating it absorbs smells effectively.
  • Another participant mentions using bowls of ammonia to absorb mystery odors, while also cautioning about its toxicity when mixed with bleach.
  • One participant shares their experience of using cut onions to absorb odors, noting it was more pleasant than the original smell.
  • Another participant suggests using baking soda as an odor absorber.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the effectiveness of home remedies like vinegar and baking soda for odor absorption, though views differ on the use of products like Febreeze and ammonia.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a variety of personal experiences with odor removal, emphasizing home remedies that are budget-friendly and accessible.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and community members looking for practical, low-cost solutions to eliminate odors in their homes may find the shared experiences and suggestions helpful.

V
vwpamperedchef
Ok, so on Sunday, 3/16 my grandmother had everyone over for Leg of Lamb for dinner (I am not a fan but apparently everyone else eats it). Since I see her most often during the week (taking her to stores etc) I was there on Tues and her house wreaked of something nasty. I said "Gosh Gram it stinks in here" and she told me it was from the cooking on Sunday.

I mean the smell is so bad I could gag.

I went there again today and it was still bad. Of course, I had to enhale it for 45 mins because I had to call her cable company! I gave her some OUST, but I really don't think it will help. She had opened the windows on Tuesday (but she is generally cold and I know they werent opened for long).

She is having Easter and I dont think there is anyway I can go there with the stentch. I would like to help her if I could.

Any ideas on how to get rid of it? (Looking for home rememdies here, nothing to expensive, she is on limited income).

PLEASE HELP ME! It is seriously the worst stench ever!
 
I've heard Febreeze works great!
 
Also, have you looked around for the true source of the stench?Did she not take out the garbage, did she spill behind the stove and not catch it? Something else?
 
We use Febreeze at times. It will mask it, but not take it away.

Sounds like something other than the lamb though after this long, ha! I agree with Janet on checking for other things.

Also, this is gross but I have had it happen. We had a rat or squirrel (I forget which) die in our attic and the smell did not go away until Russell decided to climb up there "just to be sure" when nothing else would work. I have heard of this happening in between the walls too.
 
janetupnorth said:
Also, have you looked around for the true source of the stench?

Did she not take out the garbage, did she spill behind the stove and not catch it? Something else?
Click to expand...


I was just going to post this same thing.:yuck:

When I was a bookstore manager, my receiving clerk thought it would be funny to hide a shrimp behind my desk, and watch me try to find where the stink was coming from....I didn't think it was quite as funny as he did.:yuck: :yuck: :yuck:
 
ChefBeckyD said:
I was just going to post this same thing.:yuck:

When I was a bookstore manager, my receiving clerk thought it would be funny to hide a shrimp behind my desk, and watch me try to find where the stink was coming from....I didn't think it was quite as funny as he did.:yuck: :yuck: :yuck:
Click to expand...
We thought something had gotten into the garage and died there. It was such a bad smell.:yuck: :yuck: Seemed to be coming from behind the freezer but when I went to move things from the top of the freezer to move it I saw there was a wetness there - I had taken a package of shrimp out and set it there and forgot to put it back in - several days earlier. I almost didn't get it cleaned up without needing a "doggy bag". :yuck: Of course we had a house full of people at the time! Thank goodness it was in the garage and not the house!
 
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Well I am sure as heck NOT going in the attic. That is a job for one of her sons or son in laws. Or my brother. LOL. I've done enough.

It isnt the trash because we take it out for her, in fact, just bought a new trash can today. It is possible it could have leaked in the oven, I will tell her that.

But the smell is just awful. In fact on Tues I said "it smells like something died" and we just laughed because we knew the "leg of lamb" did die.

Oh and that's Gram in my advatar :)

Thanks for the thoughts, keep'em coming!
 
1) Burn a candle or two where the smell is originating from
2) (I swear this works, don't know why, but my parents used it all the time for ciagarette smell). Put a couple of bowls of white vinegar out in the room--change them once a day for about 2-3 days. For some reason it either absorbes or eliminates the smell). I swear this works
 
I would put jars of vanilla out or vinegar or a cheap bag of charcoal
or some of each
 
Nanisu said:
1) Burn a candle or two where the smell is originating from
2) (I swear this works, don't know why, but my parents used it all the time for ciagarette smell). Put a couple of bowls of white vinegar out in the room--change them once a day for about 2-3 days. For some reason it either absorbes or eliminates the smell). I swear this works
Click to expand...

Vinegar does work wonders - my DH laughs at my "excessive" use of it - but hey, it's cheap and it works great and is pretty safe!!!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Nanisu, Thank you! I just called her and told her to do that. (vinegar)

She doesnt think anything died in her attic (typical for her to say that). If it weren't Easter on Sunday, I'd have the guys check. I still might if I am desperate.
 
some amonia in a small glass bowl placed up high and out of reach will also absorb mystery odors.

I hate it when I know something stinks, but I can't find the source, or figure out where it is coming from. Some of the lamb might have fallen into the pot and pan drawer under the stove...look in there...
 
Kitchen Diva said:
some amonia in a small glass bowl placed up high and out of reach will also absorb mystery odors.

I hate it when I know something stinks, but I can't find the source, or figure out where it is coming from. Some of the lamb might have fallen into the pot and pan drawer under the stove...look in there...
Click to expand...

Ammonia does help some things but because it can be so toxic if combined with bleach, I don't recommend the use of it for grandparents...

Often, people will clean with bleach wipes and if the counter hasn't dried and they spill the ammonia on it...watch out!!!! The fumes are not good!

So, I recommend vinegar because it is pretty harmless...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #14
She tried the vinegar, so we shall see today! Although I probably won't be seeing her til Easter...
 
when i moved into my newly remodeled apartment it smelled awful. i hated even going in there. i cut a LARGE onion in half and placed it on either sides of the living room. within a day the smell was absorbed into the onion.
just another cheap/homemade option.
 
Meghan...didn't everything just smell like onion then? LOL

or did it just absorb the other odors...
 
KellyTheChef said:
Meghan...didn't everything just smell like onion then? LOL

or did it just absorb the other odors...
Click to expand...

it smelled like an onion while i had the onion out..
but it was more like when you are making something for dinner with onions in it. and then ALL of the smells were gone once i threw the onions away. it was never an overpowering onion smell. and it was 10000000 times better than whatever smell was in there before. :yuck:
 
Don't forget about baking soda, too! Remember, it absorbs lots of odors!!

Good luck with this!
Paula
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective ways to eliminate cooking odors from my home?

To eliminate cooking odors, try simmering a pot of water with lemon slices, herbs, or vinegar on the stove. You can also use baking soda to absorb smells by placing bowls of it around the kitchen. Additionally, ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or using exhaust fans while cooking.

How can I use essential oils to freshen the air in my house?

Essential oils can be used in a diffuser to freshen the air. Popular choices include lemon, lavender, and eucalyptus. You can also mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and lightly mist your home to eliminate odors.

Are there any natural remedies for removing pet odors?

Yes, natural remedies for pet odors include using a mixture of vinegar and water to clean surfaces and neutralize smells. Baking soda is also effective; sprinkle it on carpets or upholstery, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum it up. Activated charcoal can help absorb odors as well.

What should I do if the smell persists after cleaning?

If the smell persists, consider deep cleaning your carpets, upholstery, and curtains, as they can trap odors. You may also want to check for hidden sources of the smell, such as spoiled food or damp areas. Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can also help improve air quality.

How can I prevent odors from building up in my kitchen?

To prevent odors, regularly clean your kitchen appliances, including the refrigerator, oven, and microwave. Dispose of food waste promptly, and keep your trash cans sealed. Cooking with lids on pots and pans can also help contain smells while cooking.

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