By Ryan Drew | Superhost and Vacation Rental Expert | Last Updated January 29, 2025
As an Airbnb host, one of your main priorities is to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for your guests. One aspect of hospitality that can easily go unnoticed is the scent of your space. Whether it’s a musty odor from a basement or the lingering smell of food from a recent meal, odors can affect your guests’ perception of your property. Maintaining a fresh-smelling space is crucial for positive reviews and repeat bookings. In this extensive guide, we’ll discuss how to mitigate, eliminate, and prevent smells in your Airbnb, including cleaning methods, air fresheners, and sprays for bedding.
Understanding Airbnb Smells: Where Do They Come From?
Odors in an Airbnb can arise from a variety of sources. Common culprits include:
- Cooking smells: These odors often linger long after the meal is finished, especially with strong-smelling foods like fish, garlic, or onions.
- Pet odors: Even if you don’t allow pets, previous guests may have had pets, or your space might still carry traces of pet smells.
- Mustiness: Damp environments, such as basements or rooms with poor ventilation, often develop musty odors.
- Body odors: Pillows, bedding, and upholstery can trap body odors from guests.
- Cleaning products: Ironically, some cleaning products can leave behind an overwhelming or unpleasant smell if not properly ventilated.
- Trash: Old garbage or trash cans that aren’t cleaned frequently enough can emit foul smells.
Now that we understand where Airbnb smells come from, let’s explore the most effective ways to handle them.
How to Mitigate Airbnb Smells: Prevention is Key
The best way to deal with smells is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some proactive steps to keep your space smelling fresh:
1. Maintain Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation is the first line of defense against smells. Air circulation helps to prevent moisture buildup and ensures that any lingering odors can dissipate. Here are some steps to improve ventilation:
- Open windows whenever possible to let fresh air in.
- Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to expel cooking or moisture-related smells.
- Consider investing in a high-quality air purifier to help remove allergens and odors from the air.
- If your space is in a basement or enclosed area, consider installing a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels.
2. Regularly Empty Trash Bins
Trash can quickly become a source of unpleasant smells. Make sure to empty trash bins frequently and clean them regularly. Here are a few tips:
- Use trash bags with strong, odor-resistant liners.
- Keep a fresh trash bag in each room, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Clean trash bins with disinfectant or baking soda every week to avoid odors.
3. Keep Bedding and Upholstery Clean
Bedding and upholstery can trap body odors, especially if you’re not washing them regularly. To prevent this:
- Wash linens frequently: Sheets, pillowcases, comforters, and duvet covers should be washed after every guest stay. Use a gentle detergent with a pleasant scent.
- Clean upholstered furniture: Use fabric-safe upholstery cleaners to clean sofas and chairs. Consider using a steam cleaner to remove built-up body oils and dust mites that can cause odors.
- Use mattress protectors: Mattress protectors are easy to clean and can prevent unpleasant odors from seeping into the mattress.
4. Clean Carpets and Rugs Regularly
Carpets and rugs are notorious for holding onto odors. Regularly vacuum your floors and consider professional carpet cleaning if smells persist. Here’s how to maintain fresh-smelling floors:
- Vacuum thoroughly and regularly.
- Sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming to neutralize odors.
- Use a carpet cleaner that specifically targets odor removal.
- For stubborn smells, steam cleaning or professional carpet cleaning might be needed.
How to Eliminate Airbnb Smells: Cleaning Techniques That Work
Once odors are present, it’s essential to clean your space properly to eliminate them. Below are some highly effective cleaning techniques:
1. Deodorizing with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and works wonders for absorbing odors. Here’s how to use it:
- For carpets and rugs: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on carpets, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then vacuum it up. This will neutralize lingering smells.
- For trash bins: Sprinkle a little baking soda at the bottom of trash cans before adding a new liner to help absorb odors.
- For upholstery: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water and apply it to fabric-covered furniture. Let it dry, then vacuum it off.
2. Vinegar and Water Solution
Vinegar is an effective odor-neutralizer. Here’s how to use it:
- For musty smells: Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz the affected areas, including fabrics and carpets. Let the mixture sit for a while, then wipe or vacuum the area.
- For kitchen odors: Wipe down counters, stoves, and sinks with a vinegar solution to eliminate cooking smells.
- For trash bins: Clean the inside of trash cans with a mixture of vinegar and water to remove odors.
3. Using Essential Oils for a Fresh Scent
Essential oils are a natural and pleasant way to freshen up your Airbnb. Here are a few ways to incorporate them:
- Diffusers: Place a diffuser in the living room or bedroom to release pleasant fragrances like lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus.
- Essential oils in cleaning: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to your cleaning supplies, including mop water, surface sprays, and laundry detergent.
- Scented sachets: Place sachets filled with dried lavender, cedar, or other fragrant herbs in drawers, closets, and under beds to maintain a fresh scent.
4. Deep Clean Fabrics with Fabric Refreshers
Bedding, pillows, and sofas can trap odors over time. Using a fabric refresher spray is an easy way to eliminate lingering smells:
- Spray on bedding and pillows: Lightly spritz bedding, comforters, and pillows with a fabric refresher before each guest arrives.
- Upholstery spray: Use an upholstery-safe fabric refresher on sofas and chairs to neutralize odors. Be sure to test a small area first to ensure it won’t damage the fabric.
Air Fresheners and Sprays for Bedding: Choosing the Right Products
Air fresheners are a quick fix, but you’ll want to ensure you choose products that are both effective and safe for your space. Consider these options:
1. Air Fresheners
- Spray Air Fresheners: Brands like Febreze or Glade offer effective, quick-spraying air fresheners that can eliminate smells on the spot.
- Plug-In Fresheners: These can be discreet and provide a continuous scent, ideal for high-traffic areas like the living room and bathroom.
2. Bedding Sprays
- Lavender or Citrus Sprays: For a calming, clean scent, consider using lavender or citrus-scented sprays on bedding and pillows. They add a refreshing aroma without overpowering the space.
- Anti-Bacterial Sprays: These sprays not only help with odors but also kill bacteria and dust mites on bedding and soft furniture.
Conclusion: A Fresh-Smelling Airbnb Equals Happy Guests
A clean, fresh-smelling Airbnb is a key factor in providing an exceptional guest experience. By following these tips for mitigating, cleaning, and preventing odors, you can create an inviting and pleasant space for your guests. From maintaining proper ventilation to using natural deodorizers like baking soda and essential oils, these steps will ensure that your Airbnb stays fresh and welcoming. Remember, guests who enjoy a pleasant smell in your space are more likely to leave positive reviews, increasing your chances of repeat bookings and a high occupancy rate.
