10 Ways to Get Rid of Odor

Ten ways to get rid of odor and refresh your house. Musty closet? Funky fridge? Stinky mattress? This list has a simple DIY fix for every area of the home! 

Is there anything like a seasonal shift that compels us to clean? We’ve just begun summer break after an extended holiday weekend. Now all I want to do is declutter our closets, wash the windows, and sweep out the hustle and bustle of the school year.  

While I’m clearing out space for a free-flowing summer. I’ve come across that staleness only a closet rarely opened can offer, rugs that have seen better days, bins and baskets that clearly need a wash, and an overstuffed fridge and pantry with things that didn’t make it into lunch boxes. Not to mention, the sweaters, hoodies, and school apparel that found their way home. 

Is it just me, or does cleaning one thing lead to another? 

If it is odors you’re after, whether it’s a natural deodorizer for carpet, getting rid of odors in the house, fridge, or clothes – there’s a simple natural solution.

And you can tackle them all, banishing odors with these ten methods! Each is an all-natural replacement for synthetic odor eliminators, offering a quick, clean remedy. 

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What Gets Rid Of Smells And Naturally Absorbs Odor?

Sometimes it’s not about scrubbing harder—it’s about using smarter ingredients. Whether you’re wondering what absorbs bad smells or how to get rid of bad odor in a room, these simple staples have you covered.

From fresh citrus to earthy herbs, these natural powerhouses tackle funky smells without unnecessary phthalates or other synthetics. Keep a few on hand, and you’ll always have a remedy at the ready!

Top Natural Ingredients That Banish Odors


bowl of lemons

Lemon

Naturally antibacterial and freshens while lifting stains and grease.

dried lavender buds in a bowl

Lavender

Neutralizes musty odors and repels insects with a herbaceous, clean scent.

baking soda

Baking Soda

Absorbs moisture and odors like a sponge.

white distilled vinegar in a bottle

Vinegar

Breaks down odor-causing bacteria and cuts grime.

cedar shavings in a bowl

Cedar & Pine

Deters pests and smells like a fresh forest retreat.

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10 Easy Ways to Eliminate Smell No Matter Where It Lingers

If you’re wondering how to remove smell from clothes, the fridge, or even your mattress, without reaching for harsh ingredients—you’re in the right place. 

Each of these odor-fighting tricks uses natural deodorizers in simple DIY recipes that actually work. No mystery chemicals, just real solutions for real-life smells.

Ready to meet these odor-fighting All-Stars?

#1

Easy Refresh To Get Rid Of Odor In Carpet 

This odor-eliminating carpet refresh hack, seen in the Press, is the easiest way to give your home a fresh, clean aroma in minutes. It’s a natural deodorizer for carpet that is just too easy to skip. And it all starts with lavender!

Are you stuck on how to properly clean and deodorize your fridge? Use these three easy to follow steps to overhaul this often overlooked area of the home naturally without chemicals!

#2

Deodorize A Smelly Fridge For A Fresh Start 

I’ll be the first to admit cleaning the refrigerator is not on the top of my summer to-do list. But this quick three-step approach to cleaning and getting rid of odors in the fridge is worth the effort.

two bottles of room spray with DIY labels on a wood tray

#3

DIY Room Sprays To Lift Odors

You can’t go wrong with a natural room deodorizer like room sprays to lift odors. With just a few mists, you can quickly change the smell in an area of your home!

Recipes like Mountain Cedar Leaf, Summer Cottage, and Blue Sage offer a quick fix in these gorgeous bottles. Grab the free printable scent blends and labels to make your own!

FOR YOU

Join thousands of members and gain access to all past, current, and future items in the Library, including these labels!

#4

From Funky to Fresh: DIY Mattress Fix 

Mattresses are, without a doubt, on the receiving end of filth and odors. Fortunately, all it takes is a few basic ingredients to deodorize and deep-clean mattress stains. Check out this mattress cleaning remedy!

White candle in a glass jar with a real pressed leaf next to a small match jar.

#5

Eliminate Smell With A Scented Candle 

Candles are a beautiful way to infuse your home with a scent that says, “summer has officially arrived.” Follow these instructions to make a pressed leaf candle and include odor-eliminating scents like lavender, cedarwood, eucalyptus, or lemon.

Step by step images of creating wood slice air fresheners

#6

Banish Musty Odors With This Trick

What about spaces where a candle isn’t ideal? This easy, inexpensive odor remedy will freshen your home with a fresh pine scent. They are effective for small spaces such as cars, closets, and mudrooms. 
Grab the supply list, print the steps, and watch the video to create your own!

#7

Say Goodbye to Funky Laundry Smells

Get rid of odor in clothes with this natural laundry scent booster. It not only smells great, it’s quick to use! Just add one drop to wool dryer balls. Toss them into the dryer and close the door. Wash your clothes as usual, then pop them in the dryer to tumble dry. Reapply as needed.

Start by choosing a laundry scent blend from these printable charts inside the Simple Living Library, then follow the recipe.

#8

Blooming Simmer Pot Must-Try Home Hack 

I’ve found stovetop potpourri simmers to be one of the most effective at making our home smell fresh and clean. I love that I can make a jar to use whenever I crave a refresh in our home.

It’s a simmer pot recipe that blooms with potent florals, freshening bay leaves, cozy vanilla, and juicy blueberries.

#9

Your Nose Will Thank You

As promised, I’ve even got a garbage odor eliminator? I’ve found these ingredients work best to “De-Stink” garbage bins. But, instead of using them as a one-time remedy, I created a long-lasting alternative. Learn how to make garbage can deodorizer pods.

#10

No More Musty Closet Smells 

Nothing quite compares to the power of cedar to banish odors! Combine fresh cedar shavings with specifically selected herbs to create sachets that lift musty odors and repel insects, including moths.

Hang one from a hanger in your closet, tuck one into a drawer, or clothes storage bins for use.  Grab your supplies and watch the video tutorial!

There’s something about the start of summer break that calls for a deep breath and a fresh start. Whether it’s a closet that’s gotten musty or a laundry room that needs a little love, these natural remedies are simple ways to bring calm, cleanliness, and comfort back into your home.

From the soft scent of a herbal cedar sachet to the gentle glow of a refreshing candle, it doesn’t take much to transform your surroundings. Here’s to a season of simple living and fresh air, right where you are. 

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Save these odor eliminators to your cleaning Pinterest board, and while you’re there, be sure to follow Life-n-Reflection for more inspiring ideas.

Want to keep things fresh all season long? Grab the printable recipes, DIY labels, and more in the Simple Living Library! If you’re not a member yet, it’s free to join and start your own natural home toolkit.

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