Even the cleanest homes can fall victim to unpleasant odours — and often, they don’t come from where you expect. You can mop your floors, scrub the bathroom, and air out the space, yet still catch a whiff of something foul. Why? Because odours often originate from unexpected sources that are easy to overlook.
In this article, we uncover four hidden areas that may be sabotaging your home’s freshness — and how to use the Smell Away® Odour Neutraliser and Dust Remover along with an Air Purifier to banish those odours for good.
1. Behind and Under Furniture
It’s easy to forget about the space behind your couch or underneath your bed. But these hard-to-reach zones collect dust, pet hair, food crumbs, and even mold if there’s a moisture issue. As these materials decay, they release subtle but unpleasant smells that can spread throughout your home.
Move large furniture at least once a month and vacuum thoroughly. Wipe surfaces down with mild cleaner, and then spray a few mists of Smell Away® Odour Neutraliser to freshen the air and fabric without leaving a residue. For long-term odour prevention, place an Air Purifier nearby to trap airborne particles and dust before they settle.
2. The Refrigerator Drip Tray
Most people clean their fridge regularly, but the drip tray — a shallow container beneath the fridge — often gets ignored. Over time, this tray collects condensation, spills, and food debris, creating a damp, dark environment where bacteria thrive. The result? A rotten smell that slowly leaks into your kitchen.
Unplug your fridge and carefully remove the tray to wash it with warm soapy water. Once clean and dry, give the area a spray of Smell Away® to remove lingering odours. Add an Air Purifier to the kitchen to keep the air fresh year-round and capture food-related smells as they occur.
3. Pet Crates and Litter Box Surroundings
Pet odours are one of the most persistent challenges for homeowners. Even if you clean your cat’s litter box or your dog’s crate regularly, the surrounding areas — like mats, floors, and baseboards — may hold on to odour-causing bacteria.
Deep clean not only the pet items themselves but the entire space around them. Spray Smell Away® generously in the area; it’s non-toxic and safe for pets. For best results, run an Air Purifier near the litter box or crate to help absorb pet dander, hair, and odours continuously.
4. Bookshelves and Decorative Items
Believe it or not, decorative pieces and books can hold onto odours over time. Dust accumulation, moisture exposure, and infrequent cleaning turn these beautiful elements into silent contributors to indoor odour — especially in guest rooms or home offices that don’t get used often.
Dust these items weekly and clean shelves with a mild wood-safe cleaner. Then lightly mist the area with Smell Away® Odour Neutraliser and Dust Remover. For rooms where airflow is limited, a quiet Air Purifier helps reduce mustiness, allergens, and stale smells that hide in books and fabrics.
Final Thoughts: Clean Air Starts in Unexpected Places
If you’re doing everything right and your home still doesn’t smell clean, chances are you’re missing one of these hidden sources. Behind furniture, beneath appliances, and around your beloved pets — these places quietly build up odour until they become impossible to ignore.
Luckily, there’s a solution. Smell Away® Odour Neutraliser and Dust Remover neutralises odours on contact, binds to dust, and is safe for the whole family. When combined with a high-quality Air Purifier, you create a long-lasting defence system that removes not only bad smells but also the airborne particles that cause them.