There are countless reasons why your home might develop unpleasant odors. Sweaty teenagers, pets, and smokers are common culprits, but sometimes even thorough cleaning cannot eliminate deep-seated mustiness. Smells can cling to fabrics such as upholstery, rugs, carpets, and furniture, while appliances like stoves, dishwashers, laundry machines, drains, and garbage disposals can also contribute to lingering household odors. Below, we have compiled a list of 15 products that effectively eliminate various types of funky smells, from pet odors to the distinct scent associated with older individuals. These items are highly recommended by reviewers, passionate cleaning enthusiasts on Reddit, and shopping editors. Instead of masking bad smells with candles or incense, which often exacerbate the problem, you can truly eradicate those persistent odors with these must-have products you might not have known existed. There is a solution for every type of malodorous scent.
1. Charcoal Odor Absorbing Bags
A pack of six activated charcoal bundles acts as air purifiers and odor absorbers, lasting up to two years. Made with low-grade, porous charcoal chunks, these bags are effective and easy to tuck into closets, pantries, shoes, cars, gym bags, trash cans, and other odor-prone areas. To rejuvenate them, simply place them in direct sunlight for a few hours each month, ensuring long-lasting performance. This non-toxic solution keeps your home air fresh, even with pets and children. One reviewer noted, "This product is terrific! I put two packs in our bathroom and the mystery odor was gone within two days. Same with dog crates—I’d give it more stars if I could!"
2. Garbage Disposal Cleaning Tablets
A 24-pack of powerful garbage disposal cleaning tablets works like magic to remove gross smells, maintain cleanliness, and clear clogs. These BPA-, bleach-, and chlorine-free tablets are septic-safe and compatible with most kitchen disposal models. Simply turn on hot water, drop them in, and run the disposal. The foam removes buildup while deodorizing ingredients eliminate odors. Many reviewers were surprised by the debris released, with one stating, "This truly does clean the garbage disposal. Mine was stinky and gross. I plopped two tablets down there and ran it for about 2 minutes. The stench is gone and it's looking great!"
3. Hypochlorous Acid Cleaning Spray
Hypochlorous acid sanitizes and eliminates odors by oxidizing odor-causing bacteria and fungi. The Briotech sanitizing spray is a reviewer-approved option that adds power to your cleaning routine without harsh chemicals. It is gentle enough for daily use on high-touch items like phones, toys, high chairs, and glass tables. One reviewer shared, "Best Sanitizer/Disinfectant I've ever used. It literally takes food and pet odors out of the air. I use it on my bedding, furniture, shower, sinks, faucets and any surface that needs to be sanitized. It kills bacteria, viruses and helps control mold with No Toxic Chemicals."
4. Enzyme Cleaner for Pet Messes
This enzymatic cleaner, despite its silly name, is a life-changer. Popular on the r/CleaningTips subreddit, it breaks down and neutralizes organic odors from urine, feces, vomit, blood, skunk spray, and more. It works safely on hardwood floors, tile, fabrics, plastic, and upholstery. A satisfied customer said, "It really works. I have been searching for a good product that actually gets rid of the smell of cat urine rather than masking it, and my search is over. This stuff works! And yes it works on old urine odors and hot pet pee spots on old carpet!"
5. OdoBan Odor-Eliminating Disinfectants
OdoBan products are recommended for removing odors embedded in walls and surfaces. This set includes a large multipurpose spray bottle, a one-gallon concentrate for refills, and a small travel spray for gym bags or cars. It can be used with a sponge, brush, or cloth to clean and eliminate strong smells. One reviewer noted, "I have used OdoBan for several years by now and tried various scents. It's the most versatile product: cleaning, odor remover, laundry aid."
6. Shoe Deodorizers
Boot Bananas are effective, long-lasting shoe deodorizers in a fun fruit shape. Made with activated charcoal, they neutralize extreme odors and are perfect for athletic teens, work boots, or hiking gear. A happy customer wrote, "Finally, death to the shoe stench. I have a husband with stinky work boots and two pre-teen boys. THESE babies work!!! You just put them in the shoes and it kills the stench."
7. Lavender-Scented Enzyme Cleaner
This enzyme cleaner eats away odors from animal messes, including urine, poop, and vomit. It has a pleasant lavender scent but fully eliminates odors rather than masking them. One reviewer shared, "My cat marks her territory from time to time... All it took was one good spray down with this product and there is not even a hint of cat scent."
8. Air Purifier from a Trusted Brand
The Blueair Blue Pure 211+ air purifier scores 85 from Consumer Reports and is suitable for spaces up to 540 square feet. It uses an activated carbon filter to capture dust, smoke, and allergens. A long-time user said, "My home smells clean, fresh, neutral. No artificial smells. No lingering food smells. I attribute some of that to this Product."
9. Laundry Booster for Pet Smells
Nature's Miracle Laundry Boost is an enzymatic detergent that breaks down uric acid in pet urine, leaving fabrics fresh. It is gentle on fabric and safe for all machines. A reviewer noted, "If you got a stinky pet… this stuff WORKS. Just add it to the pets laundry load like normal and it will lift the smell and even the stains."
10. Odor Eliminator and Sanitizer
Ozium products are highly recommended for ultra-stubborn smells like smoke, kitchen odors, and gym bags. They sanitize the air and neutralize odors without covering them. The spray has over 24,000 5-star ratings. One user said, "Smells be gone! Tried and true. This is a product I've used for years. It eliminates odors and sanitized the air without covering it with a heavy fragrance."
11. Affresh Cleaners for Washers and Dishwashers
Affresh tablets are top sellers for cleaning washing machines and dishwashers. Simply drop a tablet in and run an empty cycle to remove funk and smells. A reviewer stated, "After moving into our house I noticed the washer had a slight musty smell. I ran one of these tablets and it definitely smelled fresher afterward."
12. Stain and Odor Remover for Pet Urine
Rocco & Roxie Supply Company's bio-enzymatic stain and odor remover targets pet urine on carpets, floors, furniture, and more. A delighted customer wrote, "I had DEEP and OLD pet uric acid stain and smell on a very expensive area rug... It WORKED! I'm 2 weeks post application and awful smell in family room is gone."
13. Dishwashing Liquid
Dawn Powerwash dish spray replicates the power of an overnight soak in minutes. It is great for dishes, stains, and keeping sinks odor-free. One reviewer said, "Not just for dishes! This spray is incredible... I also use this for stains and spills on clothing, furniture and sneakers!"
14. Air and Fabric Odor Eliminator
Zep odor neutralizer works on carpets, upholstery, clothes, and more. It is more effective and longer-lasting than Febreeze. A reviewer shared, "Superb fabric refresh, wonderful fresh scent as if just laundered, indeed long lasting as described, a little goes a long way for great results, and very affordable!"
15. Baking Soda
Arm & Hammer baking soda is a household essential for odor absorption in fridges, trash cans, and more. A reviewer noted, "A household essential that never fails. Arm & Hammer is the gold standard for baking soda... It is incredibly versatile and works perfectly for everything from baking recipes to deodorizing the refrigerator."
