Summer brings bright, cheerful days—and if you’re preparing to sell your home, you want to make sure that same brightness extends to the way your home smells. Unfortunately, the heat and humidity of summer can intensify unpleasant odors, making it all the more critical to keep your home smelling fresh.
In today’s competitive real estate market, buyers expect properties to feel move-in ready. A home that looks great but smells stale or sour can quickly lose appeal. Worse yet, lingering odors can suggest neglect—even when your home is otherwise spotless.
Fortunately, it’s easier than you think to keep your home smelling fresh all summer long. These eight simple strategies will help you prepare your home for walk-throughs, open houses, and visiting friends.
1. Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh by Managing Kitchen Trash
The number one offender in most homes? The kitchen trash can. As temperatures rise, bacteria multiply faster, and leftover food waste begins to stink—fast.
If you want to keep your home smelling fresh, make a habit of changing your kitchen trash bag every 1-2 days during the summer, especially after tossing out meat, seafood, or produce.
2. Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh by Cleaning the Trash Can Itself
Even if you change the bag frequently, grime and residue can build up in the can itself.
To truly keep your home smelling fresh, take a few minutes every week to:
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Wipe down the inside and outside of the can
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Spray it with a multi-purpose cleaner or vinegar solution
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Dry it thoroughly before replacing the bag
You can also sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of the can to absorb future odors.
3. Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh by Preventing Leaks in the Trash
Occasionally, liquids from sauces, meat packaging, or produce will leak through even the sturdiest trash bag. These leaks not only create terrible smells but can also foster bacteria.
One simple trick to keep your home smelling fresh: line the bottom of your trash can with a few layers of newspaper or old magazines. This will absorb any unexpected leaks and make cleanup much easier.
4. Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh by Tackling Fridge Funk
A stale-smelling refrigerator can quickly stink up an entire kitchen.
To keep your home smelling fresh, regularly check your fridge for:
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Forgotten leftovers
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Wilting produce
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Expired dairy products
Wipe shelves with a vinegar and baking soda solution every few weeks, and consider keeping an open box of baking soda inside the fridge to neutralize odors.
5. Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh by Refreshing Towels Often
Damp bathroom towels are a hidden source of musty smells. During the humid summer months, it’s especially important to wash and rotate towels frequently.
If you want to keep your home smelling fresh and inviting to guests or potential buyers:
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Change hand towels every few days
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Wash bath towels weekly
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Fully dry towels before storing or rehanging them
6. Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh in Musty Bathrooms
Bathrooms naturally accumulate moisture, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew. If your bathroom doesn’t have a window or exhaust fan, the problem can escalate quickly.
To keep your home smelling fresh in these damp spaces:
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Use products like DampRid or OdorGenie to absorb excess moisture
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Run a dehumidifier if necessary
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Keep doors open when not in use to promote airflow
Also, periodically scrub grout and silicone seals with mildew-fighting cleaners to prevent long-term buildup.
7. Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh by Steam Cleaning Carpets
Carpets are notorious odor traps—especially in homes with kids or pets. Even if your carpet looks clean, deep-down odors can linger and release smells during hot, humid weather.
If you’re serious about wanting to keep your home smelling fresh for summer buyers:
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Hire a professional to steam-clean your carpets
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Spot clean high-traffic areas and pet zones regularly
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Use a carpet deodorizer after vacuuming
Buyers will notice the difference the moment they step through the door.
8. Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh by Managing Pet Odors
As much as we love our furry friends, buyers may be sensitive to pet smells—or simply distracted by them.
To keep your home smelling fresh when selling:
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Bathe pets regularly during summer
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Vacuum pet hair and dander from furniture and floors daily
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Wash pet bedding weekly
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Hide food and water bowls during showings to avoid unwanted scents
When preparing for walk-throughs, consider temporarily removing pets from the home entirely for the best buyer experience.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh and Create a Lasting Impression
In a re-emerging real estate market, making a great first impression matters more than ever. No matter how well-staged or beautiful your home may be, unpleasant odors can turn buyers away in seconds.
By taking proactive steps to keep your home smelling fresh, you’ll:
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Create an inviting atmosphere
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Make buyers feel comfortable and at ease
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Strengthen the emotional connection that helps sell a home
Don’t leave something as critical as scent to chance—use these eight powerful tips and let your home shine this summer.
