How to Combat Odors in Rental Properties Before New Tenants Move In 🏠

Odors in rental properties can be a major turnoff for potential tenants. Whether it’s from lingering cooking smells, pets, or cigarette smoke, unpleasant odors can make a freshly cleaned property feel uninviting. Before you welcome new tenants, it’s essential to tackle these odors head-on to ensure a fresh and welcoming space. Here’s how you can combat odors effectively and ensure your rental property smells as good as it looks.

1️⃣ Identify the Source of the Odor

The first step in eliminating odors is to identify their source. Odors can come from a variety of places in a rental property:

➤ Carpets and upholstery: These fabrics absorb smells over time, especially from pets, food, and smoking.

➤ Walls and ceilings: Cigarette smoke and cooking fumes often settle into the paint and drywall, leaving behind long-lasting odors.

➤ Kitchen and bathroom areas: Grease and mildew buildup can contribute to unpleasant smells in these high-use spaces.

➤ HVAC systems: Air ducts and filters can accumulate dust and particles that spread bad odors throughout the property.

Once the source is identified, targeted cleaning and deodorization can begin.

2️⃣ Effective Odor Removal Techniques

To effectively combat odors in rental properties, follow these proven cleaning methods:

Carpet cleaning: Carpets are often the biggest odor culprits. Professional steam cleaning is essential to remove deep-set odors from pet dander, spills, and general use. For persistent odors, consider replacing the carpet padding.
Air purification: Running an air purifier with a HEPA filter helps capture airborne particles that contribute to smells. Additionally, changing air filters in the HVAC system is crucial.
Ozone treatment: Ozone generators are a powerful tool for eliminating strong, persistent odors like smoke and pet smells. Ozone molecules neutralize odor particles, leaving the air fresh. Get a quote for professional ozone treatment.
Disinfect hard surfaces: Wipe down walls, ceilings, and all hard surfaces with a mixture of vinegar and water or a non-toxic disinfectant to remove odors absorbed by paint or drywall.

3️⃣ Use Natural Deodorizers

Sometimes, after cleaning, faint odors may still linger. Using natural deodorizers can help freshen the air without adding harsh chemicals:

1️⃣ Baking soda: Sprinkling baking soda on carpets, upholstery, and inside refrigerators can help absorb odors. After letting it sit for several hours, vacuum it up.

2️⃣ Essential oils: Adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon to diffusers can introduce a fresh scent without overpowering the space.

3️⃣ Charcoal bags: Activated charcoal naturally absorbs and neutralizes odors and is perfect for placing in closets, corners, or inside air vents.

4️⃣ Eliminate Lingering Pet Odors

If the previous tenants had pets, it’s likely that odors will be stronger and harder to remove. Pet odors can be especially stubborn in fabrics and flooring. Here are specific steps to combat pet odors:

Deep clean pet areas: Focus on areas where pets spent the most time, such as corners of rooms or near doors. These areas might require extra attention or even professional cleaning.
Enzyme-based cleaners: These products break down the proteins in pet urine and other organic stains, effectively neutralizing odors at the source.
Replace air filters: Pet dander accumulates in air ducts and filters, so replacing the filters is essential for reducing pet-related smells throughout the home.

5️⃣ Preventing Future Odors

After you’ve successfully eliminated odors, the key is to prevent new ones from forming before the next tenant moves in. Here are a few tips:

➤ Regular HVAC maintenance: Schedule routine cleaning and maintenance of the HVAC system to prevent dust, mold, and other odor-causing particles from circulating.

➤ Implement a no-smoking policy: If possible, implement a no-smoking policy for future tenants to prevent the buildup of cigarette smoke odors in the property.

➤ Encourage pet cleaning: If your property is pet-friendly, encourage tenants to regularly clean up after their pets and provide them with recommendations for local pet cleaning services.

By taking these steps, you’ll maintain a clean, fresh environment for every new tenant.

Conclusion

Ensuring your rental property is odor-free before new tenants move in is critical for making a good first impression. By addressing the source of the odor, using natural deodorizers, and leveraging professional cleaning techniques like ozone treatment, you can create a fresh and welcoming environment.

If you’re looking for professional odor removal services, get a free quote from our team today.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about odor control techniques from the EPA.
Find additional tips on how to eliminate household odors at HouseLogic.