When was the last time you truly noticed the smells in your home? If you can’t remember, you’re probably "nose blind." Our noses adjust quickly to familiar scents, so that leftover takeout, your pet's favorite chair, or last night’s burnt popcorn might not register with you—but your guests will pick up on it immediately. Here are four common sources of funky odors and simple ways to keep them at bay.

1. The “Pet” Aroma

If you’ve got pets, there's a good chance your home has their scent—even if you don’t notice it. Pet funk can stem from fur, oils, or just the natural “doggy” or “kitty” smell that clings to fabrics and carpets.

How to fight it: Start by grooming your pets regularly to minimize oils and loose fur. Cover their favorite hangout spots with blankets, and wash these covers weekly. Vacuum thoroughly and often, especially in pet-favorite spots and along baseboards or tight corners where fur loves to hide. For deeper odors, sprinkle baking soda on the carpet before vacuuming, as it neutralizes unpleasant scents. And if you suspect old accidents may be the culprit, a black light can help you locate them so you can clean with baking soda, vinegar, or a store-bought pet stain remover.

2. Musty Basement Smells

A musty smell in the basement can be a tell-tale sign of mildew or mold growth. These unwanted guests thrive in damp, dark spaces and can quickly leave your home smelling stale.

How to beat it: Look for mold (which often appears fuzzy and white) or mildew (which can show up as grayish spots) on walls, boxes, or furniture. Clean affected areas with household cleaner or a vinegar solution, but skip the bleach as it often isn’t effective against deep mold. To prevent musty odors from returning, use a dehumidifier or improve airflow in the space. For a quick fix, bowls of vinegar or baking soda placed around the room can absorb dampness and neutralize odors, or—oddly enough—a cut onion left out for a few hours can freshen the air as well.

3. Funky Bedding

Your mattress and pillows absorb skin cells, oils, and sweat while you sleep, which, over time, can lead to some seriously funky smells.

How to freshen up: Strip the bed and sprinkle baking soda directly onto your mattress. Let it sit for an hour or so to absorb oils and odors, then vacuum thoroughly. For an extra touch, add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the baking soda before applying it—lavender not only smells lovely but is also known to promote relaxation and sleep. Rotate your mattress and wash all bedding regularly to keep things smelling fresh.

4. Fridge and Freezer Funk

Over time, food particles can accumulate in the fridge and freezer, leading to mystery smells and even impacting the taste of your ice.

How to keep it clean: Unplug and empty your fridge and freezer, then scrub with a mixture of hot water and baking soda to clean up any spills or lingering bits of food. For tougher stains or odors, a diluted bleach solution (one tablespoon bleach per gallon of water) can help sanitize surfaces. Give the inside a final wipe-down with vinegar for added odor-fighting power, and let it air out for a while before reloading with food. As a bonus, schedule your next cleaning as an excuse for a night off from cooking!

Maintaining a fresh-smelling home might require a bit of extra effort, but it's well worth it, especially when it comes to leaving a good impression. Give your guests something to remember—besides your pet’s favorite scent!