Why ventilation and cleaning beat masking odors

Spring cleaning season is here, and we asked listeners to send us their most stubborn, embarrassing, and downright horrifying odor problems. Staff writer and cleaning expert Caroline Mullen joins us to answer your most confounding smell questions–from how to get rid of the odor of rotting meat in a freezer to  removing the persistent stink from workout clothes.

Caroline explains what actually works when it comes to removing odors—and what’s just masking the problem.

This episode covers: 

• Why ventilation is non-negotiable: Whether it’s fish in a small apartment or smoke drifting in from neighbors, airflow is often your first and most important defense.
• Why cleaning beats masking: Candles and air fresheners don’t solve the root problem. Removing grease, bacteria, residue, and trapped detergent does.
• How to fix stinky laundry: Cold water, less detergent (about two tablespoons), no fabric softener—and turning clothes inside out can make a major difference.
• Why your washing machine might be the problem: If your laundry smells off, the appliance itself may need cleaning.
• How to tackle pet odors: Wash beds and rugs regularly, vacuum frequently, and scoop litter often—especially in small spaces.
• Sometimes you need professional help: For car interiors, deep upholstery contamination, or truly embedded odors, a professional detailing service may be worth it.

Don't forget to sign up for the Clean Everything newsletter for even more cleaning tips from Wirecutter experts. 

Products we recommend:

• An exceptional, efficient, affordable air purifier: Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty
• The best cleaner that kills just about everything: Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach
• The best cat litter: Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented
• A rug you can throw into the washing machine: Ruggable Justina Blakeney Sonia Terra & Sage Rug - Flatwoven Cushioned
• A smart, quick robot that empties itself: Roborock Q7 M5+
• The best liquid laundry detergent: Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent
• The best powder detergent: Tide Ultra Oxi Powder Laundry Detergent
• Our go-to towel de-stinker: Borax 20 Mule Team Natural Laundry Booster
• An affordable vodka we love: Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
• A hair cream Caroline loves for different textures: Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls Cream

Additional reading:

• So, Your House Is Stinky. Here’s How to Fix It. 
• How to Clean a Trash Can or Compost Bin
• Ruggable’s Washable Rugs: Why We Love Them (but Also Hate Them Sometimes)
• Workout Clothes Stink. Here’s How to Clean Them. 
• This Tiny Laundry Tweak Helps Keep Towels Mildew-Free 
• How to Deep-Clean Your Front-Loading Washing Machine
• How to Wash Your Down Jacket
• The Best Ways to Remove Smoke Smells From Delicate and Hard-to-Wash Fabrics
• I’ve Used This Hair Cream on My Kids’ Curly Hair for Almost 6 Years. It Works.

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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