14 Ways To Use OdoBan Around Your Home To Get Rid Of Pungent Odors

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Imagine walking through the door at the end of a long day, and you're hit with a scent that's less than inviting. Odors have a way of sneaking up in a variety of places throughout the home and attaching themselves to every fiber and surface. Most of us try to combat these unpleasantries with scented candles, air freshener sprays, and plug-ins. But when you just spray over the smell of wet dog, you're not creating a clean environment. Instead, you're left with a floral-tainted funk. That's because most traditional air fresheners are meant to just mask the odor rather than address where the stench originated. However, OdoBan is an odor eliminator. It works by tackling the source of household smells, including bacteria, mold, germs, and marinating muck. Instead of just covering up the odor, it disinfects and neutralizes so you're left with a fresh and hygienic household.

In 1980, a Georgia businessman named Steve Davison collaborated with chemist Cory Hammock. They created a cleaner that was powerful enough to disinfect and remove odors in nursing homes, making it capable of combating even the strongest household odors. OdoBan is very versatile. However, many homeowners are unaware of the benefits the product delivers beyond the laundry room. So, we've highlighted sneaky spots in your home that hide unwanted odors and ways to use OdoBan to tackle them.

Sneakers, boots, and other footwear create a perfect environment for bacteria and fungus due to lingering sweat, shedding skin, and a lack of ventilation. If you want to get rid of the smell, you must treat the inside of the shoe where the moisture settles. If they have insoles, start by removing them and giving them time to air out. Use the OdoBan spray deodorizer and lightly spray 6 to 8 inches from the inside of each shoe. Try to aim at the toe area. Next, spray both sides of the insoles and allow them to dry completely before inserting them back into the shoes.

The exact method for removing shoe odors depends on what they're made of. For porous materials like leather and suede, make sure not to saturate the material. Spray a fine mist in an inconspicuous area and allow it to dry. If the spray dries without creating spots, then you can safely use it on the entire shoe. For polyester, canvas, and other fabrics, mix 32 ounces of OdoBan in a gallon of water. Soak the shoes for approximately 10 minutes and then run them through the washing machine on a gentle cycle. After, roll some newspaper into a ball and stuff it inside the shoe while it air-dries to help it maintain its shape. Just make sure the shoes are completely dry before wearing them, as moisture can cause odors to return.

Solid-surface floors in your home, such as laminate, tile, vinyl, and sealed wood, are subject to a lot of foot traffic and act as a catch-all for dirt, grime, spills, and pet dander. Over time, this sometimes-invisible layer of grime can create a stale odor that fills up the entire room. OdoBan No Rinse Neutral pH Floor Cleaner is formulated to remove this stench. Avoid one of the biggest mistakes everyone makes when mopping, and sweep or vacuum first to remove any loose grit. Then, grab a bucket and fill it with a solution of an ounce of cleaner for every gallon of water.

Mop your floors in sections to make the task more manageable. You may have to use some elbow grease to get into any grout. Finally, make sure your floors are completely dry before walking on them or allowing pets and children to play. It's also important to note that at full strength, OdoBan can sometimes damage some vinyl surfaces, so you should always mix the solution according to the container directions.

Bathrooms are notorious breeding grounds for germs and odors that are caused by excessive moisture. This humidity can often lead to mold and mildew growth, especially in poorly ventilated rooms. Areas around the toilet, like floor bolts, seat hinges, and the porcelain base, can harbor splashes that often go unnoticed but are easily detected by the nose. Nooks and crannies in showers and bathtubs can also hide stubborn grime. To remove these, spray surfaces with OdoBan Ready to Use Liquid Shower Tub and Tile Cleaner. The solution will foam up, making it easy to wipe away soap scum and build-up.

It's important to learn the difference between mildew and mold in your bathroom so you know how to properly clean it. OdoBan isn't formulated to kill either. However, it can be used to prevent it from starting. OdoBan is also safe for septic systems, so you can pour the concentrated liquid directly into your toilet bowl and drains to help freshen the area. For particularly tough situations, it may help to try the OdoBan BioStain and Odor Remover, which removes tough organic smells.

If you smoke or share a vehicle with someone who does, you know how the scent lingers and permeates into the fabric and surfaces. Even if you open the windows and allow your car to air out, you can still get a whiff of stale cigarettes for months after the last one was smoked. Start by replacing your cabin air filter, and spray the new one with OdoBan and allow it to dry before installation. If your filter hasn't been changed in a while, it can accumulate dirt and dust that limits air flow, preventing the removal of odors. Spray all hard surfaces and wipe clean with a dry cloth. You should also clean and spray the carpets and mats and let them air dry.

Always test a small area in your car to make sure the color doesn't bleed or fade. You should also avoid spraying leather and instead use a product like Mothers Leather Cleaner. For heavy smoke smells, it may take several rounds of cleaning and airing out the vehicle in order to completely remove the odors.

Keeping your trash can clean is a weekly cleaning habit that can freshen up and deodorize your home. When you throw away organic matter, such as meat scraps, vegetable peels, and leftovers, it creates liquids as it starts to break down. Bacteria begin to grow, and you'll notice noxious odors rising up from your can. To prevent this from happening, empty your can and remove any trash that may be at the bottom. Fill a bucket with a gallon of water and 7 ounces of OdoBan Disinfectant and Odor Eliminator. Once mixed, you can transfer the solution to a spray bottle or pour a small amount into your trash can. Use a long-handled brush to scrub the inside of the can and then rinse with clean water. Spray the lid and external surfaces and wipe with a dry cloth or paper towel.

Anytime you use OdoBan in the kitchen, it's important to be mindful of cross-contamination. If you spray surfaces where food is prepared, be sure to rinse the area thoroughly. Also, be sure your trash can is completely dry before installing a new bag. If moisture gets trapped between the bag and the bin wall, it creates a warm environment for more bacteria to grow, and odors will likely return.

Refrigerators are sealed environments, meaning odors are trapped inside and constantly recirculating. Spilt milk, old leftovers, and that bag of decaying spinach that you forgot about can create a scent that will hit you the minute you open the door. To ensure your refrigerator smells fresh and clean, you'll need to do a deep clean every couple of months. Mix approximately 3 to 5 ounces of OdoBan with a gallon of water. This low concentration will help safeguard against damage to the plastic parts inside your fridge. Remove all shelves and drawers, clean them, and wipe down all surfaces.

OdoBan isn't a food-safe cleaner, so you should take care to make sure it doesn't come in direct contact with anything you eat. Avoid spraying OdoBan into any ventilation ports inside the fridge because this would circulate the chemicals through the inside of the fridge. Instead, use a vacuum to clean out any dust or debris, or soak a cloth in warm water to remove built-up ice and dirt. Make sure you rinse everything and allow it to dry before returning it to the inside of the fridge. When doing a deep clean, clean the condenser coils under the fridge, rinse the drip pan, and wipe down the seals and exterior. You should also replace the water filter.

Carpets trap dirt, spills, and excessive moisture, which cause them to start smelling musty. If your carpets are extremely dirty, it can make your whole room smell. To refresh them, mix 7 ounces of OdoBan concentrate with a gallon of water and add it to your favorite carpet extraction cleaner. Pretreat heavily stained areas with OdoBan Ready-to-Use Spray by saturating the area and waiting at least 10 minutes for it to penetrate. Then, run the extraction cleaner over your entire carpet. You may have to reapply the solution to heavily soiled areas. When you're done, rinse the area with clean water.

Compared to other carpet cleaning solutions, OdoBan dries much faster, and it's safe to use on all types of carpets, including wool. Never use the product in a steam cleaner or a machine that heats the solution. OdoBan is flammable and can be hazardous or damage the machine when heated.

Couches, chairs, and other furniture act like a sponge, absorbing odors from body oils and pets. Because they are oversized, it's not possible to wash them in the washing machine to get the fabric clean. OdoBan is perfect for giving your favorite chair a facelift because it refreshes the fabric without requiring you to steam clean it every time someone spills a drink. To remove odors, hold the bottle approximately 6 to 8 inches above the furniture and spray a light mist of OdoBan over the fabric, taking care not to saturate and soak the foam cushion underneath. Then, simply let it dry before sitting on it.

Upholstered furniture is marked with a cleaning code (either S, W, SW, or X) that's usually found on the tag under the cushion. Never use OdoBan on furniture marked with an S or an X, as it could stain or shrink the fabric. Furniture marked with a W or SW may be cleaned with a water-based solution like OdoBan.

We spend a lot of our time in beds, yet mattresses are often overlooked when it comes to a regular cleaning routine. Things like trapped moisture, dead skin, and body odor can cause your mattress to smell. OdoBan can be used to remove stains, sterilize, and refresh the fabric, which can help improve your sleep and the air quality in your room. So, how often should you really be cleaning your mattress? Several times throughout the year is ideal. Remove all your bedding and start by using a handheld vacuum to remove any loose debris on your mattress. Mix one part of OdoBan with five parts of water and spray it on the mattress. Allow it to dry completely before putting clean linens on.

You can prevent odors and stains from happening by using a good mattress cover, such as the Bedlore Waterproof Mattress Protector. It adds a layer to prevent sweat or spills from penetrating into the fabric. Also, be sure you change or wash your sheets at least once a week to prevent germs and dirt from accumulating and causing odors.

Pet beds and crates can be some of the stinkiest places in the home. They tend to have a distinct earthy or yeasty smell due to the oils on the fur and skin. Also, if your pet gets wet and lies down on their bedding, it can transfer the wet dog smell, making it difficult to remove. OdoBan concentrate can be used to clean and deodorize crates and soft bedding to keep them hygienic and smelling good. Spray bedding with properly diluted OdoBan at least 6 to 8 inches from the surface, and use a soft cloth to wipe it clean. You can reapply the solution for extra-smelly crates. For washable bedding, pour 8 ounces of OdoBan into your rinse cycle.

OdoBan is not designed to be used directly on animals, so don't spray your pets. To freshen the area, you can also hang a bag of OdoBan OdoRocks Odor Eliminator near the crate or where your pet likes to sleep. The contents are made from volcanic mineral rocks that absorb strong pet odors.

Closet doors tend to stay shut, leading to stagnant air and musty odors. This smell can transfer to your clothes, linens, shoes, and anything else stored inside. This is particularly prevalent in seasonal or coat closets that go untouched for months at a time. By following some simple tips and tricks, you can banish musty closet smells for good. Freshen your closet by removing everything and wiping down the walls, baseboards, and shelving units with a solution of OdoBan and water. The cleaner will prevent mold or mildew from appearing in the corners, which can cause a musty smell. Once you put everything back in the closet, lightly mist the clothes with OdoBan to instantly remove lingering odors.

To fight future odors, try leaving the closet door open periodically to encourage airflow. You can use the same OdoBan OdoRocks in your closet that you use around your pet crates. The volcanic rocks absorb any funky smells and keep moisture from settling in, which can cause mold and mildew. Just be sure to place the OdoRocks outdoors in the sunshine at least twice a year to recharge them and keep them working as they should.

Even the cleanest cat owners struggle with litter box odors from time to time. The smell of ammonia can penetrate the plastic box, which is porous, and linger even after you clean it. You can change the litter regularly, but if the box is beginning to smell, it's time for a deep clean. Start by emptying your litter box. Mix a solution of 32 ounces of OdoBan concentrate with a gallon of water. Scrub the inside of the little box to clean and sanitize all surfaces. Then, rinse it and let it dry before adding new litter. 

For best results, scoop out the litter box at least every other day and deep clean the inside at least once a week to prevent buildup. Place an OdoBan Solid Odor Absorber in the area to trap tough cat smells and keep the entire area fresh. OdoBan is very safe when used as directed around pets. However, cats are constantly licking and grooming themselves, so you should always make sure any surface you've treated with OdoBan is dry before allowing them to explore.

Workout clothes, heavy towels, and even sheets are prone to holding onto smells even after they have been through the wash. Regular detergent sometimes isn't enough to remove sweat, grease, and even smoke. One of the most common uses for OdoBan is laundry. It helps prevent clothes from clinging to each other, and it's safe for use in all types of washers and dryers. Simply add 8 ounces of OdoBan concentrate at the end of the rinse cycle to help neutralize bad odors.

For front-load washing machines, try adding some of the product to the fabric softener dispenser during the last rinse cycle. Because these machines tend to be more efficient than top-loading ones, you may want to add slightly less. While OdoBan is safe for septic systems, it's still strong enough to remove cat urine odors and smoke smells from all types of fabric. You may need to run your clothes through the wash more than once for particularly lingering scents.

It's ironic that the machine used to clean our clothes and keep linens fresh can also absorb bad odors. This is especially common for front-loading machines. Water and detergent residue can get trapped in gaskets, which can cause a sour smell due to mold and mildew. OdoBan can be used to clean away any slime and gunk. Fill your empty washing machine with hot water and pour in 2 cups of OdoBan Concentrate. Then, use a soft brush to scrub the inside walls. Start the wash cycle to mix the cleaner, then turn the machine off and let it sit for about an hour before turning it back on and letting it finish its cycle.

In some cases, washing machine smells can be caused by clogged hoses. If you struggle with smelly clothes, you might want to have the machine serviced. If your washer is working correctly without issues, make sure you load wet clothes into the dryer as soon as possible and allow your machine to air out after a wash cycle to prevent standing water.