Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

    Fight Those Foul Odors in Your Home

    Easy ways to keep six sources of stinkiness fresh and clean

     Whether it’s your refrigerator, car, or garbage disposal, bad smells may be a sign that these items need a deeper cleaning than they usually get. And although you might think that simply running your dishwasher or washing machine keeps it clean, it periodically need extra attention as well.

    More on cleaning your home

    Consumer Reports’ experts have accumulated numerous strategies for keeping homes and possessions stink-free. Here are six common sources of unpleasant odors and some cleaning tricks you can use to stop them and keep them from coming back.

    To view our tips, click on or hover your cursor over the dots on the illustration below (or tap on a mobile device).

    Click dots to learn more.

    Illustration: Chris Philpot

    Editor’s Note: A version of this article also appeared in the September 2021 issue of Consumer Reports On Health.