Ugh, That Lingering Poop Smell! Here's How to Banish It For Good

That all too familiar stench greets you out of nowhere, sending you reeling. You glance around suspiciously trying to locate the source, nostrils flaring. Nothing ruins a pleasant environment faster than the sudden smell of poop! But never fear – with a few simple tricks, you can banish that noxious odor quickly and have things smelling rosy again.

Arm yourself with some baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice and other fragrant cleaners. They’ll neutralize and destroy any poop particles stinking up your space. Scrub every surface to remove all traces of the smell. If it lingers on your hands, use toothpaste or mouthwash to erase it. Deploy scented candles and sprays to cover up any lingering stink.

Follow these odor-fighting tips and soon you’ll be breathing easy again, with nary a whiff of poop to be found. So wave goodbye to that nasty smell, and say hello to a poop-free home!

Use Baking Soda, The Odor-Eating Wonder Powder

Baking soda is one of the most effective remedies for eliminating poop smell. It works in two ways – first, it absorbs and traps odors instead of just masking them. Second, baking soda also neutralizes smells by balancing acidity levels.

How to use it:

Sprinkle baking soda directly onto carpets, couches and any fabric-covered furniture. Let sit for a few hours before vacuuming up. The baking soda will absorb any lingering odors trapped in the fibers.
For linoleum, tile or sealed floors, sprinkle baking soda directly on the floor. Let sit for 15-30 minutes before sweeping up.
Keep an open box or bowl of baking soda in smelly areas like the bathroom or near the litterbox. Replace every 2-3 months.
Baking soda can also be added to laundry loads to freshen smelly clothes or fabric.

Harness The Power of Vinegar

Like baking soda, vinegar is a versatile substance that absorbs and removes odors rather than masking them. It’s safe for use on most surfaces.

Try these tips:

Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle. Spritz on smelly surfaces and wipe clean.
Add 1-2 cups of vinegar to laundry loads – especially helpful for clothes that retain body odor.
Straight white vinegar can be used lightly on tile or sealed floors – pour a small amount on a mop head and clean the floor.

Use An Enzymatic Cleaner

Enzymatic cleaners work by using natural enzymes that “eat” the organic matter left behind by poop – the source of the smells. These cleaners break down the compounds via a chemical reaction.

Look for enzymatic cleaner sprays or concentrated liquids and follow the label instructions. Focus on areas likely to retain smells like carpet, upholstery and pet bedding.

Bust Odor On Your Hands With Toothpaste Or Mouthwash

If you’ve gotten any lingering poop smells on your hands, mouthwash and toothpaste can help bust the odor. Both contain odor-neutralizing ingredients.

Here’s how:

Wet hands thoroughly and squirt a dollop of mouthwash or toothpaste into palms.
Rub vigorously together for 45-60 seconds as if washing hands. This friction helps release and erase odors.
Rinse thoroughly and follow up with hand lotion if desired.

Harness The Power of Citrus With Lemon Juice

Lemons contain natural compounds called limonoids that cut through all kinds of tough odors. Lemon juice can be used in a variety of ways.

Soak hands in a bowl of straight lemon juice for several minutes to remove poop smell from skin. Rinse thoroughly.
Mix lemon juice with vinegar and water for an extra-strength odor destroying cleanser.
Squeeze lemon juice onto slick surfaces like countertops or floors before wiping clean.

Mask Unwanted Smells With Air Fresheners

Air freshening sprays, gels, candles, and plugins can provide temporary relief of poop smells. Look for options made with essential oils like lemon, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil. Just take care not to overwhelm the space.

Pro tip: Never spray air freshener directly on poop messes or waste. The moisture from the spray can make odors worse.

Seal In Stench With Plastic Wrap

If you’ve got limited time before company arrives, you can minimize odor quickly with plastic wrap. Simply place layers of plastic wrap over fabric furniture cushions, carpets, and even mattresses. It acts as a barrier to keep smells contained.

Bust Through Soiled Carpet With A Steamer

For deep-set smells in carpeting, a handheld carpet steamer can be a lifesaver. The heat and moisture loosens and lifts odors from the carpet fibers. Follow up by sprinkling baking soda and vacuuming after drying.

Replace Stinky Furnace Filters

Don’t forget to check the furnace filters! If they’re filled with dust and odors, replace them. At a minimum, furnace filters should be changed every 90 days.

Let Fresh Air In

Open those windows and let some fresh air circulate! This simple solution helps dissipate unpleasant odors quickly. Place a fan in the window to maximize airflow.

Poop Smells Be Gone!

Dealing with lingering poop smells is no fun – but armed with these tips, you can banish the stench for good. Baking soda, vinegar, enzymatic cleaners and citrus juices all help safely eliminate odors without harsh chemicals. And don’t forget handy helpers like air fresheners, steamers and plastic wrap for quick fixes.

With some elbow grease and these odor-fighting methods, you’ll be able to breathe easy again. No more holding your nose when you walk into the bathroom!