In the highly competitive world of Airbnb hosting—especially in a bustling market like London—small details make a big difference. One lingering smell after a guest’s checkout can become a glaring red flag in an otherwise flawless stay. Guests expect a clean, fresh-smelling space, and anything less than that risks damaging your reputation and your all-important 5-star rating.
That’s where smart co-hosts separate themselves from the pack. Odor control isn’t just about spraying air fresheners; it’s a science and a strategy. In this blog, we’ll explore 7 powerful odor fighting secrets that London Airbnb co-hosts use to keep every property smelling immaculate—boosting guest satisfaction, encouraging repeat bookings, and safeguarding that coveted 5-star rating.
Secret 1: Start with a Deep Clean—Not Just a Surface One
Fresh air starts with clean surfaces. Odors cling to grime, grease, fabrics, and forgotten corners. A quick wipe-down won’t do. Before tackling smells with sprays or gadgets, remove the source through thorough deep cleaning.
Why It Matters:
Grime and bacteria hidden in kitchen appliances, under furniture, or behind toilets are breeding grounds for foul smells. If these aren’t cleaned, no amount of air freshener will solve the problem.
Pro Tips:
- Clean the inside of the fridge, microwave, and oven after every checkout. Spilled food is a common culprit.
- Pull out furniture occasionally to clean behind and beneath.
- Use enzyme-based cleaners on organic stains (vomit, food spills, pet accidents).
- Regularly steam clean soft furnishings like sofas and curtains.
Bonus: Use microfiber cloths and vinegar solutions to cut through grease and remove odor particles effectively.
Secret 2: Target Soft Surfaces—They Trap the Worst Smells
Carpets, rugs, upholstery, and curtains silently absorb odors over time. From curry to cigarette smoke to wet dog—these smells get embedded in the fibers and can’t be eliminated by simply airing the room.
Why It Matters:
Even if the space looks clean, guests will notice stale air trapped in fabrics. It gives the impression of poor hygiene and can quickly result in negative feedback.
Pro Tips:
- Steam-clean carpets and fabric sofas monthly, or more often for high-turnover listings.
- Use baking soda as a deodorizer. Sprinkle it on carpets, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum.
- Install washable slipcovers and remove them regularly for laundering.
- Invest in curtain dry-cleaning every 2–3 months.
Advanced Option: Use a fabric-safe ozone generator periodically to neutralize embedded odors.
Secret 3: Master the Power of Air Circulation and Ventilation
Many co-hosts focus on what they can add (like air fresheners), but what’s often more important is what they can remove: stale, trapped air.
Why It Matters:
Poor airflow leads to moisture buildup and musty smells. A lack of ventilation can make even a freshly cleaned home feel stuffy.
Pro Tips:
- Open windows during and after cleaning, even for 15–20 minutes.
- Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens religiously.
- Place box fans or standing fans in rooms for rapid air exchange.
- Consider window vents or trickle vents for properties without good airflow.
Upgrade: Install HEPA air purifiers with carbon filters for long-term odor management and allergen reduction.
Secret 4: Use Natural Odor Neutralizers—Not Just Synthetic Sprays
Air fresheners often mask odors instead of eliminating them—and guests can tell. What’s more, some travelers are sensitive to artificial fragrances, and this can work against you.
Why It Matters:
Your goal is a clean scent, not an overwhelming chemical perfume. Natural options help eliminate odors at the source while creating a comfortable environment.
Pro Tips:
- White vinegar bowls placed in musty-smelling rooms absorb smells overnight.
- Use activated charcoal bags in wardrobes, under sinks, and behind toilets.
- Try baking soda containers inside cabinets or near litter boxes (if pets are allowed).
- Add a few drops of essential oil to your cleaning water or linen spray (lavender and citrus are guest favorites).
Warning: Avoid overdoing scents—even natural ones. Your goal is “neutral-fresh,” not “overpowering-aroma.”
Secret 5: Pay Special Attention to Bathrooms and Trash Areas
Bathrooms and bin areas are two of the most common odor hotspots. But they’re also the easiest to forget during turnover—especially when you’re short on time.
Why It Matters:
Guests are especially sensitive to bathroom cleanliness. Any trace of mold, mildew, or leftover trash smells will immediately downgrade their impression.
Pro Tips:
- Use bleach or enzyme cleaner in drains, sinks, and toilet bowls to kill bacteria.
- Replace toilet brushes and bathroom mats regularly—they absorb moisture and smells.
- Scrub trash bins thoroughly, not just the liners.
- Place small odor-absorbing gels or pods in bin cupboards or bathrooms.
Advanced Hack: Drop denture-cleaning tablets down the drain and flush with hot water to eliminate deep odors.
Secret 6: Prepare for the Unexpected: Smoke, Pets, and Cooking Spills
Accidents happen—even in the most respectful guest stays. Whether it’s unauthorized smoking, strong food smells, or an accident from a service dog, co-hosts must be ready with a rapid response system.
Why It Matters:
You won’t always be warned about strong smells. If you can’t turn around the unit quickly, you risk cancellations or bad reviews.
Pro Tips:
- Keep an odor emergency kit with vinegar, enzyme spray, baking soda, and air purifiers.
- Use a UV blacklight to detect hidden organic stains (useful for pets or kids).
- For cigarette smoke, run an ozone generator for 2–4 hours (while unoccupied) and ventilate well afterward.
- Leave a review note for repeat offenders—Airbnb allows you to flag odor-related damages.
Bonus: Take before/after photos and keep receipts if you need to make a cleaning claim through Airbnb.
Secret 7: Build a Signature Scent That Guests Remember (In a Good Way)
Once you’ve eliminated odors, you can focus on leaving a signature clean scent—one that becomes part of your brand and stays with guests long after checkout.
Why It Matters:
A familiar, pleasant scent can become your brand identity. It subtly signals that your place is always fresh, well-maintained, and guest-ready.
Pro Tips:
- Choose one light, consistent scent across your listing: e.g., lavender, linen, or citrus.
- Use scented drawer liners, essential oil diffusers, or linen sprays—never overpowering.
- Include a “Your stay is freshly cleaned with care” note and mention your cleaning scent.
- Align the scent with your listing style: e.g., beachy + sea breeze, modern + eucalyptus, classic + vanilla.
Smart Move: Guests will associate this subtle scent with comfort, cleanliness, and professionalism—boosting your chance of return bookings.
Conclusion: Odor Control Is Your Hidden Superpower
As an Airbnb co-host in London, you’re already managing tight schedules, high expectations, and competitive standards. But what often goes unnoticed—until it becomes a problem—is smell. Whether it’s last night’s takeaway curry, wet towels in a hidden hamper, or just the general funk of a lived-in space, bad odors can kill the mood and the rating.
These 7 powerful odor-fighting secrets are more than just hacks—they’re the foundation of a winning hosting strategy. When you combine deep cleaning with fabric care, smart ventilation, natural odor neutralizers, targeted hot-spot focus, emergency readiness, and a signature scent, you’re creating a seamless, sensory experience that guests will remember—and rave about.
Final Thoughts for Co-hosts:
- Build these routines into your turnover process.
- Train your cleaning team to spot and solve odor issues fast.
- Always have a backup plan for unexpected smells.
- Treat scent as part of your guest experience strategy, not just a cleaning task.