Introduction: The Hidden Threat to Your 5-Star Status
As an Airbnb co-host in London, you may have mastered the art of spotless cleaning, seamless communication, and stylish staging. But even the most sparkling home won’t earn rave reviews if guests walk into a space that smells bad.
Odors are silent review killers. A stale scent, leftover food smell, or worse—cigarette smoke or pet odors—can instantly ruin a guest’s first impression. What’s more troubling is that many co-hosts overlook odor control during turnover, believing surface cleaning is enough.
But here’s the truth: if it doesn’t smell clean, it isn’t clean.
In this comprehensive blog, you’ll discover the ultimate Odor Removal strategies every busy co-host in London needs. These practical, expert-level tips will not only save your 5-star rating but elevate your guest experience and brand reputation.
Why Odor Removal Matters More Than You Think
1. First Impressions Are Scent-Driven
Smell is one of the most immediate and emotional human senses. Studies show people form opinions within seconds of entering a space—and unpleasant smells create a perception of uncleanliness, even if everything is sanitized.
2. Smells Linger Even After Cleaning
Odors can hide in fabrics, upholstery, drains, and hidden corners. You might clean all surfaces, but if you don’t address the root of the smell, it lingers—and guests notice.
3. Bad Smells = Bad Reviews
A guest might not mention a smell in a direct complaint, but they’ll often leave vague feedback like “place felt a bit off” or “wasn’t as fresh as expected.” That’s how 4-star reviews sneak in—and your Superhost status fades.
The Co-host’s Arsenal: Odor Sources and Solutions
Here’s your step-by-step guide to identifying, neutralizing, and preventing bad odors between guest stays.
1. Identify the Source Before You Mask the Smell
The worst mistake a co-host can make is covering up odors with air fresheners without solving the underlying issue. Always follow a seek-and-destroy approach:
Common Culprits:
- Trash bins (especially under the kitchen sink)
- Fridge (expired food or spills)
- Upholstery & rugs (soaked with body odor or pet smells)
- Bathrooms (mildew, drain odors, unflushed toilets)
- Closets & wardrobes (musty smells from closed spaces)
- HVAC filters (dust, mold spores, or moisture buildup)
Action: Do a “nose check” walkthrough after every guest leaves. Stick your nose near fabric-heavy items, drains, and corners.
2. Deep Clean Soft Surfaces – The Silent Sponges
Fabrics are notorious for trapping smells—often long after surfaces have been cleaned.
Must-Do Fabric Treatments:
- Vacuum all upholstered furniture with an upholstery attachment
- Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and couches—let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum
- Steam clean rugs or use a carpet shampooer once a month
- Wash throw pillows, blankets, and curtains regularly (use odor-neutralizing detergent)
Pro Tip: If your listing allows pets, schedule a professional upholstery clean every 3–4 months. Pet dander lingers in places you can’t see.
3. Neutralize, Don’t Just Mask, Using Natural Odor Absorbers
Rather than spraying synthetic scents, opt for odor neutralizers that pull smells out of the air.
Best Natural Deodorizers:
- Activated charcoal: Place bags in closets, near trash bins, and behind furniture
- Baking soda trays: Use open containers in the fridge, shoe racks, and under sinks
- White vinegar: Leave a bowl out overnight to absorb lingering smells
- Coffee grounds: A dish of dry coffee grounds neutralizes musty or smoky smells
Pro Tip: After deep cleans, leave a small bowl of vinegar and lemon peels out overnight. The combo neutralizes and freshens air naturally.
4. Air it Out: Ventilation is Non-Negotiable
Before you plug in a diffuser or light a scented candle, open all windows—even if it’s cold. Airflow is your fastest odor remover.
Tips for Maximum Freshness:
- Open windows for 30–60 minutes after checkout
- Use a fan to circulate air toward open windows
- Wipe windowsills (dusty sills hold mildew smell)
Bonus Move: If you have a balcony or garden, air out cushions and soft furnishings outdoors for 20+ minutes.
5. Target Smelly Appliances and Fixtures
Sometimes the source of a bad smell is hidden deep inside a “clean” appliance.
Don’t Forget to:
- Clean the fridge with baking soda and water (check vegetable drawers)
- Run the dishwasher empty with vinegar and baking soda
- Wipe the microwave inside and out
- Pour boiling water + vinegar down drains to kill bacteria
- Scrub inside the washing machine drum
Pro Tip: Add a lemon slice to your microwave for 1 minute to naturally freshen it up post-cleaning.
6. Use Light, Non-Allergenic Scents for Final Touches
Now that the odor is gone, it’s time to enhance the sensory experience with subtle, uplifting scents.
Guest-Safe Scent Options:
- Essential oil diffusers (lavender, lemon, eucalyptus)
- Pillow sprays (lavender and chamomile)
- Soy or beeswax candles with mild, natural fragrance
- Scented reed diffusers in bathrooms or entryways
Avoid overpowering plug-ins or aerosol sprays. Stick to clean, herbal, or citrus profiles—nothing too musky or synthetic.
Pro Tip: Always ask returning guests if they have scent sensitivities and adjust accordingly.
7. Create a Signature Freshness Ritual
Stand out by creating a signature scent ritual that makes your listing memorable.
Example:
- A subtle lemongrass diffuser in the hallway
- A crisp eucalyptus scent in the bathroom
- Soft lavender linen spray on the bed
When your guests enter, they’re greeted not just by cleanliness—but a luxurious scent profile they’ll remember (and mention in their review).
8. Preventive Measures: Stop Odors Before They Start
Smell control doesn’t start at checkout—it begins before the guest even arrives.
Your Odor-Prevention Protocol:
- Don’t store trash indoors between turnovers
- Leave baking soda in fridge during stays
- Use machine-washable mattress and pillow protectors
- Require guests not to smoke inside (and charge fees if they do)
- Add air-purifying plants like peace lilies or snake plants
Pro Tip: If a guest cooks something pungent (like curry or fish), use an ozone air purifier post-checkout to refresh the space completely.
9. What to Do About Smoke, Pet, or Food Smells
Sometimes a standard cleaning won’t cut it. For stronger odors:
Cigarette Smoke:
- Wash all fabrics immediately
- Use vinegar and water on walls and windows
- Run an ozone generator for 2–4 hours (space must be unoccupied)
Pet Smells:
- Shampoo all rugs and steam clean floors
- Use enzymatic cleaners on any soiled areas
- Replace air filters in HVAC systems
Cooking Smells:
10. Responding to Guest Complaints About Smells
Despite your best efforts, complaints may arise. When they do, respond fast.
Your Guest Response Template:
“Hi [Guest Name], thank you so much for letting us know. We’re very sorry to hear the space didn’t meet your expectations in terms of freshness. We take cleanliness and comfort seriously and will look into this right away. If you’d like, we can offer [a partial refund, next-day deep clean, or late checkout] as a goodwill gesture.”
Then document the complaint and address the cause before the next turnover.
Case Study: How One London Co-host Saved Their Superhost Status
Sophie, a busy co-host in Camden, nearly lost her Superhost badge due to repeated 4-star reviews referencing a “weird smell.” The flat was cleaned thoroughly, but no one suspected the source: a hidden water leak behind a wardrobe causing mold.
With expert help, she:
- Fixed the leak and removed mold
- Added baking soda and charcoal throughout
- Bought a diffuser and switched to lemon-eucalyptus oils
- Installed a humidity monitor
Her next 10 guests all left 5-star reviews, mentioning the fresh scent and “spa-like vibe.”
Final Thoughts: A Fresh-Smelling Space is a 5-Star Space
Odor control is the silent superstar of Airbnb success. Whether you’re a full-time co-host or managing one flat part-time, mastering smell management is your secret weapon.
When a guest walks into a clean, great-smelling space, their experience starts on a high. They sleep better, feel safer, and leave glowing reviews. And that’s how you stay competitive in the busy London market—even when listings are saturated.
Bonus: Odor Control Starter Kit for Co-hosts
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Baking soda | Absorbs fridge and carpet smells |
| Activated charcoal bags | Great for closets and bins |
| White vinegar | Disinfects and deodorizes surfaces |
| Steam cleaner | Refreshes carpets and upholstery |
| Essential oil diffuser | Light scent distribution |
| Enzymatic spray | Breaks down organic odor molecules |
| HEPA air purifier | Removes airborne particles and allergens |