Find the Source

• Covering up the smell won't do any good if the source is still there. Check the trash to make sure that nothing is in there putting off the foul odor. Check the carpets and the floors and don't miss the upholstery. Fabric is notorious for hanging onto odors. Once you can find and clean the source of the odors in your home, you can effectively get rid of the smell and keep it from coming right back.
  
  

Odors in Fabric and Upholstery

• If the fabric is something you can toss in the washing machine, you're in luck. Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle and dry it in the dryer with a scented dryer sheet. Baking soda is an alternative to vinegar; just don't use them at the same time as they tend to react to each other, which will leave both of them neutralized. If you use baking soda, add a cup into the wash along with the detergent.
  
  If the smell is emanating from upholstery, mix a solution of warm soapy water and add a cup of white vinegar. Scrub the solution into the affected area and wipe with a clean cloth or sponge. And set a fan nearby to help circulate air over it and help it dry faster. Be careful not to saturate things such as cushions and sofas; if too much water gets inside, it can cause mold, which creates an odor that may be worse than the one you just tried to clean.
  
  Baking soda or fresh coffee grounds can be sprinkled on an area to help absorb odors on upholstery if the area is dry and clean. Sprinkle enough of either to completely cover the area and let it sit for several hours, overnight is best. Vacuum it up in the morning and the smell should be gone or close to gone; repeat if necessary.
  
  

Odors in the Air

• If dinner wasn't a success and the smell is still there, or sometimes a freshly painted room doesn't smell all that great, there are ways to help eliminate lingering odors in the air. Start by opening up doors and windows to create air circulation. Incorporating a fan may also help to push the bad air out.
  
  Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and sprinkle cinnamon and sugar onto it liberally. Add a tablespoon of butter and place it in the oven at 250 degrees. The smell of warm cinnamon and sugar will make your home smell like baked goods.
  
  Cut up an onion and place it into a bowl of water. Place the bowl in the center of a room with a less-than-pleasant smell and close the door. Leave this to sit overnight and the onion will help to absorb the odor out of the air.