Dealing with decomposition smell is an unpleasant task, but it’s a situation many people face, whether it’s from a dead animal, food spoilage, or organic waste.
The smell of decomposition is particularly strong and persistent due to the gases and chemicals released during the process. If you’re wondering how to get rid of decomp smell, you’ve come to the right place.
With the right cleaning methods and odor-neutralizing products, you can tackle this problem head-on and eliminate the smell for good.
Why Is Decomp Smell So Strong?
Decomposition produces an unmistakable odor that’s hard to ignore. The smell comes from organic matter breaking down and releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), gases like methane, ammonia, and sulfur compounds, which give off that foul, pungent odor.
It’s especially strong when dealing with decomposing animals, food, or organic waste. What makes the decomp smell worse is its ability to permeate porous materials like carpet, wood, or drywall, making it more difficult to remove.
Step-by-Step Guide to Get Rid of Decomp Smell
To get rid of decomp smell, thoroughly clean the affected area with an enzymatic cleaner, use odor-neutralizing agents like activated charcoal or baking soda, and ventilate the space.
Prompt cleaning and deodorizing are key to completely eliminating the odor.Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you remove the smell effectively.
Step 1: Locate and Remove the Source
The first and most critical step in eliminating decomp smell is to find the source and remove it. This could be a dead animal, spoiled food, or organic matter that has decayed.
- Check common hiding spots: If it’s an animal, check attics, basements, behind appliances, and inside vents—places where animals may have gotten trapped. For food or waste, check the back of the fridge, pantry, or garbage area.
- Remove the decomposed material: Wear gloves and, if necessary, a face mask to avoid direct contact with the source. Carefully remove the decomposed matter and place it in a sealed plastic bag before disposing of it in an outdoor trash can.
This step is crucial because if the source isn’t fully removed, the odor will persist no matter how much cleaning you do.
Related Post: Get a Fresh Basement by Tackling Odors the Right Way
Step 2: Clean and Disinfect the Area
Once the source has been removed, you’ll need to clean the area thoroughly to get rid of any residue or remaining odor. The chemicals from decomposition can seep into porous surfaces, so proper cleaning is essential.
- Use an enzyme-based cleaner: Enzyme cleaners are your best bet for breaking down the proteins and fats left behind by decomposing matter. These cleaners digest organic material, neutralizing odors at the source. Apply the cleaner generously to the affected area and let it sit for the recommended time (usually 15–30 minutes).
- Scrub the area: After letting the enzyme cleaner work, scrub the area with a soft-bristle brush or sponge. Be sure to clean any surrounding surfaces that may have been exposed to the decomp gases or liquids.
- Rinse and dry: Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any remaining cleaner or residue. If possible, allow the area to air dry or use fans to speed up the drying process.
Pro Tip: If the decomposition occurred on a porous surface like carpet or wood, you may need to repeat the cleaning process multiple times to fully remove the odor.
Step 3: Ventilate the Space
Proper ventilation is essential to help get rid of the lingering odor. Decomposition gases can permeate the air, so airing out the affected space can significantly reduce the smell.
- Open windows and doors: If possible, open all windows and doors to create cross-ventilation. Fresh air helps dissipate the odor and brings in clean, odor-free air.
- Use fans: Set up fans to blow air out of the space. Position them near windows or vents to help push the stale air out of the room.
- Air purifiers: If you have an air purifier, especially one with a HEPA filter, place it in the affected area to help filter out odor-causing particles.
Ventilation is key in combination with cleaning to ensure the entire area is free from lingering decomp gases.
Step 4: Use Odor Neutralizers
Even after cleaning and ventilating, decomp smell can still cling to surfaces. To fully eliminate the odor, use natural odor-neutralizing products to absorb and break down any remaining smell.
Activated Charcoal:
- Place bowls of activated charcoal around the room. Charcoal is highly effective at absorbing odors and neutralizing smells. It’s especially useful for removing gases released by decomposing organic material. Leave it in place for several days to allow it to absorb the odor.
Baking Soda:
- Sprinkle baking soda on the affected area, especially if the decomp happened on carpets or fabric surfaces. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can absorb smells. Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum it up.
White Vinegar:
- Place bowls of white vinegar in the room or spray it lightly on hard surfaces. Vinegar is a powerful odor neutralizer that works by breaking down smell-causing compounds. It may smell strong at first, but the vinegar odor will dissipate as it evaporates, taking the decomp smell with it.
Commercial Odor Removers:
- Use a commercial odor eliminator spray, especially those designed for pet or organic odors. These products contain special formulas that neutralize smells and can be used on a variety of surfaces like carpets, walls, and floors.
Step 5: Deep Clean Porous Surfaces (If Needed)
If the decomposition smell has seeped into porous surfaces like carpet, wood, or upholstery, it may take more effort to fully remove the odor.
For Carpets:
- Steam clean the area if the decomp occurred on carpeted floors. Steam cleaning penetrates deep into the carpet fibers to remove any embedded smells. Follow up with a carpet deodorizer or enzyme cleaner to ensure the odor is gone.
For Wood:
- Sand and reseal wood surfaces if the decomp smell has permeated wooden floors, cabinets, or walls. Lightly sand the affected area to remove the top layer of wood where the odor may have settled, then apply a fresh sealant or finish to protect the wood and eliminate the smell.
For Upholstery:
- Use a fabric cleaner or upholstery cleaner on affected furniture. If the smell persists, you may need to hire a professional cleaning service to deep clean the fabric and padding.
Step 6: Prevent Future Odors
Once the smell is gone, take steps to prevent future decomposition odors from returning.
- Inspect for pest problems: If the smell was caused by a dead animal, make sure to inspect your home or property for potential pest entry points. Seal any holes or cracks where animals may have gotten in.
- Store food properly: If food was the cause of the odor, ensure that all food is stored in airtight containers and that your fridge and pantry are regularly cleaned and inspected.
- Regular cleaning and maintenance: Regularly clean and deodorize high-risk areas like basements, attics, or garages where decomposition could occur unnoticed.
How to Handle Persistent Decomp Smells
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and the decomp smell persists, it might be time to call in professional help.
- Hire a professional cleaner: Professional cleaning services that specialize in biohazard or decomposition cleanup have the tools and expertise to thoroughly eliminate the smell.
- Consider ozone treatment: Ozone generators can be used in severe cases to neutralize persistent odors. Ozone breaks down odor-causing molecules in the air, but these devices should only be used in unoccupied areas, as high levels of ozone can be harmful to humans and pets.
End Note
Dealing with decomposition smell is never pleasant, but with the right approach, you can effectively get rid of the odor and restore freshness to your space. By thoroughly cleaning the area, ventilating, and using natural odor-neutralizing products like activated charcoal or baking soda, you can eliminate even the toughest decomp smells.
The key to success is acting quickly, cleaning thoroughly, and using the proper odor removal techniques. With these steps, you can reclaim your home from any lingering decomposition odors and ensure that the unpleasant smell doesn’t return.
