If there’s one thing that can instantly ruin a guest’s first impression, it’s unpleasant Airbnb smells. Have you ever walked into one that was well, a little funky? Even the most beautifully designed vacation rental can lose its charm the second guests walk through the door and notice stale cooking odors, musty air, or lingering garbage smells.
As Airbnb hosts, creating a fresh, clean-smelling environment is essential—not only for glowing reviews but also for repeat bookings. The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals or overpowering artificial sprays to keep your property guest-ready. In fact, natural solutions are often more effective (and your allergy-sensitive guests will definitely appreciate it).
Here are the top Airbnb smells that turn guests off—and exactly how to eliminate them naturally before your next check-in.
Guest Turn Off #1 Leftover Cooking Smells
One of the most common Airbnb guest complaints is lingering food odors from previous stays. Strong spices, fried foods, fish, bacon, garlic, and curry can cling to soft furnishings, curtains, and even walls. The worst for me is old microwave popcorn smell.
How to Remove Cooking Smells Fast
Let Fresh Air In
The quickest fix? Open every window possible. Even one to two hours of ventilation can dramatically reduce odors.
Pro Tip: Place a fan facing outward in an open window with the front door open to pull stale air out faster.
Invest in an Airbnb Air Purifier
To help keep your home smelling fresh all the time, run an air purifier while you are doing the turnover. In addition to eliminating strong kitchen odors, it also reduces dust and pollen for your guests.
Use Natural Odor Absorbers
Keep an Odor Absorber in the Kitchen
Find non-toxic ways to absorb the smells as they are produced by guests before they can soak into everything. is a bamboo and charcoal miracle that sucks up anything pungent left in the air. Please don’t use plug in diffusers or glade style air fresheners they are toxic and the chemicals can really annoy your guests.
Keep these in your kitchen between stays:
- Bamboo charcoal air purifying bags
- The Bad Air Sponge
- Bowls of baking soda
The White Vinegar Trick
Place bowls of white vinegar around the kitchen overnight, or simmer:
- 50% white vinegar
- 50% water
This is one of the fastest natural odor neutralizers for stubborn smells.
Baking Soda Carpet Refresh
For rugs or carpets:
- 1 cup baking soda
- A few drops eucalyptus essential oil
Sprinkle, leave overnight, vacuum.
Helpful House Rule
Include this gentle note in your house guide:
“When cooking dishes with stronger spices, garlic, or bacon, please turn on the fan, open a window, and close bedroom doors. Thank you!”
Small reminders can save major odor issues from checking in and refusing to leave.
Check out my blog post with 2026 Airbnb Branding Ideas: Easy Logo & Brand Identity Tips for More Bookings
Guest Turn Off #2 Stale and Damp Smells
Musty odors immediately make guests worry about mold—even when it’s simply excess moisture hanging around past checkout.
Use a Dehumidifier
A quality dehumidifier is one of the best investments for:
- Basement suites
- Coastal properties
- Humid climates
Running one regularly between guests can completely transform air quality. This dehumidifier sports a sleek look as well as a quiet fan that will do its job without you hearing it.
Essential Oil Diffusers
A subtle, spa-like scent works beautifully:
Best blends:
- Eucalyptus + Peppermint
- Lavender + Lemon
- Tea Tree + Orange
Guests have commented how they love My essential oil diffuser. I use a mixture of eucalyptus and peppermint for a light, clean fresh scent. Just add some water and a few drops of your favorite essential oils, and guests can enjoy the scent all day (while it neutralizes the bad smells) This starter essential oil collection is amazing!
Furnace Filter Trick
Add a few drops of essential oil to a cotton ball and place it near your HVAC filter for whole-home freshness.
Natural Linen Spray
For quick turnover days, a clean botanical room spray can refresh:
- Bedding
- Sofas
- Curtains
- Entryways
Caldrea Linen and Room Spray in Pear Blossom Agave scent. Heavenly!
Add NASA-Approved Air Purifying Plants
Plants not only elevate your design but naturally filter air.
Top choices:
- Snake Plant
- Peace Lily
- Spider Plant
- Aloe Vera
- Bamboo Palm
Guest Turn Off #3: Garbage and Drain Smells
Stinky sink drains and garbage cans are often overlooked but can quickly create powerful negative impressions.
Baking Soda + Vinegar Drain Cleaner
Use:
- 3/4 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- Lemon juice
Pour into drain, cover, wait 30 minutes, flush with boiling water.
Garbage Disposal Refresh
Grind:
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices
This loosens debris while naturally deodorizing.
Don’t Forget Garbage Cans
Even with fresh bags, residue can smell. Clean with a Clorox wipe and don’t forget under the lid!
Clean bins regularly with:
- Clorox wipes
- Hot water and Dish soap
- White vinegar spray
Best Cleaning Products for a Naturally Fresh Airbnb
Guests appreciate subtle, clean scents—not overpowering chemical smells. To help keep your Airbnb smelling fresh, use cleaning products with scents that guests will love. Method Cleaning Products are all natural & have amazing scents like French Lavender, Pink Grapefruit and Eucalyptus Mint (and they work harder than the chemical stuff!)
How to Make your Airbnb Stand Out in 2026
To truly elevate your hosting game and ensure your Airbnb stands out in a crowded market, you need the right tools and insights at your disposal.If you’re serious about creating an unforgettable guest experience, my Ultimate Airbnb Host Bundle is designed to help you elevate every aspect of your property—from design to branding to guest communication.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Welcome book templates
- Airbnb signage
- Branding tools
- Social media templates
- Hosting checklists
- Listing optimization resources
Create a more polished, professional Airbnb that guests rave about.
👉 Explore the Ultimate Airbnb Mega Bundle here
2026 Update: Guest Expectations Are Higher Than Ever
In 2026, guest standards continue to rise. Cleanliness now extends beyond visible tidiness—guests increasingly mention scent in reviews.
Properties that smell:
- Fresh
- Neutral
- Clean
- Lightly spa-like
…often outperform competitors in both reviews and rebooking rates.
If you’re investing in design, photography, and amenities, don’t overlook scent strategy—it’s one of the easiest ways to elevate perceived luxury.
Why Airbnb Smells Matter More Than You Think
Your scent is part of your brand experience.
A naturally fresh-smelling Airbnb communicates:
- Professionalism
- Cleanliness
- Attention to detail
- Luxury
- Comfort
Bad smells, on the other hand, can instantly undermine even your best decor efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb Smells
How do I make my Airbnb smell fresh naturally?
Open windows, use baking soda, white vinegar, essential oils, air purifying plants, and dehumidifiers.
What smells do Airbnb guests hate most?
Cooking odors, musty smells, garbage, drains, cigarette smoke, and overly strong artificial fragrances.
Should I use air fresheners in my Airbnb?
Avoid heavy synthetic sprays. Guests often prefer light, natural scents.
How important is scent for Airbnb reviews?
Very important. Clean, fresh-smelling spaces strongly influence guest satisfaction.
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