So, you walk into your house, and BAM, there it is—a smell that makes you wrinkle your nose. It's like someone’s cooking cabbage, even though no one's in the kitchen.

It's not the most pleasant odor to deal with, but don't worry, though!

This kind of smell usually has a straightforward cause, and you can totally get rid of it.

In this post, I’ll help you figure out why your house smells like cabbage and how to get rid of the smell.

Why Does My House Smell Like Cabbage?

The most common cause of that cabbage smell in your house is sewer gases.

Yep, your plumbing could be acting up. If you have a backed-up drain or a problem with your pipes, those gases might sneak into your house.

When they do, they can produce a smell that’s kind of like rotten cabbage.

Another possibility is something you really don’t want to think about: a dead rodent. Animals, especially mice or rats, sometimes make their way into walls or under floors and then... well, they don’t always make it out.

If that’s the case, you’re probably going to notice a strong, unpleasant odor as the body decomposes. Gross, I know, but it happens.

It could also be that something in your house is rotting. Maybe a forgotten piece of food in the back of the fridge or pantry. Even something like a spoiled potato can give off that stinky cabbage-like smell.

How To Get Rid Of Cabbage Smell In House

Now that you’ve figured out why your house smells like cabbage, let’s get rid of it.

You can do this in a few simple steps. It won’t take long, but you'll need to be thorough:

#1 Address The Issue

Before you do anything else, you need to identify and fix the root cause of the smell.

If it’s sewer gases, check your drains and pipes. Look for any clogs or leaks. If you’re not sure, it might be a good idea to call a plumber.

If the smell is from a dead rodent, you might need to get into those walls or under the floor to find the source. Sometimes, you can use a rodent detection service or call a pest control expert to help you out.

If it’s just some rotten food, well, that’s an easy fix! Go through your fridge and pantry and throw out anything that’s past its prime.

#2 Ventilate

Once you’ve fixed the issue causing the smell, you need to air things out.

Open windows, doors, and anything that lets fresh air in. A good cross breeze can work wonders. If it’s cold outside, consider turning on fans to circulate the air.

Sometimes just letting the house breathe can help clear out any lingering odors.

If you want to go the extra mile, you could even use an air purifier. Those things are pretty good at pulling out smells, plus they help with dust and allergens.

A little extra fresh air goes a long way in making your home feel and smell better.

Also Read: Getting rid of Pine Sol smell

#3 Clean Surfaces

After you've aired out the house, you’ll want to clean surfaces.

You’d be amazed how smells can cling to countertops, walls, and floors. Grab your favorite cleaner, and wipe down any spots where you think the smell might have settled.

A simple all-purpose cleaner should work fine, but you can even use vinegar with water.

Focus on places like kitchen counters, bathrooms, and even the floor around the garbage or any spots where food might have spilled.

The important thing is to get rid of anything that might be holding onto that cabbage smell.

#4 Absorb The Odor

If the smell still lingers, you can try neutralising it. Certain things are great at soaking up odors, and you can use them around the house to get rid of any leftover stink.

Try placing bowls of baking soda in rooms where the smell is still strong.

You can also try activated charcoal, which is great at absorbing odors.

Another trick is placing a bowl of white vinegar around the house. It sounds strange, but vinegar neutralizes odors rather than just masking them. A few hours or overnight should do the trick.

Baking soda and vinegar don’t smell great at first, but they really help get rid of bad odors. After that, you can just throw them out and enjoy a much fresher space.

How To Get Rid Of Cabbage Smell In House

#5 Simmer Spices

If you want to freshen up the air and make your home smell inviting, one simple way to do that is by simmering some spices on the stove.

Some easy options are cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg. Just drop them in a pot of water, bring it to a simmer, and let it do its thing. The steam will carry the scent throughout the house, giving everything a nice, warm smell.

If you’re not into the spice thing, you can also try citrus fruits. Just slice them up and simmer them with some water.

It’s a great way to banish any lingering smells and replace them with something pleasant.

#6 Use Some Essential Oils

If you're into essential oils, now’s the perfect time to bust them out.

Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon can work wonders at freshening up your home. You can add a few drops to a diffuser, or even mix them with water in a spray bottle and spritz around the house.

Essential oils can also help mask any faint lingering odors that might still be hanging around.

Plus, they just make your space feel more calming and pleasant, which is always a win.

Experiment with different scents to see what you like best!

Bottom Line

So, there you have it! If your house smells like cabbage, don’t stress.

Find and address the root cause first. Once you’ve done that, ventilate, clean, and absorb the odors to get your space smelling fresh again.

And, if you want to add a little extra something, simmer spices or use essential oils to finish things off.

In the end, it’s all about taking care of the source, then clearing the air. You’ve got this!

House Smells Like Cabbage (Solved)