How to Get Rid of Sick Smell: Natural Solutions for You

At some point in my life, I suffered with unpleasant smell and I know how unpleasant it can be to have your home, body, or breath smell off-putting after an illness. Whether it’s the sour scent of vomit, funky breath from a sinus infection, or a general “sick smell” clinging to your surroundings, these odors can be both embarrassing and a sign of underlying health issues.

Drawing from expert insights, like those from Dr. Madeleine S. Deming at the NIH Clinical Center, this comprehensive guide addresses how to get rid of sick smells on your body, breath, and in your home. I’ll cover why these odors occur, how to eliminate them, and when they might signal a health problem.

From tackling vomit smells on carpets to freshening sick breath, I’ll answer key questions like how to get rid of sick smell in the house, how long does vomit smell last, and how to get rid of sick smell in your nose. Let’s dive into practical, science-backed solutions to keep you and your space smelling fresh.

Why Does My Body Have a Sick Smell?

Sick smells—whether on your breath, body, or in your environment—often stem from bacteria, bodily processes, or illness-related compounds. According to Dr. Deming, bad breath is commonly caused by bacteria on the teeth and tongue that produce sulfur compounds, which smell like rotten eggs or onions. These odors are normal to an extent, especially in the morning due to dry mouth, but persistent smells may indicate health issues.

Causes of Sick Smells

1. Bacterial Activity: Bacteria in the mouth, sinuses, or skin can produce foul-smelling compounds. For example, tooth decay or gum disease from untreated bacteria can cause bad breath.
2. Infections: Sinus, throat, or lung infections can lead to smelly breath or body odors as bacteria or mucus accumulate.
3. Metabolic Changes: Illnesses like diabetes can cause breath to smell fruity or like rotten apples due to uncontrolled blood sugar. Kidney failure may produce ammonia-like breath, while liver disease can cause a musty or garlic-like odor.
4. Sweat and Stress: Stress releases smelly compounds through sweat glands, particularly in the armpits, where moisture and hair foster bacterial growth.
5. Vomit and Bodily Fluids: Vomiting, often a symptom of illness, leaves behind acidic, sour odors that cling to surfaces like carpets, couches, or floors.

When to Seek Medical Help

Persistent or unusual odors can signal serious conditions. For example:

1. Fruity breath: May indicate diabetic ketoacidosis.
2. Ammonia-like breath: Could suggest kidney failure.
3. Musty or garlic-like breath: May point to liver disease.
4. Persistent bad breath: Could indicate tooth decay, gum disease, or infections.

If you notice new or worsening odors, Dr. Deming advises seeing a dentist for breath issues or a doctor for body odors. They can perform exams or tests to identify underlying causes, such as infections or organ dysfunction.

How to Get Rid of Sick Smell on Your Body and Breath

Eliminating sick smells starts with addressing the source, whether it’s your breath, skin, or overall hygiene. Here are targeted strategies:

How to Get Rid of Sick Breath Smell

Bad breath during or after illness often results from bacteria, dry mouth, or infections. To freshen your breath:

1. Brush and Floss Regularly: Brush your teeth twice daily and floss to remove bacteria and food particles. Use a tongue scraper to clean sulfur-producing bacteria from the tongue.
2. Use Mouthwash: An antiseptic mouthwash like Listerine can kill bacteria and mask odors. Rinse for 30 seconds twice daily.
3. Stay Hydrated: Drink water to prevent dry mouth, which encourages bacterial growth. Aim for 8–10 glasses daily.
4. Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Stimulates saliva production, which washes away bacteria. Look for xylitol-based gum.
5. Treat Infections: If sinus or throat infections are the cause, consult a doctor for antibiotics or other treatments.
6. Visit a Dentist: Persistent bad breath may indicate decay or gum disease, requiring professional treatment.

How to Get Rid of Sick Smell on Your Body

Body odors from illness or sweat can be managed with good hygiene:

1. Bathe Daily: Use antibacterial soap to reduce odor-causing bacteria, especially in armpits and groin areas.
2. Shave Armpits: Removing hair reduces bacterial growth by minimizing moisture retention.
3. Use Deodorant or Antiperspirant: Apply daily to control sweat and odor. Look for aluminum-free options if sensitive.
4. Wear Breathable Fabrics: Choose cotton or moisture-wicking clothing to reduce sweat buildup.
5. Avoid Odor-Causing Foods: Foods like garlic, onions, or spicy dishes can intensify body odor. Limit these during illness recovery.

How to Get Rid of Sick Smell in Your Nose

Sometimes, the perception of a sick smell lingers in your nose due to sinus infections or mucus buildup:

1. Nasal Irrigation: Use a neti pot or saline spray to flush out mucus and bacteria. Follow instructions to avoid contamination.
2. Steam Inhalation: Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water (with a towel over your head) to clear nasal passages. Add eucalyptus oil for extra relief.
3. Consult a Doctor: Persistent odors in your nose may indicate a sinus infection requiring antibiotics.

How to Get Rid of Sick Smell in the House

Sick smells in your home, especially from vomit, can be stubborn. Whether it’s on carpets, couches, floors, or in the bathroom, here’s how to tackle them:

How to Get Rid of Sick Smell in the House

1. Ventilate the Space: Open windows and use fans to circulate fresh air and disperse odors.
2. Use Odor Absorbers: Place bowls of baking soda, activated charcoal, or white vinegar in affected areas to neutralize smells. Replace every 24–48 hours.
3. Clean Surfaces: Wipe down furniture, walls, and floors with a mixture of water and white vinegar (1:1 ratio) or a mild disinfectant.
4. Wash Fabrics: Launder curtains, bedding, and upholstery covers in hot water with detergent and a splash of vinegar.

How to Get Rid of Sick Smell on Carpet

1. Blot Immediately: For fresh vomit, blot up as much as possible with paper towels or a cloth. Avoid rubbing to prevent spreading.
2. Apply Baking Soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the area, let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
3. Use a Cleaning Solution: Mix 1 cup water, 1 cup white vinegar, and 1 tsp dish soap. Apply with a sponge, scrub gently, and blot dry.
4. Steam Clean: For persistent odors, use a steam cleaner or rent one for deep cleaning.

How to Get Rid of Sick Smell in the Bathroom

1. Clean Thoroughly: Scrub toilets, sinks, and floors with a disinfectant cleaner or a bleach solution (1:10 bleach to water ratio).
2. Ventilation: Run the bathroom fan or open a window during and after cleaning to reduce moisture and odors.
3. Use Odor Eliminators: Place an air freshener or a bowl of vinegar in the bathroom to absorb lingering smells.

How to Get Rid of Sick Smell in Couch

1. Vacuum First: Remove debris with a vacuum cleaner’s upholstery attachment.
2. Apply Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on the couch, let it sit for 1–2 hours, then vacuum again.
3. Spot Clean: Use a mixture of water, vinegar, and dish soap to clean affected areas. Blot with a clean cloth and let dry.
4. Use Fabric Freshener: Spray with a fabric-safe odor eliminator like Febreze for extra freshness.

How to Get Rid of Vomit Smell on Floor

Remove Residue: Scrape off vomit with a spatula or paper towels, then wipe with a damp cloth.

Clean with Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar, scrub the floor, and dry with a clean towel.

Neutralize Odors: Sprinkle baking soda, let it sit for 15 minutes, then sweep or vacuum. For hardwood, ensure minimal liquid to avoid damage.

How Long Does Vomit Smell Last?

Vomit smells typically fade within a few hours to a day if cleaned promptly and thoroughly. However, on porous surfaces like carpets or couches, odors can linger for days or weeks without proper treatment. Using baking soda, vinegar, or professional cleaning can significantly reduce this time.

How Long Does Vomit Smell Last in a Car?

In a car, vomit smells can persist for 1–3 days if not addressed, especially in warm conditions where odors intensify. To eliminate:

1. Clean Immediately: Blot up vomit, then clean with a vinegar-water solution or upholstery cleaner.
2. Ventilate: Leave windows open or use a car air purifier.
3. Use Odor Absorbers: Place activated charcoal or baking soda in the car overnight.
4. Professional Detailing: For stubborn smells, consider professional cleaning.

How to Get Rid of Smell When Sick

When you’re sick, odors from breath, sweat, or vomit can be more pronounced. Here’s how to manage them:

1. Maintain Hygiene: Brush teeth, use mouthwash, and bathe daily to reduce bacterial buildup.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drink water to prevent dry mouth and flush out odor-causing compounds.
3. Clean Bedding: Wash sheets and pillowcases frequently to prevent odor buildup.
4. Use Air Purifiers: Place a HEPA air purifier in your room to filter out odor particles.
5. Neutralize Odors: Keep a bowl of vinegar or activated charcoal near your bed to absorb smells.

When to Seek Professional Help

If sick smells persist despite cleaning efforts, they may indicate a health issue:

1. Dentist Visit: For chronic bad breath, a dentist can check for decay, gum disease, or infections.
2. Doctor Visit: For body odors or breath that smells like ammonia, fruit, or garlic, a doctor can test for diabetes, kidney, or liver issues.
3. Tests: Blood tests, imaging (e.g., sinus CT scans), or physical exams can identify underlying conditions.

Emerging research, supported by the NIH, is exploring electronic “noses” to detect disease-related odors in breath, but these are still in early development. For now, professional evaluation is the best approach.

Prevention Tips for Sick Smells

Preventing sick smells involves proactive hygiene and health practices:

1. Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily, floss, and use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria.
2. Regular Bathing: Shower daily with antibacterial soap, focusing on odor-prone areas.
3. Healthy Diet: Avoid garlic, onions, and spicy foods during illness to reduce odor intensity.
4. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth and body hydrated.
5. Clean Environment: Regularly clean your home, especially after illness, to prevent lingering odors.
6. Medical Checkups: Schedule regular dental and medical visits to catch issues early.

Conclusion

Dealing with a sick smell—whether it’s bad breath, body odor, or vomit in your home—can be challenging, but it’s manageable with the right approach. By maintaining good hygiene, using natural odor eliminators like baking soda and vinegar, and addressing underlying health issues, you can keep yourself and your space fresh.

Persistent odors may signal conditions like infections, diabetes, or organ issues, so don’t hesitate to consult a dentist or doctor, as Dr. Deming advises. For professional care, facilities like the Cleveland Clinic offer expert evaluations for breath and body odor concerns. Whether you’re tackling a smelly carpet or freshening your breath, these practical tips ensure you can eliminate sick smells and feel confident again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does sick smell last?
Sick smells, like bad breath or body odor, typically fade within hours with proper hygiene. Vomit odors may last 1–3 days on surfaces if not cleaned thoroughly.

How long does vomit smell last in a car?
Vomit smells in a car can linger 1–3 days without cleaning, longer in warm conditions. Prompt cleaning with vinegar and ventilation can reduce this time.

How to get rid of sick smell in the nose?
Use nasal irrigation with a saline spray or neti pot, inhale steam, or consult a doctor for possible sinus infections.

Why does my body have a sick smell?
Sick smells can result from bacteria, infections, or metabolic changes (e.g., diabetes, kidney failure). See a doctor if odors persist.

How to get rid of vomit smell on a floor or carpet?
Blot up vomit, clean with a vinegar-water solution, and apply baking soda to neutralize odors. Steam clean carpets for stubborn smells.