How To Get Rid Of Pesticide Odor

Pesticide odors may linger in your home, your clothing and even furniture if the treatment used sprays, vapor treatments or liquid applications. The majority of commercial treatments use a formaldehyde base and this is what creates the toxic and annoying smells.

Step 1

For lingering smells in clothing, add 1 to 2 cups of clear vinegar to wash load. Add regular detergent as per normal washing instructions. Run clothing through normal cycle and a second rinse. Air dry if possible. You should only have to do this once to remove the pesticide smell, however, if a sent still lingers a second round of washing can be done to increase results.

Step 2

Next, tackle the smell in your home. For lingering smells in the home, sprinkle a fine dusting of baking soda along baseboards, under kitchen cabinets and likely areas of application of the pesticide.

Step 3

Allow the baking soda to absorb odors for 12 to 24 hours. Then using a mixture of dish detergent and water, wipe up all baking soda residue.

Step 4

If pesticide odors are particularly strong, you can also take advantage of home air freshener sprays. Choose a spray that is labeled "neutralizing" rather than one that will mask the odor, but not eliminate it.