Listen and follow The Wirecutter ShowApple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio | Other platformsSpring cleaning season is here, and we asked listeners to send us their most stubborn, embarrassing, and downright horrifying odor problems. Staff writer and cleaning expert Caroline Mullen joins us to answer your most confounding smell questions–from how to get rid of the odor of rotting meat in a freezer to removing the persistent stink from workout clothes.Caroline explains what actually works when it comes to removing odors—and what’s just masking the problem.This episode coversWhy ventilation is non-negotiable: Whether it’s fish in a small apartment or smoke drifting in from neighbors, airflow is often your first and most important defense.Why cleaning beats masking: Candles and air fresheners don’t solve the root problem. Removing grease, bacteria, residue, and trapped detergent does.How to fix stinky laundry: Cold water, less detergent (about two tablespoons), no fabric softener—and turning clothes inside out can make a major difference.Why your washing machine might be the problem: If your laundry smells off, the appliance itself may need cleaning.How to tackle pet odors: Wash beds and rugs regularly, vacuum frequently, and scoop litter often—especially in small spaces.Sometimes you need professional help: For car interiors, deep upholstery contamination, or truly embedded odors, a professional detailing service may be worth it.Don’t forget to subscribe to the Clean Everything newsletter for more cleaning tips from Wirecutter experts.Products we recommendExceptional, efficient, affordableCoway Airmega AP-1512HH MightyPerfect for bedrooms, playrooms, and living rooms, this purifier is one of the highest-performing, most-durable, and most-economical models we’ve tested.$155 from Amazon(white)$155 from Amazon(black)$155 from Walmart(white)$155 from Walmart(black)Best for a cleaner that kills just about everythingClorox Clean-Up Cleaner + BleachThis bleach-based cleaner disinfects surfaces and performs everyday cleaning tasks just as well as our top pick, but it emits unpleasant fumes.$16 from Amazon(pack of three)$6 from Lowe'sThe best cat litterDr. Elsey’s Ultra UnscentedThis cat litter forms sturdy clumps and contains odors, and it’s one of the more affordable options. But the bag is awkward to pour from, and clumps may stick to the bottom of the litter box.$55 $40 from Walmart(35 pounds, pack of 3)$23 from Chewy(40 pounds)$23 from Amazon(40 pounds)A rug you can throw into the washing machineRuggable Justina Blakeney Sonia Terra & Sage Rug - Flatwoven CushionedThese lightweight two-piece machine-washable rugs are available in hundreds of styles and eleven sizes.Buy from Ruggable($129 to $1,049)A smart, quick robot that empties itselfRoborock Q7 M5+This bot is a top-notch cleaner and a great navigator that avoids (most) obstacles while keeping on top of scattered debris. It comes with a charging dock that sucks debris from its dustbin after it cleans.$280 from Amazon$430 from WayfairThe best liquid laundry detergentTide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry DetergentThis perfume- and dye-free liquid was the most well-rounded liquid detergent we tested, tackling a variety of stains and odors well.$20 from Amazon(132 ounces)$20 from The Home Depot(132 ounces)The best powder detergentTide Ultra Oxi Powder Laundry DetergentThis powerful powder dissolves swiftly and completely, eliminates many tough stains, and leaves a light scent. But it’s less effective on greasy stains than our liquid picks.$20 from Amazon$20 from The Home DepotOur go-to towel de-stinkerBorax 20 Mule Team Natural Laundry BoosterI always have a box of Borax in my laundry room, and this one is nicely priced and widely available.$6 from Amazon$7 from The Home DepotA reliable cleaner, with caveatsBissell Little Green Portable Carpet Cleaner 1400BThis extraction cleaner removes stains about as well as any model we tested, and it costs less than most. But it comes with only one cleaning attachment, and its tank is awkwardly designed.$100 from Amazon$96 from Walmart$100 from WayfairAn affordable vodka we loveSmirnoff No. 21 VodkaThis vodka is our favorite for drinking, but try mixing it with water and spraying onto hard-to-clean items for an evaporative solution.$9 from Total Wine & MoreA hair cream for different texturesMiss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls CreamThis creamy hair lotion brings out natural curls without hardening the hair. It’s good for kids of all ages and adults, too.$40 from Amazon(pack of two)$20 from Walmart