Here's how to get rid of funky odors in your home

It happens to everyone from time-to-time, something in the home starts to smell.

Sometimes it’s tough to track down.

Is it the trash can? The refrigerator? A bathroom drain?

Whatever it is, you want it gone!

5 On Your Side’s Monica Laliberte shares some easy fixes.

One common issue: front loading wash machines.

“It’s a constant, constant, constant fight to keep it from getting gross and smelly,” says Melissa Werger.

So do you really have to wash a washing machine?

“Excess detergent and fabric softener can build up in your washer, and become a smelly haven for mold and mildew”, explains Keith Flamer, Consumer Reports Home Editor.

To help, measure detergent and fabric softener. Machines take a lot less than many realize.

When the cycle is finished, check to make sure nothing got trapped behind the door gasket, then wipe it down. If there are no small children around, leave the door open so the machine can dry out.

Another source of odors: the kitchen and especially the dishwasher.

"When Consumer Reports asked dishwasher owners whether they cleaned their machine’s filter, most people said they weren’t aware that there was a filter,” says Farmer.

A dirty filter not only smells bad, it prevents the machine from cleaning effectively.

So twist out the filter, gently wash it under running water and replace it. Then wipe the corners and floor of the machine.

On to the fridge.

Spills can leak into the bins and shelf crevices. Wash those as you wipe down and sanitize the inside of the fridge.

Finally, deodorize the garbage disposal.

Layer in six ice cubes, a tablespoon of baking soda, three lemon slices, a teaspoon of bleach, then six more ice cubes.

Grind it, rinse, and enjoy the non-aroma.

Always run cold water when using a garbage disposal, that will help keep it from getting gunked up in the first place.