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How Do You Remove Odors After a Sewage Backup?

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

Start with Safety

Before you touch anything, put on rubber gloves, boots, and a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Sewage contains bacteria and viruses, so avoid direct contact. Open windows and doors to bring in fresh air, but keep children and pets away from the affected area.

Turn off the electricity in the affected rooms if there is standing water, and avoid using any appliances until everything is dry. If you feel unwell from the smell or the work, step outside and see a doctor if symptoms continue. Your health comes before cleanup.

Remove Contaminated Items

Anything porous that touched sewage usually cannot be saved. That includes carpets, padding, upholstered furniture, drywall, insulation, and cardboard boxes. Bag these items in heavy plastic and set them outside, away from living areas. The longer they sit, the deeper the odor soaks in.

Hard surfaces like tile, concrete, and metal can often be cleaned. Use a shovel or scoop to remove solid waste, then dispose of it in a sealed bag. Do not try to wash it down a drain, as that can spread contamination further.

  • Wear gloves, boots, and a mask
  • Open windows for ventilation
  • Bag porous items in plastic
  • Remove solid waste carefully
  • Dispose of waste in sealed bags
  • Keep children and pets away

Clean and Disinfect

After removing the waste, scrub all hard surfaces with a detergent and warm water. Then apply a disinfectant that is labeled for sewage or bacteria, following the instructions on the bottle. Pay attention to corners, baseboards, and any cracks where moisture can hide.

Rinse the area with clean water and allow it to dry. You may need to repeat the cleaning process if the odor persists. Do not mix cleaning products, as some combinations can create dangerous fumes. Use one product at a time and ventilate well.

Dry Thoroughly

Odors thrive in dampness, so drying is key. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to pull moisture out of the air and walls. In a humid climate like Detroit's, this can take several days, so be patient and keep the air moving.

Check hidden spaces like behind baseboards, under cabinets, and inside wall cavities. If you have a basement, pay extra attention to the floor and lower parts of walls. Professional drying equipment may be needed for deep moisture that household fans cannot reach.

When to Call the Pros

If the sewage backup affected a large area, soaked into drywall or flooring, or the odor remains after your cleaning, local water damage pros can help. They have industrial fans, dehumidifiers, and cleaning agents that are stronger than consumer products. They can also check for hidden moisture that causes lingering smells.

The pros will typically remove damaged materials, clean and disinfect, and set up drying equipment. You can ask them to inspect the area and explain what they find. For structural drying and dehumidification, see the related services below. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

  • Large affected areas
  • Porous materials soaked
  • Odor persists after cleaning
  • Need for structural drying
  • Hidden moisture concerns

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Frequently asked questions

How long does a sewage smell last?

It depends on how much material is affected and how quickly you dry the area. With thorough cleaning and drying, odors can fade in a few days, but porous materials may need removal. If the smell lingers, professional help may be necessary.

Can I use bleach to remove sewage odor?

Bleach can disinfect hard surfaces, but it does not remove the odor-causing residue. You need to clean with detergent first to remove organic matter, then disinfect. Never mix bleach with other cleaners, as it creates toxic fumes. Always ventilate the area.

What should I do with contaminated clothing?

Wash clothing separately in hot water with detergent and disinfectant. If the clothing is heavily soiled or porous, it may be safer to discard it. Handle it with gloves and place it in a plastic bag until you can wash it. Do not mix with other laundry.

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