Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat

Here is another mystery that I just havent been able to figure out ...
Why do bad smells attach themselves to everything we own permanently but the good smells that we TRY to get to stick are gone in 5 minutes?? I've had bouts with throw-up, smoke, poop, and other not-so-nice smells and nothing seems to cover them up. What is to be done??