Odors can develop from all areas of a home. We typically mask them with air fresheners, candles, or room sprays. However, these are only a temporary fixes. To completely remove smelly odors, you need to find the source or cause of the odor and eliminate it. Here are some of the best ways to keep your home smelling clean and fresh:
- Clean out trash cans and bins. Many times, we just empty our bins and overlook the bits and debris left behind. Wash your bins thoroughly with hot soapy water, and air dry them outside to avoid mold and mildew from forming. You can add a deodorizer to the bottom of the bin to eliminate foul smells. For a natural deodorizer, wrap coffee grounds and baking soda in a coffee filter, and place it at the bottom of the trash bin to keep it fresh for weeks!
- Keep your refrigerator clean and free of rotten food. A mix of food in your refrigerator can produce unpleasant smells, especially if they are open or not in closed containers. You might also have food that’s gone bad. To keep your refrigerator free of odors, throw out expired foods. You can spray the shelves and surfaces with hydrogen peroxide, and wipe it down. You can also leave a container with baking soda, with holes on the lid. The baking soda will absorb odors in the refrigerator.
- Regularly vacuum carpets and foam. Carpets and foam often get sweat, dead skin cells, dust, and other forms of dirt. Clean it often, following manufacturer’s guidelines, of course. To freshen up your carpet and mattresses, sprinkle some baking soda on it. Let it sit for a few minutes before you vacuum it out. You can do the same with pillows and sofa.
- Air out a stuffy closet and basement. Because of the lack of air circulation, closets and basements become stuffy. For closets, it doesn’t help when there are smelly shoes and sometimes even damp and dirty clothes. To help with the stuffiness, you can leave potpourri sachets or charcoal deodorizers in the room to help with the smell. Try to keep your shoes in their boxes with their silica packets.
- Use vinegar to absorb any funny smells. Did you just cook fish or something with a smell that’s lingering? Try putting a bowl of vinegar near the stove to absorb the smell. Close trash bins, and clean them often. You can also fill the room with fresh odors from lemons, some herbs, or coffee grounds.
Over time, our house may accumulate smells that are not pleasant to our noses. While deodorizing helps for a while, it only adds a scent rather than eliminating the unpleasant smell. Use these tips to keep your house smelling fresh!
