How to Make Your Home Smell Good
It’s no mystery that bad ventilation and people or pets cause bad smells. These odors can linger, even when you clean frequently and use air fresheners. Since products that contain chemicals come with their own problems, use the following tips to make your home smell fresh and clean.
Ventilation
Bad ventilation makes smells worse. That’s why you should use a properly functioning exhaust hood while cooking. Since fresh air makes a natural combatant for bad aromas, open windows whenever you can.
Cleaning
Wipe up spills as they happen, and dispose of the garbage every day, regardless if it’s full or not. If you keep trashcans behind closed doors, the smell will escape once you open them. That’s why it’s important to take the trash out daily.
Air Fresheners
Air fresheners only work in clean areas because they mix with existing smells. This combination can create unpleasant aromas. Since these products often come with chemical fragrances, they can bother people who have health conditions. When you buy air fresheners, opt for products with activated bamboo charcoal or essential oils.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a wonderful natural remedy for absorbing odors. Place one tablespoon of it in the bottom of a fresh garbage bag to control funky smells. You can even add it to the clothes washer in lieu of harsh laundry detergent to combat smells on dirty laundry. Mix some essential oils into baking soda, and sprinkle the carpets with this mixture before vacuuming. If you keep an open container of this soda in the refrigerator, replace it at least every 90 days.
Food Odors
Since stored foods can smell up a confined space, cover them well during storage. That way, the refrigerator won’t release smells every time you open its doors. If you place slices of bread and a box of baking soda into the fridge, they will help combat odors.
When you prepare meals, boil a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water in a separate pan to neutralize unpleasant cooking scents. Baking bread makes a house smell nice but isn’t always feasible. Instead, boil a piece of orange, lemon, apple or tangerine to release a fresh aroma. This practice is ideal for using up outdated produce.
Pets
Pets love their humans unconditionally, but they smell. Scoop litter boxes daily, and wash dogs twice a month. If you have caged animals, clean their habitats regularly. When you have to deal with pet stains on carpets, make a solution of 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda. Place this mixture inside of a spray bottle, apply to the stain, and let it absorb for 10 minutes.
Even if you think your home smells clean and fresh, it could benefit from these tips. That’s because people become used to daily odors with which they live. Your guests will appreciate the welcoming environment.