Does your house have an odor problem? You clean and throw out the trash everyday, but for some reason, your home seems to have a stale or stinky scent that no disinfectant or air freshener can mask. If you’re dealing with strange smells, you’re not alone. A recent survey has found that nearly 30 percent of homeowners said that bad odors in the home impacted them multiple times a week or more. The poll also revealed that almost half of all respondents would rather avoid using a stinky room instead of dealing with the problem.
Making your home smell good should be a priority since it helps to reduce stress, boosts mood, and provides a welcoming space for guests. Doing so also allows you to create a healthier environment since removing certain odor-causing elements can help you breathe easier and prevent allergy symptoms. To kick bad odors to the curb, here are some easy and natural ways to make your house smell amazing.
Check Your Appliances For Foul Smells
If you’re unable to identify where that weird smell is coming from, perhaps it’s time to take a closer look at your appliances. Some home appliances can cause bad smells due to trapped food particles, moisture, or overheating parts, so be sure to inspect each one thoroughly to see what needs to be deep cleaned or repaired. Chemical or metallic smells, for instance, can be caused by a boiler with poor combustion or a blocked flue vent in the heating appliance. Servicing your boiler not only helps to get rid of the persistent smells, but it also keeps you safe from carbon monoxide leaks.
Apart from the boiler, check the refrigerator since spilled liquids, expired foods, or a blocked internal drain pan can cause sour or rotting food smells. Throw out expired food and produce, and deep clean the inside with a paste made from baking soda and water to get rid of sticky, dried-on food spills. Next, clean and disinfect with a DIY vinegar mix to cut grease and neutralize odors safely. Also, be sure to deep clean your oven, microwave, and range hood every month to prevent these cooking appliances from emitting foul odors when in use. Don’t forget to clean your dishwasher and washing machine thoroughly. Trapped food in dishwashers can cause rotting food smells, while soap residue, fabric softener film, and mildew in washing machines can cause a musty smell that can seep into clothing and textiles.
Give Fabrics And Soft Furnishings Some TLC
Items like cushions, rugs, curtains, and throws can make a room instantly cozy, but these also trap a lot of bad odors since their porous fibers absorb moisture, airborne particles, and oils. To freshen a musty smelling rug or couch, sprinkle some baking soda over it, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it away. You can also schedule an annual professional steam cleaning to remove deep seated dirt, kill bacteria, and eliminate allergens and unwanted smells from heavy upholstery and carpets.
As for home textiles like throws, pillow covers, and curtains, wash them regularly to keep them smelling good. Curtains should be laundered every four to six months, while throw pillow covers and throws should be washed every three months. Meanwhile, bathroom textiles should be swapped out and laundered more often since these fabrics are prone to pink slime, black mold spots, and musty smells. Spot treat affected areas by spraying them with a vinegar and water solution, let it sit for 20 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush and rinse with warm water before laundering.
Freshen The Air The Natural Way
Instead of using commercial air fresheners and deodorizers, consider non-toxic alternatives to clean and freshen your indoor air. First, improve ventilation by opening windows for a few minutes each day to let stale air out and let fresh air in. Install a ceiling fan in the living room, kitchen, and dining room for efficient air circulation, or use stand fans in frequently used rooms. Next, place fragrant indoor plants like mint, jasmine, or lavender on windowsills to give your home a gentle and pleasant scent. You can also add indoor air cleaning plants like peace lilies, spider plants, and Boston fern to rooms to clear the air of carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia.
Want to add more fragrance to your home? Make a simmer pot by simmering orange peels, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, and a splash of vanilla extract in a small saucepan with water to fill the air with a refreshing scent. You can also make a natural room spray by combining a few drops of peppermint or lavender oil with 1 cup of distilled water and 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol.
Get rid of unwanted odors and make your home smell fresh and clean. Try these tips to make your house smell amazing 24/7, and see how a fresh-smelling abode can benefit your mood and wellbeing.