Foul odors can make the cleanest home seem dirty and unwelcoming. Stale odors can linger even with the best of routines, so it’s a good idea to have some tricks in your arsenal. These seven tips can ensure that your home stays smelling great throughout the year.
Sprinkle Baking Soda on Carpets and Surfaces
Baking soda is an excellent deodorizer and it has earned its reputation through the generations. Take a page from Grandma’s book and sprinkle baking soda on any fabric surfaces. Let the baking soda sit to deodorize the area. When you’re done, simply vacuum it up for a fresh-smelling home.
Change Your HVAC Filter
Your filter can collect strong scents and disperse it through the house. This is particularly true for strong smells like curry or smoke. If you have cleaned areas multiple times but can’t pinpoint the residual smell, try changing your filter to see if the problem remains.
Bake Some Cookies
There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh cookies. Make your home smell sweet and comforting by using a tried-and-true recipe that your family loves. Your house will smell great, and you’ll have a delicious treat for your effort!
Make a Stovetop Spice Brew
If you love the smell of baked goods but don’t want the hassle of baking, simply add a few of your favorite spices to a pot of water. Choose from a dozen options like cinnamon sticks, cloves, apple slices, orange peels and even vanilla. Or play with a savory brew by choosing rosemary and other more herby scents. You can even change up your scents with the seasons!
Open the Windows
Nothing freshens up a stale space like fresh air. Sometimes all a home needs is a good breeze to smell great again. Freshen up your space by opening the windows regularly on temperate days.
Use an Enzymatic Spray
If you have an old pet, or an untrained new pet, your carpet can suffer. If urine smells are a problem in your home, invest in a good carpet cleaner. Tackle the areas quickly, and use a UV light to identify any hidden pet stains. After the bulk of the mess has been cleaned, use an enzyme-based carpet cleaner to spot treat the area.
Clean Your Walls
Your walls can collect bad smells, particularly if they were exposed to a strong cooking scent or smoke. Kitchen walls collect oil and grime that can start to make your house smell stale or like strong spices. Smoking indoors can have the same effect on your walls. Tackle bad odors by using a cleaning solution of water, dish soap and vinegar.
