Easy ways to eliminate the funk in your home and bring in the fresh.
When it comes to our homes, if a space smells fresh, that’s a great sign.
If the smell is bad?
Anna Williams
But the secret to a nose-friendly space isn’t simply to spray fragrance on top of yucky stuff.
You have to really get into the nitty-gritty of the smell’s source to combat and neutralize bad odors.
Make your home a haven filled with these expert-backed strategies to keep it smelling great.
Consider keeping moisture-absorbing products in smaller areas that get damp, such as bathrooms and closets.
And keep an eye on micro-sources of moisture, such as sponges and towels.
Duh, you might say.
But it can also mean your stuff smells, and you don’t even know it.
So it’s important to be proactive.
Keep a bit of kitty litter at the bottom of the pail to absorb smells.
Launder pet beds regularly, and scoop the litter box every day.
Hoffman says that some of the worst offenders are condimentswhich people tend to think last foreverand leftovers.
“They get pushed to the back and forgotten,” she adds.
Do an inventory of your fridge at least every month to ensure the contents are fresh.
Then,give the interior of your fridge a thorough scrubbing.
If you have removable shelves and drawers, pull them out and soak them in hot, soapy water.
Use a damp cloth to rinse.
“Remember to only use cleaners that are food-safe inside your fridge,” notes Hoffman.
Stay away from bleach, she advises, as it’s difficult to properly dilute and rinse.
Even after a spill dries or dirt gets wiped away, odor-causing bacteria can linger.
In carpets, a missed stain can lead to mold or mildew.
Maker recommends having a professional steam-clean your upholstery and carpets once a year.
The easiest way to avoid smells on a carpet is to quickly attack any spills.
Opening a window makes your entire space feel cleaner and helps lift the mood in your home.
If possible, open windows on multiple sides of your home to get a cross breeze.
Even if it’s freezing outside, cracking a window for a short while can make a difference.
“Just the smell of cleaner will make people think your home is clean,” explains Hoffman.
Use Essential Oils
Diffusers are just one way to use essential oils.
Try a few of these DIY ideas from Maker.
Or try baking soda sachets, which absorb bad smells and add in good ones.
Then toss it in a drawer or anywhere that needs a refresh.
The air will help disperse the scent throughout the space.
Become a Plant Parent
Plants can do more than just look pretty.
Many varieties have some air filtering qualities that can help freshen up your space.
Or look for plants that have subtle scents, and place them near places that may have offensive odors.
Look for arrangements with flowers that smell good.
(Just think about what notes are in perfume!)
The opposite is true.
You’re after a general feeling of energy, relaxation, or whatever your intention is for the space.
This is something to keep in mind when choosing thebest candlesto invoke the right mood.
Look for candles that promote a sense of peace.
This also ensures you’re considering any guests.
You may love that sugar apple cinnamon candle, but the scent may be too strong for your guests.
Maker suggests sticking to more natural scentslike woods, florals, and citrus.
“But the result will be longer-lasting and more impactful.”
In other words: a home that smells as good as it looks.
Create Pomanders
Pomandersusually oranges studded with clovesare usually a staple of theholiday season.
Look for HEPA air purifiers that’ll help deal with microscopic contaminants, including pet dander and even viruses.
It’ll also disperse that lemony scent throughout your kitchen.
you might use a toilet plunger, drain snake, or commercial solution to unclog the drains.
But be sure to also remove the tank lid and scrub away any mold or grime that has accumulated.
Let the cleaner sit for about 5 minutes before wiping it off with a microfiber cloth.
A scrub brush or wet pumice stone can help you get at rust and mineral deposits, as well.
Simmering a bowl of fresh herbs (like rosemary), lemon, and water is the easiest way.
Just keep an eye on the water levels to ensure there’s always enough liquid.
Cleaning products may also bring a temporary fresh smell into the house.
Pets can be a particular source of some pretty bad smells in your home.
