There’s nothing less inviting than walking into a home with a bad smell. There are many things that can contribute to a home’s less than rosy scent. Pets, smoke, mold and mildew, and cooking can create odors that permeate the air and linger around. These odors will eventually penetrate into the walls, carpeting and furniture. I will share some simple steps to help prevent and remove these potentially offensive odors.
Try these expert green-cleaning tips for healthier ways to get rid of common odors
1. A smelly microwave
The awful stench of burnt popcorn seems to hang around forever, but it eventually disperses. To speed up the process, fill a large microwave-safe bowl with 1 1/2 cups water and three or four chopped lemons along with a fragrant spice, like cloves. Bring to a boil in the microwave, and then leave it to steam inside for 15 minutes (until the water cools down and can be removed safely). Leave the door ajar for an hour or so to air the microwave out.
2. Rancid wooden cutting boards and counters
Scub the wood with a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda or salt. Rinse well and season with mineral oil.
3. Toilet roll refresher
One of the easiest ways to add a refreshing fragrance to your bathroom, is using essential oils. Add a few drops to the inside of your toilet roll tube and they will fight against unpleasant odours to leave your bathroom smelling fresher.
4. Refresh your mattress
If your bedroom looks clean, but smells rotten, the answer could be something you’ve not thought of – your mattress. To freshen your mattress in three easy steps:
- Sift a cup of bicarbonate of soda onto your mattress.
- Leave it to sit for 30 minutes.
- Vacuum over your mattress using the brush attachment.
5. Cigarette/cigar smoke
Use a hand towel and pour white vinegar over it, then wring it out.
Take the towel and walk through the house swinging it in the air, like you’re rooting for your favorite team. This will get rid of the smell in no time, and it’s all-natural, so no one is breathing in chemicals.
6. Stinky Garbage Can
Rotting food can cause a foul smell that lingers on a plastic can. Remove the offending trash, then place 1 tablespoon of coffee, a few cloves, and 1 tablespoon of baking soda in the center of a coffee filter. Close with a twist tie to make a sachet, and put it at the bottom of the can to get rid of odors in the house.
7. Bad Potty Bouquet
For that nasty ring around the toilet, make an abrasive scrub that’s 1 cup of baking soda, 1 cup of borax, and 1 cup of salt. If you want a scented scrub, add a few drops of essential oil. For really bad bowl stains, turn off the water supply and drain the toilet, then add the scrub so that it can sit on the stain undiluted.