Eliminate Unpleasant Home Aromas: Quick, Easy Tips For Success

Whether it's the smell of last night's dinner, a musty basement, or something rotting in the trash, unpleasant home aromas can be a pain to locate and eliminate. Before you reach for the candles or room sprays, it's important to identify and address the source of the odour. This could mean checking common odour hotspots like bathrooms, basements, and behind appliances, or using a black light to uncover invisible sources of stink. Once you've pinpointed the culprit, there are several natural remedies you can use to freshen up your space.

One popular solution is to boil a pot of water with sliced lemons, oranges, or other citrus fruits, which can help neutralise pungent odours and leave your home smelling fresh. Alternatively, you can simmer a mixture of spices, herbs, and fruits like cinnamon, cloves, and apple peels for a festive, cozy aroma. Baking soda is another versatile deodorizer that can be placed in a bowl to absorb odours or used in combination with essential oils to create a DIY room spray or carpet refresher. Vinegar is also effective at neutralising rather than masking smells and can be simmered on the stove, placed in a bowl, or used to wipe down surfaces. For a more targeted approach, try using an air purifier or charcoal filter to absorb and eliminate potent cooking smells or pet odours.

In addition to these quick fixes, maintaining a clean and well-ventilated home is essential to preventing and reducing unpleasant aromas. This includes regular cleaning of soft surfaces like curtains and sofas, as well as attention to often-neglected areas like garbage disposals, laundry baskets, and pet beds. By combining these preventative measures with natural deodorizing solutions, you can effectively identify and eliminate unpleasant home aromas.

Use baking soda to absorb odours

Baking soda is one of the most effective natural cleaners to use in your home. It is an alkaline substance that neutralises acidic compounds, which are often the cause of unwanted smells.

To use baking soda to absorb odours, identify the source of the smell. If it is coming from a carpet or a rug, you can sprinkle baking soda over the surface and let it sit for up to an hour before vacuuming it up. For fabrics like curtains, upholstery, and carpeting, you can blend a cup of baking soda with 30 to 40 drops of essential oil and sprinkle the mixture onto the fabric. Let it sit for 30 minutes or overnight, then vacuum it up.

If the source of the smell is enclosed spaces like a refrigerator, closet, or garbage disposal, you can place baking soda in a vented jar and leave it to sit. Refresh the powder every month or so. You can also leave a bowl of baking soda out overnight to absorb any unpleasant odours.

Baking soda can also be used to eliminate laundry odours. Add 1/2 a cup of baking soda to a wash load in your washing machine, or sprinkle it directly onto clothes. For particularly stubborn smells, create a baking soda and water solution and soak the clothes before washing them.

In addition to absorbing odours, baking soda can also be used to freshen your home. Simply pour a few tablespoons of baking soda into uncovered dishes and place them near sources of unpleasant smells, such as the trash can, stove, or toilet.

Try vinegar to neutralise foul smells

Vinegar is a versatile, natural cleaner that can help neutralise foul smells in your home. Its distinctive aroma is strong and pungent, but it can be used effectively to eliminate unpleasant odours. Here are some ways to use vinegar to get rid of nasty niffs:

Simmer on the stove

Simmering vinegar on the stove is a great way to deodorise your home. Simply add half a cup of vinegar to one cup of water and let it simmer while you cook. The acetic acid in the vinegar will bond with the odour-causing molecules, removing them from the air. You can also add citrus peels, apple peels, spices, or herbs to the pot to create a pleasant fragrance.

Leave a bowl out overnight

Leaving a bowl of vinegar out on the counter overnight is another effective way to absorb and neutralise unpleasant smells. The vinegar will continue to work while you sleep, so you can wake up to a fresh-smelling home.

Use in combination with baking soda

Baking soda is another powerful odour absorber and can be used in combination with vinegar for even better results. Add a spoonful of baking soda to your vinegar cleaning solutions to reduce the smell of the vinegar and enhance its cleaning power. You can also create a deodorising cleaner by combining the two, which will react to form a foamy mixture.

Air out the space

While vinegar is effective at eliminating odours, its smell can be strong and unpleasant. To get rid of the vinegar smell after cleaning, open the windows and doors to let fresh air circulate. You can also use fans to improve ventilation and blow the vinegar smell out of your home.

Mask the smell

If you can't get rid of the vinegar smell, you can try masking it with other fragrances. Light scented candles, use essential oils or incense, or boil lemon peels or baking spices on the stove to fill your home with pleasant aromas.

Steam clean soft surfaces

Steam cleaning is an excellent way to deep clean soft surfaces, such as fabrics, upholstery, and textiles, without the use of harsh chemicals. The high-temperature steam is effective in breaking down and removing dirt and bacteria from these soft surfaces. Here are some tips to help you effectively steam clean soft surfaces:

• Always remember to do a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure that steam cleaning does not negatively affect the material.
• For delicate fabrics such as curtains, gently pass the steam cleaner nozzle over the surface to freshen them up. You can also wrap the brush attachment in a microfiber cloth for an even gentler clean.
• Steam cleaning is perfect for removing food spills and stains. The nylon brush attachment is ideal for removing tough scuffs and dirt without scratching the surface.
• For more challenging food particles like baked-on food or greasy leftovers, use the scraper attachment to effortlessly lift them off.
• Steam cleaning is also suitable for benches and countertops. Start by using the round brush attachment, followed by a triangle brush to reach corners. Finish by wiping the area with a squeegee or microfiber cloth for a streak-free, chemical-free clean.
• Keep in mind that steam cleaning is not suitable for all surfaces. Avoid using it on unsealed floors or surfaces, painted walls, porous surfaces, and delicate fabrics like silk, velour, velvet, or suede.

Clean your cleaning supplies

Keeping your cleaning supplies clean is an important step in ensuring your home stays fresh and germ-free. Here are some tips to keep your cleaning tools in tip-top shape:

Toilet Brushes

The toilet brush is often the most neglected cleaning tool in the home. It is important to clean and disinfect your toilet brush regularly to prevent the spread of germs. After scrubbing the toilet, flush the toilet a couple of times with the brush still inside the bowl to ensure it is clean. Then, suspend the brush over the bowl, balancing it on the toilet seat, and spray the bristles with hydrogen peroxide or vinegar. Allow the brush to air-dry completely before placing it back in its holder.

Vacuums

Vacuums require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. After each use, unplug the vacuum and check the underside of the brush, cutting away any hair or debris that could slow it down. Check and clean or replace the filters weekly. For foam filters, rinse and air-dry them, and for HEPA filters, change them every six months. Spray the tubing and attachments with a multi-surface cleaner and wipe them down. Empty the dust bin after each use to prevent dust buildup, and consider using an air compressor to blow away dust from the bin and crevices. Finally, change the bag according to the manufacturer's instructions or before it becomes full.

Microfiber Cloths

Microfiber cloths can withstand hundreds of washes, but it is important to wash them separately from other fabrics. Wash them with laundry detergent, a cup of white vinegar, and a teaspoon of dish soap to deodorize them. Air-dry or use the medium heat setting on your dryer.

Scrub Brushes and Sponges

Scrub brushes and sponges should be rinsed after each use and air-dried to prevent mildew and bacteria buildup. Wash them thoroughly at least once a month, either by hand or in the dishwasher. For the dishwasher, place the brushes on the top rack and run a cycle without dishes. Alternatively, scrub them with a small brush and then toss them in the dishwasher.

Mops

Mop heads should be cleaned regularly to avoid spreading dirt around. If your mop head is removable, wash it in the washing machine with hot water, a small amount of laundry detergent, and a cup of baking soda. Allow it to air-dry completely in the sun. If your mop head is not removable, create a cleaning solution of hot water, soap, and either vinegar or bleach. Dip the mop head into the solution, swirl it around, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before air-drying.

Brooms

After sweeping, use a paper towel or your hands to remove any debris from the bristles. Wash the dustpan with warm water and soap, and work the tips of the broom bristles into the soapy dustpan to remove excess dirt. Let the broom drip-dry over the sink.

Dusters

Dusters need to be cleaned regularly to prevent the spread of dust. After dusting, take your duster outside and shake it out to remove dust and dirt particles. For a deeper clean, fill a bucket with warm water and dish soap, dip the duster into the solution, and swirl it around. Allow it to soak for several minutes, then gently wring it out and hang it to air-dry.

Reusable Rubber Gloves

To clean rubber gloves, put them on, add a drop of dishwashing detergent, and wash them just like you would your hands. Hang them to dry.

Use essential oils to deodorise your home

Essential oils are a safe and natural way to scent your home. They can be used to create a unique fragrance that makes your house smell like home.

There are many ways to use essential oils to deodorise your home, some of which require a diffuser, and some of which do not.

Using a diffuser

If you want to use a diffuser, you can purchase an electric one that uses water mist to disperse the essential oil aromas around your home. Alternatively, you can make your own diffuser by combining water beads with your chosen essential oil. This works through evaporation.

You can also add a few drops of essential oil to a wooden clothespin and clip it to an air vent, or add essential oils to a furnace filter so that the scent is dispersed throughout your home whenever the fan clicks on.

Without a diffuser

There are many ways to use essential oils to scent your home without a diffuser. You can add a few drops of essential oil to the cardboard tube inside a toilet paper roll, or to a cotton ball, to freshen up your bathroom.

You can also make your own air freshener spray by combining essential oils with water and an alcohol base. This can be used to deodorise any room and also works as an all-purpose cleaner.

Another option is to make your own gel air freshener jars by combining absorbent crystals, water, and essential oils. These are perfect for small areas such as an office or bathroom.

You can also add essential oils to uncooked rice, baking soda, or clay to create your own air freshener. These can be placed in small jars or bowls and will provide an instant scent boost.

Essential oils to try

There are many different essential oils to choose from, depending on your preference. Popular options include:

• Lavender
• Tea tree
• Cinnamon leaf
• Pine needle
• Frankincense
• Bergamot
• Rosemary
• Grapefruit
• Lemon
• Eucalyptus

Frequently asked questions