The sense of smell is considered the strongest one we humans possess. Odors, both good and bad, tell us a lot about the environment we are in. They tell us what to avoid, what we should eat, and if danger is near. If our homes smell good, it puts us at ease, if it smells bad, not so much. I know that having a home that smells good goes beyond plugging in an oxidizer or spraying perfume everywhere. Those things only mask the odor instead of eliminating it. Knowing how to make your house smell good is about eliminating the bad and enhancing the good.
Get Rid of Moisture
Dampness and moisture are the number one causes of household odors. I like to start with using a hygrometer to measure the humidity in a funky smelling room. This nifty device lets me know that if a room has over 60% humidity, I need to put a dehumidifier in there pronto. If you live in a humid climate, you should definitely avoid wall to wall carpeting because it can trap moisture. Consider using moisture absorbing crystals in areas that get damp like the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room. You should also replace sponges monthly, make sure towels fully dry before folding, and hang bath mats so they can dry between uses.
Clear the Refrigerator
I hate to admit it, but I sometimes forget about last week’s leftovers in the fridge. The fridge often becomes an epicenter for foul smells. If you find anything past its prime in there, toss it. Just remember to toss it in the bin outside the house—remember, we want to get rid of bad smells. I also empty the whole thing and give it a rough scrub down with hot soapy water and some white vinegar. You should only use food safe cleaners inside the fridge.
Clean the Soft Stuff
Upholstery, throw pillows, carpets, and bed linens soak up bad smells like sponges. Once a spill dries, it remains in the fabric and bacteria can form. Stains and dirt on carpets that get missed can lead to mold and mildew, which will give your house a musty smell. I have professionals steam clean everything once a year to keep those odors away.
Toss the Obvious
Spots like diaper bins, litter boxes, garbage cans, and pet beds are obviously all full of funky smells. The longer we spend around such things, however, the less we notice them, and we become nose blind to their terrible odor. I suggest you make a cleaning routine to follow each day, week, and month to make sure any smells you got used to get out of your home. I make sure to clean the cat box every day and clean the garbage can with disinfectant once a month. One tip I have is to keep a small bit of kitty litter in the garbage can to absorb smells. You can also use smaller trash cans so that you must take it out more often.
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