Wet dog, stinky shoes, last night’s delicious curry or musty towels are all smells that we don’t want lingering in the house. And when smells aren’t dealt with quickly, they have a habit of sticking around. Before you know it, you’ll become ‘nose blind’ and your guests will be met with a foul fragrance that goes undetected on your radar.
For nasty odours, a nice candle or an air freshener simply won’t do the trick. Not to fear though, because some simple and natural odour removers are here to the rescue. These odour removal tips are brought to you by the home cleaning experts at TidyChoice, the leading platform for anyone in search of the best London cleaners.
1. Deodorise your bin with baking soda
Our kitchen bins really do bear the brunt of the household odours. As a temporary home for all sorts of trash and organic matter, it’s no wonder they smell so bad. From leaking bin liners to dripping leftovers, the sides and bottom of your bin will receive a lot of unwanted splashback.
To keep it smelling fresh, make sure you wash it out every once in a while and be careful when lifting your liner out. A quick fix for persistent odours is sprinkling baking soda in the bottom and leaving it to sit for an hour or so. The baking soda will work by absorbing the smells. You can even add a few drops of essential oil to create a fragrant finish.
2. Clean your fridge with lemon juice
Hate the pungent perfume that comes from your fridge every time you open it? It’s probably begging for a good clean. But don’t just clean with any old kitchen cleaner or simple H20. Turn to the humble lemon instead. While baking soda is effective for absorbing odours, lemon is even better as it adds a fresh scent to your fridge at the same time.
Soak a few cotton balls in lemon juice and use these to wipe down the interior of your refrigerator. This not only cleans away the dirt, but makes your fridge smell lovely too. Every so often, place a few slices of lemon on the plate and let it sit in your fridge to deodorise.
3. Treat musty carpets with vinegar
If your carpet emits a stubborn musty smell that won’t go away, mildew could be growing inside the fibres. To tackle the smell, you need to tackle the mildew. Instead of opting for harsh chemicals that can ruin your carpet, use household vinegar. Combine one part vinegar with two parts warm water in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Spray the carpet and allow to air dry. The vinegar kills mould and mildew while neutralising the smell.
For homes with persistent mould and mildew issues, moisture control is essential. Consider installing ventilation solutions or getting a dehumidifier for problem areas.
4. Use coffee grounds for stinky trainers
If gym trainers or your kids’ football boots are causing a serious stench in your hallway, grab some coffee. This powerful brown stuff does more than fill our bodies with much-needed caffeine for the day. It can save our noses too.
Simply stuff a sock or stocking with coffee grounds and place inside the shoes in question. Leave overnight and let the coffee absorb all of the odour.
5. Rub some vanilla on lightbulbs
While this doesn’t target odours at the root, vanilla on lightbulbs can be a great way to add a natural, cosy and calming scent to your rooms. All you need to do is rub some vanilla pods on your lamps or light fittings. The heat from the bulb will create a vanilla aroma that’s natural and free from chemicals.
For homes that are prone to damp, the combined methods of good ventilation and natural fragrance can do wonders for your health and wellbeing.
Author biography
David Reeson is a University of Leeds graduate David and has years of experience working in digital marketing sales. David writes extensively about marketing, business and lifestyle topics and is currently working as a digital marketing intern at TidyChoice. If you want to transform your home with the help of cleaning professionals, visit Tidychoice and search for a housekeeper or cleaner near you.
