Posted on March 10th, 2016
Pets, smoke, mold, grime, dust, and cooking can all create nasty odors that leave your house smelling not quite as you’d like. There’s nothing inviting about a home that smells nasty, so we’d like to share a few tips that we have discovered over the years as a professional house cleaning service.
Room specific guide
For living areas, fresh flowers and candles are a great odor mask. Our friends over at Waxandwick.co have a great selection of 100% soy candles. No more burning petroleum oil in your home, which can add to odor problems, not solve them! In your bathroom, ventilation is important in moist areas. Open all windows and use your exhaust fan regularly, not just when an odor rears its ugly head. A fan will get rid of short-term odors but more importantly moisture, which will lead to less mold build-up. Wipe the sink, shower, and bathtubs areas down with bleach on a regular basis to keep mildew at bay. And for your kitchen, again make use of an exhaust fan, as well as paying particular attention to your stovetops, as burnt leftover food can lead to nasty odors almost immediately.
Vacuum
Odors build up quickly in fabrics like carpet. Regular vacuuming helps with long-term odor control and don’t forget curtains, armchairs, and couches. These can be overlooked as a carpet receives most of the vacuum’s attention, but if you can’t quite place that smell then it could well be your couch. Sprinkle a little baking soda onto the fabric and let sit for a while to absorb nasty oils and dust, before vacuuming it up. This simple method increases odor removal by a great deal and adds just a few minutes to your vacuuming routine.
Wash
Don’t be afraid to get the couch covers off and into the washing machine. It seems a more daunting task than it really is, and will do wonders for odor control. If you can’t remember the last time you’ve done this, then it’s the right time to do it. Regular mopping of wood floors with a mild cleaner helps. You can use a solution of lemon juice and warm water to give a nice citrus twist to your home.
Repaint
If it seems that an odor is coming from all four walls, it might be! A fresh lick of paint could solve a deeper odor problem, covering up any long term odors absorbed into your walls. You can even go for a new color to freshen up your rooms aesthetics, as well as the odor problem.
Mold removal
If mold is a big problem in your home, you may have to turn to the professionals. Look for a reputable company in your location, and get them in to tackle the symptoms of a damp room. And then try to stop the moisture at the source to prevent mildew returning. Get a plumber in to take care of any leaks, and wipe down your shower area after each use. Ventilation was covered previously but is so important that we will mention it again. Open windows and use your exhaust fan every time you use the shower or toilet.