3 Tips for Eliminating Odors In Your Home

You might catch a whiff of something stinky while you’re relaxing at home, but are unable to find the source. Or, you might be coming home from a long trip and notice a lingering stink that guests probably smell when they come to visit. Some odors are easy to fix, while some require an inspection and repairs made by professionals. Here is a short list of easy fixes you can do yourself to eliminate common odors.

Deep Clean Walls and Carpets

Repainting walls and replacing carpets will solve many problems. If you’re renting, be sure to talk to your landlord about it. Most of the time, you’ll be able to paint your walls as long as it’s the same color as before. If not, they’ll require a deep scrubbing from floor to ceiling. Make sure to clean the baseboards as well. Replacing a carpet is expensive and difficult, so instead try sprinkling a some baking soda all over the carpet, leaving it there overnight, and vacuuming it up the next day. If it’s still stinky, it may require some deeper cleaning.

Use White Vinegar and Baking Soda in the Kitchen

Vinegar and baking soda are great tools to help eliminate odors. A bowl of white vinegar can soak up smells from pungent smelling foods while cooking, and a tub of baking soda can do the same in the refrigerator. Keep the bowl on the stove while cooking foods that give off the smells you don’t want lingering. Pour some baking soda in an empty margarine tub, poke holes through the lid, keep it in your fridge, and replace when necessary. You can also use the white vinegar to wipe down the door and walls of your refrigerator and freezer.

Make Your Own Air Freshener

There are many simple and inexpensive tips available to remove odors in your home, including a DIY air freshener. Use a clean, empty spray bottle and fill it with three parts water, one part vodka, and 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil. Make sure to use the correct amount of water to dilute the vodka. You can, and should, use cheap vodka as the effects will still be the same. The vodka soaks up the odors and evaporates quickly, without leaving behind any scent of liquor. The essential oil will replace the previous odors.

Unfortunately, you can’t fix everything that causes odors, some of which could be dangerous. If you have tried these tricks and more but the smell won’t go away, you should call a professional and set up an inspection. There are many common issues that can only be fixed by an HVAC professional. These professionals can provide services like repairing electric motors, installing new vents, and fixing other more complicated issues that produce odors.

The resources required to deodorize your home are often easy to find and cheap to buy. You can make your home a pleasant place to visit by eliminating odors and preventing them from resurfacing.