How to Kick Out (and Keep Out) Stinky Home Odours
Breathe easier by following these tips for a fresher-smelling dwelling
How our home smells can affect our mood and energy – just look at the dizzying array of fragrance options available today (scented candles, room sprays, reed diffusers). Keeping an abode smelling fresh can be especially challenging for high-rise apartments, where odours can build up over time due to inadequate ventilation, and aromas from neighbouring units can waft in through the windows. And sometimes, it seems no matter how diligently we clean, stubborn smells can still linger. Here are a few tips on eliminating odours, whether you live in a flat, a terrace house or something in between.
Mould
If you smell a musty, organic odour, you could have a mould issue. This is a potential problem for older homes due to leaky plumbing and general neglect. Check for leaks and pay attention to the walls in warm, damp areas. Some varieties of moulds can be toxic too.
If you smell a musty, organic odour, you could have a mould issue. This is a potential problem for older homes due to leaky plumbing and general neglect. Check for leaks and pay attention to the walls in warm, damp areas. Some varieties of moulds can be toxic too.
What to do: Small surface mould and mildew can be taken care of with store-bought or homemade cleaners (equal parts water and soap, with vinegar or bleach as an additional option). For bigger mould-covered areas, call in a professional.
Ensure that rooms are well-ventilated – install an exhaust fan in the bathroom, laundry room and kitchen to minimise moisture, which mould thrives on. Depending on the humidity where you are, it could also be worth investing in a dehumidifier.
Ensure that rooms are well-ventilated – install an exhaust fan in the bathroom, laundry room and kitchen to minimise moisture, which mould thrives on. Depending on the humidity where you are, it could also be worth investing in a dehumidifier.
Pets
They may be fluffy and adorable but they’re also a major source of household smells.
They may be fluffy and adorable but they’re also a major source of household smells.
What to do: Clean up after your pets. Empty out and wash litter boxes frequently and vacuum surfaces where fur and dander accumulate. Remember that all of the above (litter, fur) can be health hazards if left lying around.
Consider removing carpets and rugs from areas your pets frequent. Hardwood, parquet and tile floors are definitely easier – and cheaper – to clean!
Make your pet feel at home
Consider removing carpets and rugs from areas your pets frequent. Hardwood, parquet and tile floors are definitely easier – and cheaper – to clean!
Make your pet feel at home
Cooking
Aromas from curry, fried fish, even that takeaway you’ve been craving are an unavoidable part of daily life. To keep pungent odours from spreading, remember that prevention is better than the cure.
What to do: Before cooking, close bedroom and wardrobe doors. Fabric absorbs odours and grease, so keep your curtains and clothes away from your culinary efforts.
Aromas from curry, fried fish, even that takeaway you’ve been craving are an unavoidable part of daily life. To keep pungent odours from spreading, remember that prevention is better than the cure.
What to do: Before cooking, close bedroom and wardrobe doors. Fabric absorbs odours and grease, so keep your curtains and clothes away from your culinary efforts.
Clean up cooking splatters immediately after cooking. Pay special attention to your backsplash as oil splatter tends to build up and gets harder to clean over time. Plus your kitchen will constantly smell of fried food.
How long and how high should your backsplash be?
How long and how high should your backsplash be?
Consider installing a cooker hood. Also known as an exhaust hood, range hood and a host of other names, it absorbs heat, smoke, grease and odours as you cook, providing ventilation for your kitchen.
Choose the right cooker hood
Choose the right cooker hood
2. Keep household ‘deodoriser’ items on hand
These easy, natural options are your new best friends and can be found right in your cupboard.
These easy, natural options are your new best friends and can be found right in your cupboard.
Coffee beans/grounds
Use a bowl of these to diffuse strong smells. For instance, coffee grounds are great for deodorising a stinky freezer –leave a bowl of it in overnight.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a safe and natural option that’s super for neutralising and absorbing odours. Sprinkle a generous amount on carpets, rugs, sofas and mattresses, spread evenly and let it sit overnight or during the day. Afterwards, vacuum the surfaces with a clean brush attachment and voila, your room is deodorised.
Cotton balls and essential oil
Soak a cotton ball with vanilla extract or any of your favourite essential oils. Leave in a dish for a sweet, fragrant space.
Use a bowl of these to diffuse strong smells. For instance, coffee grounds are great for deodorising a stinky freezer –leave a bowl of it in overnight.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a safe and natural option that’s super for neutralising and absorbing odours. Sprinkle a generous amount on carpets, rugs, sofas and mattresses, spread evenly and let it sit overnight or during the day. Afterwards, vacuum the surfaces with a clean brush attachment and voila, your room is deodorised.
Cotton balls and essential oil
Soak a cotton ball with vanilla extract or any of your favourite essential oils. Leave in a dish for a sweet, fragrant space.
Lemons and oranges
Cut a lemon in half and place it cut side up in a bowl of water to give your kitchen a lemon scent. In a pot of water, boil lemon and orange peel with your preferred spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves ) for an hour and you’ll have overpowered any funky odours – plus have a delightful-smelling kitchen to boot.
Vinegar
Vinegar is another household super product guaranteed to get rid of smells. From new paint to fresh cigarette smoke to a burnt pot, place a shallow bowl filled with white or cider vinegar in the room(s) where the smell is strongest.
Cut a lemon in half and place it cut side up in a bowl of water to give your kitchen a lemon scent. In a pot of water, boil lemon and orange peel with your preferred spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves ) for an hour and you’ll have overpowered any funky odours – plus have a delightful-smelling kitchen to boot.
Vinegar
Vinegar is another household super product guaranteed to get rid of smells. From new paint to fresh cigarette smoke to a burnt pot, place a shallow bowl filled with white or cider vinegar in the room(s) where the smell is strongest.
3. Keep and stick to a routine
Print out a home cleaning schedule to follow and you’ll have your home constantly smelling fresh. Keep in mind a few other things like changing the filters regularly in your air conditioners and cleaning these regularly as well – remember, ventilation is key.
Once a year (or whenever necessary), have your mattresses, sofas, carpets and rugs professionally cleaned and sanitised.
Print out a home cleaning schedule to follow and you’ll have your home constantly smelling fresh. Keep in mind a few other things like changing the filters regularly in your air conditioners and cleaning these regularly as well – remember, ventilation is key.
Once a year (or whenever necessary), have your mattresses, sofas, carpets and rugs professionally cleaned and sanitised.
TELL US
How do you tackle household odours? Share your ideas and tips in the Comments below.
MORE
Which Scent Diffusion Method Should You be Using?
How do you tackle household odours? Share your ideas and tips in the Comments below.
MORE
Which Scent Diffusion Method Should You be Using?
Determine which of the following household culprits could be causing a big stink. It’s not just about aesthetics or convenience – some of these culprits could pose serious health risks.