Every house has a distinct smell – it’s the mixture of furniture and the homeowners’ own smells that turn a mere house into a home. But when pesky household odors define your place of refuge, it can threaten your comfort and peace of mind.
Sure, there are air fresheners and commercial deodorizers, but do they really solve the root of the problem? Or do they merely mask the smell of dust, dirt, and bacteria that are extremely hard to get rid of when you constantly cover them up?
Natural remedies to get rid of pesky household odors not only save you a ton of money, but they’re absolutely better on your health, too.
If a nasty smell is ruining your rest and relaxation at home, here are 10 smart ways to get rid of pesky household odors and most interestingly, you can find those items in your kitchen:
#1 White Vinegar for Pet Smells
When your pets are happily playing outside but you somehow still smell them in your house, it’s time you vacuum your sofa and carpet. Pet fur can get embedded in fibers, and they can leave an awful and intolerable smell. Clean your furniture of dust, dirt, and fur, and spray them with distilled white vinegar.
Let it sit for an hour or two to allow it to absorb the smell, and spray your furniture again, this time with a mixture of lemon extract and water to get rid of the sour vinegar smell.
#2 Lemon Peels for a Stinky Garbage Can
If your trash can still stinks after you’ve placed a fresh bag in, then you’ll have to scrub it out and throw in a few rinds of lemon or orange to the bottom for a fresh smell..
#3 Vinegar or Baking Soda for Cigarette Smoke
Vinegar really is one of the best home solutions to get rid of pesky smells. Cigarette smoke can wreak havoc on your curtains, carpets, or sofa. You can soak a hand towel with vinegar, wring it out, and swing the towel in the air to get rid of the pesky smell. If your furniture still smell like cigarettes, you can sprinkle baking soda over the affected areas, and vacuum it off after 2 hours.
#4 Baking Soda to Deodorize the Fridge
The age-old solution of opening a box of baking soda inside a fridge still works. If your fridge smells too much of rotten food, the baking soda can attract and absorb their awful odors.
#5 Lemon and Ice for the Sink
If your sink or garbage disposal reeks, place slices of orange and ice down the drain. It will help remove food debris that might be causing the bad odor, and the lemon can add a refreshing zesty smell to your sink.
#6 Lemon and Baking Soda for a Musty Smell
It can be hard to distinguish the reason for a musty smell, but in most cases, it can merely be due to dust accumulation and lack of proper ventilation. The first thing to do is to open your windows and turn on all ventilation fans so you can get the air moving.
Boil a few lemon peels, and place the warm extract in the room where the musty smell is strongest. You can also set down a plate of baking soda for 24 hours to absorb moisture and the pesky odor.
#7 Simmering Vinegar for Food Smells
To get rid of food smells that linger, such as that of curry or fried fish, boil a cup of vinegar and allow the vapor to absorb awful food odor.
#8 Newspaper to Prevent Container Odor
Plastic containers are notorious for absorbing the smell of whatever food or object your place inside it. Prevent this from happening by placing a few crumpled newspapers inside. The paper absorbs moisture and the odor that comes with it. If you don’t have baking soda, newspapers are a great alternative.
#9 Vinegar for Carpet Urine
And another job for the versatile white vinegar – if your pet missed the litter box or if your toddler accidentally wet the carpet, you can simply spray the affected area with white vinegar to get rid of the smell.
#10 Food Items for a Great Smelling Home
And lastly, cleaning your home and getting rid of pesky odor may be enough, but make your living spaces even more inviting by using food items for a great smelling home. If you love the smell of coffee, place a plate or bowl of coffee grounds on a table.
You can also mix vanilla with water and spray it on furniture, carpets, or curtains. If you have company coming over, place a mixture of vanilla, rosemary, and lemon on a pot, and let it simmer for a natural and refreshing air freshener.
Final Verdict
So there you have it, 10 easy and simple solutions to getting rid of pesky household odors. You don’t have to get dressed and drive yourself to the supermarket to buy air fresheners or deodorizers. The answers to your problems are found right in your kitchen or pantry. And the best part? They’re inexpensive and healthy for the entire family.
