Got some funk in your furniture? Or maybe there’s some stink in your sink? Whatever the source, foul odor is always an unwelcome house guest. But if you need to remove bad smells, help is just a cupboard away. Turns out, common household items can banish bad odor for good.
You don’t have to settle for a stench or live with lingering funk. Today, we take a look at some simple yet effective solutions for overriding the odious in your home.
Remove Bad Odors In The Home
It’s important to feel safe and secure in your house. But lingering foul odors don’t exactly say, “home sweet home.” Luckily, there are numerous simple solutions. After all, humans have been dealing with unsavory stink for millennia! Whether you have fur babies, human babies, or you just love cooking up crab cakes (and occasionally burning them), bad smells are bound to happen.
And if you think it’s a big hassle to remove bad smells, don’t fret. These solutions are natural, easy, and quick. Because if there’s one thing you don’t need, it’s another tedious task.
Naturally Remove Bad Smells
Many homes have candles, plug-ins, and sprays. But if you want to remove odor, your best bet is to use something all natural. The goal is not to pile perfume on the already-pungent. Instead, the aim is to clear the air and eliminate the offending scent.
For stale, musty air:
- Cut a lemon and set the slices around the house
- Rub vanilla on a lightbulb – the warmth will spread the fresh scent
- Remember to open windows regularly for ventilation
Neutralize bad odors:
- An open box of baking soda works wonders in the fridge
- Coffee grounds absorb and remove bad smells
- Grind lemon or lime rinds in the garbage disposal
- Simmer 1 Q. of H2O & 1/2 C. of vinegar on the stove
All of the above methods can be used to remove bad smells like burned food or traces of trash. In fact, you can even sprinkle baking soda directly in the trash can. It’s great at stopping sabotaging smells in their tracks.
For more info about the awesome benefits of baking soda, click here.
Remove Bad Smells From Fabric
But what if you want to remove bad smells from carpet or furniture? Luckily, many of the same principles apply. Indeed, you can find natural items around the house to rid your fabric of that suspicious stench.
For stinky fabric or carpet:
- Good old baking soda to the rescue once more – sprinkle then vacuum
- For urine or vomit – immediately blot then apply 3 parts cold water to 1 part vinegar. Continue to blot, repeat multiple times if necessary.
- For car upholstery – try coffee grounds again, but place them in an air-tight container and punch a few holes in the top
- Mix a quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 c. of baking soda, and a teaspoon of liquid soap in a container. Spray the solution on the affected areas.
Bust Bad Smells For Good
As you can see, your home is just a few quick steps away from being fresh and foul-odor-free. Best of all, these solutions cost just a few minutes of your time. So peel that lemon and keep those coffee grounds. The only thing you’ve got to lose is the stink!
Here are a few final pro-tips for keeping your house funk-free:
- Bad odors might be coming from the garbage disposal. Grind up some lemon peel to solve the stink.
- Check to see if your air vents need freshening.
- Simmer herbs and fruit on the stove for a natural pleasing aroma.
- Even if your carpet looks clean, it might be harboring stink. Sprinkle baking soda liberally. Vacuum after 30 minutes.
- Be sure to hose down your indoor trash can once in a while.
Dealing with funny smells after a flood or seepage? Check out our page on Emergency Water Mitigation.
