The scent of a home is typically the first impression made on visitors, giving them an instant feel for the home. Keeping a pleasant scent in your home is easier than most people realize and doesn’t require excessive effort or spending. Candles, incense, scented plug-ins, and fragrance sprays only work temporarily, as they mask odors instead of attacking them at the source.
Here are some simple tips for eliminating odors and keeping your home as fresh as possible:
Flush Drains With Water Diluted Bleach
Even frequently cleaned kitchen and bath drains can create problem odors from clogs, mineral buildup and other plumbing problems. Fixing this problem can be as simple as mixing a half-cup of bleach with a half cup of water and pouring it down the drain. It is best to give the solution an hour to work, after which you should flush the drain with plenty of cold water. If smells persist it is advisable to contact a plumber as the smell may be a sign of plumbing problems.
Use an Ozone Generator
OdorFreeMachines ozone generators are devices that attack the sources of odors with the power of Ozone (O₃). An ozone generator doesn’t use chemicals or masking scents; O₃ breaks down and kills odors at their source through the process of oxidization. Using an ozone generators is as simple as plugging it in and letting it run for as little as an hour or as long as 24 hours, depending on the size of the space or the strength of odors. Ozone generators are available in sizes for both residential and commercial use.
Boost Your Vacuuming Routine
Carpets are a common odor culprit, particularly for people that smoke or have pets. Dust, dirt, pet hair, moisture and other substances found in carpets will often cause unpleasant odors over time, even with semi-regular vacuuming. Vacuuming your carpet at least one or two times a week can make a significant difference; also take special care to address spills and noticeable buildup as soon as possible. Regularly cleaning your vacuum and performing periodic filter changes will help ensure that it operates as intended. Dirty or clogged vacuum filters and components can actually make odors worse.
Seal Leaks ASAP
Leaks caused by cracks and holes in walls and ill-fitting doors and windows increase the moisture that leads to mold and mildew build up. In addition to creating an unpleasant smell, mold and mildew can lead to health hazards, particularly for infants, the elderly, and those with asthma or allergy problems. Finding any potential leaks and sealing them with products that are specifically designated for the task will prevent odor causing moisture, as well help with home temperature control. If mildew and mold are present, be sure to address the problem as soon as possible.
Use Tight Sealing Garbage Bins
Garbage and trash receptacles are an obvious source of odor problems, especially given the fact that many people use receptacles without a top. Even small amounts of garbage—particularly in the kitchen—can foul up a room, sometimes creating a lasting scent even after the bags are changed. Purchasing garbage bins with tight sealing tops will go a long way to trapping these odors; attaching an air freshener to the underside of the bin is also a great way to temporarily mask odors. Be sure to give your bins a periodic vinegar and water wash to kill any smelly buildup.
Even properly caring for odors through vacuuming, flushing drains, and sealing in garbage may not be enough on their own. Many people use an ozone generator in conjunction with these other methods in order to keep their house odors at bay.
Presented by Odor Free
Photos courtesy of Free Digital Photos
- Water 3-d by Idea Go
- Faded Rose by Dan
