Spring cleaning is a great time to think about making your home smell fresher, and more importantly, finding ways to keep it that way. Here are 10 steps you can take to make your home smell better both immediately and on an ongoing basis.
10. Use an Air Purifier
A great starting place for making the air smell better in your home is using an air purifier. They work by “cleaning” the air in your home. Anyone with allergies should look for a purifier with a HEPA-grade filter. Focus on the most important spaces, such as common rooms, where you spend most of your time, or where you sleep.
9. Air Out Your Home Frequently
Whenever the weather allows it, consider opening your windows to let some outside air in. Otherwise, stale air will continue to circulate about your space. This is often the source of unpleasant odors that seem to linger. It’s especially important to do this after cooking foods with overpowering aromas or if you’ve burned something.
8. Create a DIY Room Spray
There’s no need to buy air fresheners when you can make your own DIY room spray! Not only is it more economical, but it can be safer, as your homemade spray won’t contain chemicals that can sometimes make problems worse. Try adding a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to water and spritzing it around your space.
7. Clean Your Upholstery Regularly
Upholstered furniture can absorb germs that cause odors into the fabric. Many people don’t realize that they can clean their upholstery. It’s important to clean upholstered furniture regularly as you would any other item in your home. Use an upholstery cleaning machine such as the Bissell Little Green, which can also clean carpets and rugs.
6. Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is known for its ability to absorb in a variety of ways. Sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom of your trash each time you switch out a new bag to absorb odors. Place a box of baking soda in your refrigerator to reduce unpleasant aromas. Mix some baking soda into your kitty litter to absorb stinky smells.
5. Use an Aromatic Simmer Pot
An aromatic simmer pot is something you can create at home to put pleasant aromas in the air. It’s as simple as boiling some water that contains whatever aroma you’d like. You can try bits of oranges, lemon, vanilla, rosemary, and more. It’s cheaper than air freshener, and you can use leftover peals from fruit.
4. Use HVAC Filter Tricks
Your HVAC filter does more than prevent dust and debris from entering your home, it also helps regulate air and odors. Be sure to change your air filter regularly, (monthly ideally). One trick you can use with your HVAC filter to help your home smell better is to purchase charcoal-infused filters that are specially designed to reduce odors.
3. Stay Consistent With Cleaning
Consistent housecleaning will help prevent orders from accumulating. Empty the trash can regularly and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink. If unpleasant orders persist, clean floors, walls, and other surfaces. If you have indoor pets, clean animal bedding and consider shampooing carpeting and rugs. If you have cats, consider a step-in or self-cleaning litter box for better odor control.
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2. Obtain a Few Houseplants
In addition to adding some style and beauty to your home, houseplants are a natural way to help filter the air. You’ll definitely want to place plants in areas prone to moisture, and thus odors, such as bathrooms and your basement, as long as there is adequate light. Use care not to overwater them, which could inadvertently create a musty scent.
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1. Use a Dehumidifier
If you live in a region of the country that’s humid, or you notice moisture in your home, musty scents can accumulate. Worse, mold can form and cause odors, as well as affect your health. Try running a dehumidifier in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and your basement. Adding an air purifier is an additional bonus here.
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