How to Remove Household Odors
Household odors from cooking, kids, pets, bathrooms, and guests can accumulate. Get rid of them with some simple remedies.
Instructions
- Step 1: Dispose of offenders Remove anything growing fur or moss that is not a pet or a house plant.
- Step 2: Absorb stink Place open boxes of baking soda in the fridge to absorb stinky food odors. To absorb cigarette smoke and other smells throughout the house, place a few drops of lemon, orange, or peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball, and place in a container with a perforated lid.
- Step 3: Scour cutting boards and counters Scour wooden chopping blocks with a paste of lemon juice and baking soda or salt. Season with mineral oil.
- Step 4: Sanitize surfaces Sanitize countertops and other surfaces by sponging them down with a mixture of one part 35 percent food-grade hydrogen peroxide to 11 parts water.
- Step 5: Clean microwave To deodorize your microwave, mix 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 cup water in a large microwave-safe bowl. Run the microwave on high for two to three minutes. Wipe the inside.
- TIP: Throw a couple of lemon wedges in the water to add a fresh scent.
- Step 6: Clean cat litter Rid your home of cat smells. Empty the litter box, pour in an inch of white vinegar, and add baking soda and water. Let it soak for a few minutes, give it a good scrub, and rinse and dry. Soak, scrub, and add baking soda on the bottom before refilling.
- Step 7: Deodorize toilet and drains Scrub the toilet bowl with vinegar. Pour a ½ cup of bleach and a ½ cup of water down drains to prevent unwanted odors.
- Step 8: Use activated charcoal Fill containers with activated charcoal and place in areas affected by mold and mildew. Take a deep breath, and enjoy the clean-smelling air!
- FACT: You can peel onions under cold water, or refrigerate or freeze them before chopping to prevent 'crying.'
You Will Need
- Baking soda
- Essential oil
- Cotton balls
- Plastic containers with perforated lids
- Lemon juice
- Mineral oil
- Sponges
- Food-grade hydrogen peroxide
- Microwave-safe bowl
- White vinegar
- Bleach
- Activated charcoal
- Salt (optional) (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional) (optional)