Mystery fridge smell
If your fridge smells a bit off, the first step is a quick check for expired food. That half-eaten takeaway container that resembles a science experiment? Time to go. Wipe down shelves with a mix of water and vinegar and leave an open box of sodium bi-carb inside to absorb any lingering odours. If the smell is stubborn, a small bowl of coffee grounds or activated charcoal can also do the trick.
Kitchen odours
Cooking smells have a way of hanging around long after dinner is done. To freshen things up, simmer a pot of water with lemon slices and a cinnamon stick, or leave a bowl of vinegar on the counter overnight to absorb odours. If your rubbish bin is the culprit, sprinkle sodium bi-carb at the bottom before adding a new rubbish bag - it helps keep things fresher for longer.
Microwave refresh
If you frequently use your microwave, add lemon slices to a bowl of water and give it a blitz until the water is almost boiling. This should loosen any cooking debris so you can give it a good wipe over. Leave the microwave oven door open to let it air out.
Chopping board clean
If you have a lingering odour on your chopping boards, pop them into the dishwasher for a good clean. Obviously you can't do this with wooden chopping boards or they'll warp. Scrub them with a lemon half dipped in salt instead and then rinse.
Smelly old shoes
Smelly sneakers don’t have to be a lost cause. A sprinkle of sodium bi-carb inside and leaving it overnight will help absorb moisture and odours. Dry tea bags tucked inside shoes also work wonders. You can also try washing the insoles (or buy new ones) or spray with a foot-friendly disinfectant.
Musty towels
That damp, stale smell on towels or workout clothes usually means bacteria and detergent buildup. Wash them regularly and avoid leaving damp towels in a pile (teenagers, we’re talking to you!) as they’ll develop that musty smell faster than you think.
Lingering pet smells
We love our furry friends, but their smells? Not so much. Regularly washing pet bedding and vacuuming up fur helps keep things fresh, but for carpets and rugs, a quick sprinkle of sodium bi-carb before vacuuming can work wonders.
Also:
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Bath your dog regularly with a pet-friendly shampoo.
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Dry them completely after getting wet.
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Wash dog beds, collars, and blankets often.
Cat litter box odour:
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Scoop the litter box daily and change the litter weekly.
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Use sodium bi-carb or activated charcoal in the litter to neutralise smells.
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Wash the litter box with soap and water regularly.
Deep-clean your dishwasher
Once a month, use a dishwasher cleaning tablet and run a cleaning cycle. If you don’t run your dishwasher every day, rinse dirty dishes before placing in the dishwasher to prevent food from sticking and smelling.
Whole house refresh
Sometimes a house just smells a bit stale. The easiest fix is to open windows and doors to let in fresh air. Houseplants such as peace lilies and spider plants can help filter out stale air, and a simple DIY spray (just water with a few drops of essential oil) can add a natural, clean scent.
Keeping your home smelling fresh doesn’t have to mean masking odours with artificial fragrances. A few simple swaps and habits can keep things fresh, clean, and inviting all year round
