Don’t you hate it when you walk into your home and it doesn’t smell fresh? It may smell musky or it may smell like your furry companion. While you can spray any number of air fresheners, it doesn’t do you much good. You’re simply masking the odors. Not to mention that these products can often have questionable chemicals in them. Instead, let’s look at some natural ways to get rid of unwanted house smells.
My House Smells… How to Fix It
I am going to be the first to admit that we have had this problem… several times, in fact. We have a German Shepherd and a cat (we used to have three cats! gasp!), and sometimes they just plain stink. Of course, when that happens, you give your pets a bath, but that doesn’t fix the smells clinging to your furniture, drapes, bedding, etc.
So, if your home (like mine), occasionally gets that musty odor (and pesky dust bunnies), here are some tips for cleaning and getting rid of bad house smells.
Open the Windows
Even in the middle of winter, you want to open your windows for a few minutes each day. This allows your home to air out and to bring in fresh air. Not only does keeping your home closed up keep the odors contained, but it can also lead to more colds in your home. Let your home air out.
Use an Essential Oils Diffuser
Instead of reaching for an air freshener, reach for a diffuser. An essential oil diffuser is an easy way to add scents to your home. Some essential oils are also natural odor removers. You want to be careful if you have pets and make sure it’s safe to use the oils around them. Lemon, orange, and other citrus oils are great for odors.
Add a Salt Lamp
Another natural way to remove odors from your home is to add a salt lamp. The way a salt lamp works is that it collects any moisture in the air, which carries odors, and evaporates the moisture, trapping the odors within the salt. There are so many benefits to salt lamps and the prices are becoming more and more affordable.
Deodorize Carpets and Furniture with Baking Soda
Baking soda is another natural odor remover. Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet, rugs, and furniture. Allow to set for 10 to 15 minutes. Vacuum up the baking soda and you’ll find that your home smells fresher. Don’t buy the little boxes for this purpose. In the laundry aisle, you can find big boxes of baking soda that cost less per ounce. I get the 5 lb. bags from Amazon.
Address High Humidity Levels
If your home smells musky, humidity may be an issue. A dehumidifier is a must if your home has a lot of humidity. Homes with basements definitely need one. You may need to install one on each floor depending on the humidity of your home.
Take Care of Pet Hair
Last, but not least, take the time to brush your dog each day to remove loose hair. Dead hair is what causes the pet odor in your home. If your pet is shedding a lot, due to a new coat growing in, you may need to vacuum each day to keep the hair under control.
You don’t have to reach for chemicals to freshener your home. The key is to remove the odors, not mask them. Simply opening your windows can make a huge difference. However, baking soda can also help by absorbing odors from your furniture and carpeting. Follow these tips and you will be able to remove unpleasant smells from your home naturally.
For more tips on making your home smell better, check out these posts:
How to Make Your House Smell Good Naturally This Winter
Lime, Rosemary and Vanilla Simmering Potpourri
