Every home has a unique scent. Some houses — we hate to say it — smell better than others. While it may be tricky to keep day-to-day odors at bay, there are a number of ways that you can deodorize your space. Sure, some jobs like pet messes, musty mattresses, and overflowing trash bins require some elbow grease and patience. But generally speaking, it’s fairly easy to make your house smell good — especially if you follow these tried-and-tested tips from top interior designers. And while we don’t blame you for going overboard on the candles and reed diffusers, start with one method (the stinky garbage disposal, perhaps?) and then work your way down the list if your nose isn’t satisfied.
Clean your garbage disposal.
Notice a lingering stink in your kitchen? If so, check the sink. “To get rid of the odor in your garbage disposal, spritz a dollop of lemon-scented dish soap down into the disposal, run the water, then turn it on,” says interior designer Keita Turner. You can also run lemon or lime rinds through the disposal, followed by lots of water. If the smell persists, pour a 1/2 cup of baking soda into the garbage disposal while running warm water.
Refresh carpets and rugs.
Unlike tile and hardwood floors, plush carpets absorb stench like no other, especially after countless food spills and pet messes. Sprinkle baking soda all over the carpet — not just problem areas, and let sit for a few hours before vacuuming. The same method works for pet beds and mattresses, if you want to tackle other pain points in your house.
Simple Ways to Deodorize Your House
Spruce up your trash can.
It’s no surprise that the combination of odors from leftover food and trash creates an unpleasant stench. But come to find out, sometimes it’s the trash can itself that smells. While deep cleaning your kitchen, sprinkle baking soda in your trash can or use a deodorizing pack or pod, like Fresh Wave, under the can’s liner. Finish off it off by using a disinfecting spray, like Lysol, to kill remaining bacteria.
Simmer herbs and fruit on the stove.
“I learned this from my crafty and cleaning obsessed mother,” says interior designer Rhobin DelaCruz. “Simmer water in a small saucepan and add citrus slices and herbs, like lavender or mint.” The heat permeates the sweet scent throughout your house, and can easily be customized depending on what ingredients you have in the house.
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Scatter candles throughout your house.
Candles are an obvious way to fill your home with an aroma that you love, but strategic placement is a simple way to increase their efficiency. “Anchor a few candles where you would least expect them to be — but don’t light them,” says interior designer Dee Murphy. “Try the linen closet, or anywhere fabrics might live and be able to absorb the scent. Not only do you get a nice surprise every time you open the door, but your linens will carry the aroma with them wherever you use them.”
Bring the outside in.
“Indoor plants clean the air while instantly beautifying your home,” says Turner. And many plants, including jasmine, eucalyptus, and gardenias, offer pleasant fragrances, too. Just make sure you’re prepared to care for them.
Freshen up your air vents.
“Clip a car deodorizer, like this one from Febreze, to a vent’s metal slats,” says DelaCruz. “As the air blows through, the scent will waft throughout the room.” That way, you can give your whole house a uniform scent in one fell swoop.
Deodorize with dryer sheets.
Think beyond the laundry room: “Place a few dryer sheets in closets, dressers, or other small spaces,” says DelaCruz. It gives everything a fresh-out-the-laundry scent even if it’s been stowed away for months.
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