How to banish unpleasant smells fast!
Many things can contribute to a house smelling less than welcoming. Here are a few possible culprits, as well as how to deal with them.
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Cigarette smoke
Linda Cobb, an American columnist known in the US as the Queen of Clean, suggests that you pour white vinegar over a towel, wring it out and then walk through the house swinging it in the air. Sounds like fun! The smell will be gone sooner than your arm gets tired and, best of all, you won’t be using any chemicals that might cause health risks.
Your dishwasher
Again, white vinegar comes to the rescue. Fill a dishwasher-friendly cup with white vinegar, place it on the top rack and set the otherwise empty machine on one cycle. Your dishwasher might smell of vinegar for an hour or two, but all odours will soon be gone.
The fridge
Remove the source: it’s that simple. Identify any expired items or leftovers that have been there for longer than a week. If something has a bad smell or mould, it has to go. Put the contents of your fridge in a cooler box and remove all shelves.
Clean the shelves and the inside of the fridge with soap and hot water. If the odour persists, you might have to air your fridge for a few days. Putting a plate with activated charcoal, coffee beans or bicarbonate of soda in the fridge can also help absorb odours.
Your rubbish bin
Remove rubbish from the kitchen as soon as it begins to smell, and clean the bin itself properly at least once a week. Again, bicarb is your friend – sprinkle it at the bottom of the bin to absorb odours. Scented bin liners are also a good idea.
And, of course…
Open your windows! Your home needs fresh air. Also, vacuum floors, carpets, couches and curtains regularly. Again, sprinkle bicarb on carpets and leave it to absorb odours before vacuuming.
PHOTO: iStock/jarabee123
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