Unpleasant odors can diminish the comfort of a clean house. Several aspects of daily life create offensive smells, and many of them can be long-lasting. Fortunately, there are a few tricks and tips you can try to reduce or eliminate the problem altogether. Here's how to tackle the most frequent offenders.

3 Common Household Smells

1. Unpleasant Drains

From food particles in the sink to hair in tubs, residue accumulates quickly within the plumbing system and releases odors as it breaks down. While installing a debris catcher helps prevent buildup, combating an already-present aroma requires using disinfecting solutions.

Sprinkle baking soda into the opening and pour white vinegar down the drain. For a fresher garbage disposal, run sliced lemons and hot water through the blades. Never pour bleach down a drain, as it’ll degrade the pipes.

2. Lingering Food

Your recipes may call for pungent ingredients, like fish sauce or boiled meat, and these smells can stay in the air long after the meal is over. To combat airborne smells and freshen your clean house, heat orange peels in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes at around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If the smell is restricted to the microwave, place a few peels in a bowl with water and heat them for one minute.

3. Musty Laundry

Your clothes should smell clean and fresh when they come out of the washer. If they don’t, the drum may be harboring mold and mildew, which is transferring to your garments and creating a musty odor.

Wipe the appliance’s interior with a mild soap-and-water solution, and pay extra attention to the rubber ring on front-loading washers since that’s where moisture sits. Next, run an empty load on hot, replacing the detergent with two cups of white vinegar. This will remove mold and mildew buildup and deodorize the drum.

 

Once your home smells better, keep it clean by scheduling regular appointments with Maid Brigade in Honolulu, HI. These professionals will help you maintain a clean house by emptying smelly wastebaskets and wiping hard-to-reach places. View their full list of services online, or call (808) 377-4024 to request a customized estimate.