With all the hussle and bussle of the holiday season and an amazing Disney vacation, I have neglected my blog. Hopefully you haven't forgotten your friendly neighborhood cleaning lady, 'cause I'm BACK!
An overfilled garbage can, bathroom odors, stinky shoes, or lingering food odors. These smelly smells seems to go hand in hand with entertaining. Fear not, I've got some excellent ideas to treat these everyday odors.
Microwave Odors
I first learned of this sweet little trick after my daughter and her Ramen Noodles had a disagreement with the microwave. By the way, after the incident, we read the package and Ramen is NOT to be cooked in the microwave! Ramen noodles WILL catch fire in the microwave when water is not added first. I thought my microwave was done for. It was not affected by the flame shooting out of the noodles, but the smell was awful! I actually had a neighbor ask if my house was on fire. The smell effect the adjoining townhomes!
My mom suggested I fill a microwave safe bowl with 1/2 water & 1/2 vinegar. Microwave this mixture on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Then allow the bowl to sit inside the microwave for another 15-20 minutes without opening the door. After this time, the steam will have loosened the food residue and you should be able to wipe the microwave clean with a few simple wipes. The vinegar will neutralize the left over odors. My microwave required more than one shot of this routine, but only because of the strong odor left behind from the smoke.
Trash Can Odors
With all the cooking and company this time of year, there is no doubt trash can odors will become an issue. The first way to handle this type of smell is to remove the offender! Take that stinky trash out to the dumpster. If this is not possible or the bag isn't completely full yet, sprinkle a little baking soda over the trash to help absorb some of the odors. You may also want to clean out the trash can. The plastic use in trash bins can absorb smells too. Just use a little soap and water to wipe down the inside and outside of the trash can, then let it dry before adding a bag.
Trash Can Odors
With all the cooking and company this time of year, there is no doubt trash can odors will become an issue. The first way to handle this type of smell is to remove the offender! Take that stinky trash out to the dumpster. If this is not possible or the bag isn't completely full yet, sprinkle a little baking soda over the trash to help absorb some of the odors. You may also want to clean out the trash can. The plastic use in trash bins can absorb smells too. Just use a little soap and water to wipe down the inside and outside of the trash can, then let it dry before adding a bag.
I am ashamed to say this is my trash that has not been taken to the dumpster... But it's just sooooo COLD! I guess I have a hard time "practicing what I preach"! |
Bathroom Odors
Giving the bathroom a good cleaning is a great start to distroying bathroom odors. This will take care of the smell of mildew and dampness. While cleaning, keep in mind that plastics absorb odors. Also, don't forget to change out your bath towels, hand towels, decorative towels, and wash rags. You wouldn't believe the smells that get trapped in your towels, besides, it's just good hygiene!
Another idea for getting rid of bathroom odors is baking soda. I like to add lavender, orange peels, or other aromatics to baking soda. I then display it in a decorative jar in the bathroom. The baking soda absorbs odors, while the aromatics leave a light, refreshing smell. One more thing, lighting a fragrant candle before guests come over is a nice touch!
General Home Odors
There are a number of different things that cause a stinky home. The first step to taming these smells is identifing the source of and removing any malodorous items. If you have any family and friends that smoke, set them up with a butt can outside. This will not only prevent the lingering smoke smell, but it will keep all your loved one more comfortable (and healthy)! I also keep a shoe basket by the front door for folks to slip their wet shoes in upon entering ( I HATE wet socks)! I slip a couple of dryer sheets in the basket to mask stinky foot odor. Not everyone has feet that smell like roses, such as myself! Keeping up with general cleaning is the best way to prevent odors in the first place. Check out one of my previous to help you stay on top of some of those neglected cleaning tasks!
http://cristencleansomaha.blogspot.com/2013/08/cleaning-check-list.html
In conclusion , a clean house is a fresh house! But even the cleanest of homes develop funky smells. These tips will help keep your home smelling its very best. Do you have any tricks or tips for household odors? I would love to hear some of your feed back!
http://cristencleansomaha.blogspot.com/2013/08/cleaning-check-list.html
In conclusion , a clean house is a fresh house! But even the cleanest of homes develop funky smells. These tips will help keep your home smelling its very best. Do you have any tricks or tips for household odors? I would love to hear some of your feed back!
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