If you’re like most people, from time to time your home may develop a less-than-pleasant scent. And if you’ve gone noseblind to the odor, you don’t want to wait for guests or visitors to give your nostrils a wake-up call. You’d rather quell smells before they can gain a foothold.
Odors may come from a variety of sources. Be vigilant about cleaning these four problem areas, so that—noseblind, or not—your home can stay smelling fresh.
The Trash Can
Residue from crumbs and liquids can build up inside of your trash can and create an odor that lingers even after you’ve replaced the bag. Consider keeping your trash can stored inside of a cupboard and covered with a lid to help cut down on odors.
Be sure to clean the can at least once a week. When you clean it, spray it with diluted bleach, let it sit for a few moments, and rinse it with water. Wash the can thoroughly with dish soap and a hard bristle brush, and rinse it again. Allow it to dry thoroughly before inserting a fresh garbage bag.
Your Pets
Unbathed pets give off smells just like humans. Be sure to bathe your animals frequently, and clean their sleeping and eating areas weekly. You can use baking soda to freshen furniture cushions where they may have lounged. Sprinkle the baking soda, allow it to sit for a few minutes, then vacuum it up.
Your Dirty Clothes Basket
A dirty clothes basket that’s placed in your bathroom can accumulate moisture from baths and showers, and cause bacteria to grow and your clothes to reek. It’s best to keep your dirty clothes basket in your bedroom. If your clothes are even mildly wet after you remove them, perhaps after a workout, wash them as soon as you can.
Your Bedding
It’s easy to become noseblind to your bedsheets and blankets, so here’s a rule of thumb to remember. If you bathe in the morning, consider washing your sheets every week. If you bathe at night, wash them every two weeks.
