Keeping the house fresh and clean requires more than simply spraying some commercial air freshener. Odors often require more effort to eliminate.

Baking soda is a great natural deodorizer. Sprinkle carpets with baking soda and vacuum it up in the morning. The baking soda absorbs odors and will be easy to vacuum up.

Clean the Air

Even if you have your home spotless, there may still be some odors that refuse to go away. While some smells are serious and require professional help, others are milder and can be dealt with easily.

The first step to odor removal Ottawa is cleaning the air. You can use homemade odor absorbers like coffee grounds, tea bags, vinegar, oats, or baking soda to leave around the house. Leaving a bowl of one of these odor eliminators with a bad odor in the room can quickly eliminate the problem.

Another way to clean the air in your home is to open the windows. This will let fresh air in and help to combat the humidity that can cause mold or mildew. It is also a good way to eliminate any chemicals in the air that you may have from cleaning products or sprays.

Clean the Stains

Whether it’s coffee on your shirt or gravy on your table runner, stubborn smells often require more than an air freshener. Depending on the stain, you may need to scrub and wash the surface. Stubborn stains like mold, mildew, or skunk spray can be difficult to control, especially if the walls are covered with sour paint that requires repainting. Try these wall cleaning tips or one of our top-rated products for mild to moderate stains.

Clean the Surfaces

Scent molecules can sink into porous surfaces, making them linger for weeks. To reclaim your home’s surfaces, wash and disinfect often. Some germ-prone areas include doorknobs, light switches and handles, toilet lids and drainpipes, microwave ovens, refrigerators and washing machines.

Use a microfiber mop and cleaner appropriate for your surfaces, and remember hard-to-reach spots like baseboards and behind furniture. Baking soda also works for stubborn odors, especially in the fridge or kitchen. It’s a natural deodorizer that can be sprinkled on the floors, left to sit overnight, and then vacuumed away. It’s a great option for pet odor, too.

Clean the Upholstery

Whether it’s spaghetti sauce or pet hair, stains and odors can build up in your upholstery over time. Clean your furniture regularly and thoroughly to keep it looking and smelling fresh.

Start by reading your fabric label, indicating what cleaners are safe. If the brand has a W or WS code, you can use water-based cleaners. If it has an X code, you must take your furniture to a dry cleaner to avoid damaging the material.

If you have fabric upholstery that’s safe to wash, mix a small amount of mild detergent with lukewarm water in a bowl. Then, dip a microfibre cloth or sponge into the solution and blot it at stains rather than rubbing them. After spotting the surface, rinse the fabric with clear water and leave to air dry.

Clean the Floors

Whether it’s from what your kids track in, food that spills, or the natural accumulation of dust, your floors will get dirty. Fortunately, keeping them spick and span isn’t impossible.

Vacuum or sweep regularly, especially in high-traffic areas. Keeping up with this task can prevent odor-causing dust from building up. Sweep with a broom or microfiber mop, and remember to clean the corners, nooks and crannies with a dusting brush.

Mix a mild detergent (dish soap is fine) with warm or hot water for deeper cleaning, and dampen your mop in sections. Ensure the mop is not dripping wet, as standing water can damage linoleum. Wipe the floor dry afterward to avoid a dull, sticky film.

Jane