Stenches of everyday life are inevitable in your home, but sour and pungent smells can be indicative of more serious issues. There are many ways to mask these offensive odours, but how do you truly prevent them? Here are some of the most effective tips and tricks to keep your house smelling fresh:
Ensure proper air circulation by opening windows and using extractor fans in areas prone to odours, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. Fresh air helps eliminate stagnant odours and keeps the indoor environment pleasant.
Maintain a clean living space by regularly dusting, vacuuming, and mopping floors. Clean up spills promptly, and pay attention to areas that tend to accumulate odours, like rubbish bins, pet areas, and refrigerators. It's also helps to regularly clean your curtains and blinds.
There is no doubt that regular Carpet, Rug and Upholstery Cleaning will greatly assist in the indoor air quality, not only controlling odours but also dust accumulation for those with respiratory and allergen problems.
One big advantage of using JAE Services is that their cleaning machines exhaust the cleaning machine air to the outside of your home.
Dispose of rubbish and food waste properly to prevent foul smells. Use bins with lids, empty them regularly and you could also consider using rubbish bags that have odour-neutralising properties.
Place odour-absorbing materials in areas where odours are a problem. Baking soda is a natural and inexpensive option that can be sprinkled on carpets, upholstery, or in the fridge to absorb unpleasant smells. Activated charcoal, odour-neutralising sprays, or air fresheners can also help.
High humidity can contribute to mould, mildew, and musty odours. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and bathrooms to keep humidity levels under control. Additionally, fix any water leaks promptly to prevent the growth of odour-causing mould and mildew. In colder months, condensation builds up on windows, it’s a good idea to dry these regularly to prevent mould build up on surfaces and curtain backings.
Identify and address the source of persistent odours. Clean pet bedding, litter boxes, or cages regularly. Use enzymatic cleaners specifically designed to neutralise pet odours. Launder curtains, linens, and upholstery regularly to remove any trapped odours.
Employ natural odour remedies such as vinegar, lemon juice, or essential oils. These can be used to clean surfaces, eliminate odours, or add a pleasant scent to the air. For example, simmering a pot of water with lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, or herbs can help freshen the air.
Professionally applied fabric protection for carpets and upholstery forms a protective barrier that helps repel spills, stains, and dirt. This extra protection prevents odorous substances from penetrating the fabric fibers, reducing the chances of lingering smells.
If you or others in your household smoke or vape, consider implementing smoking restrictions indoors or designate a specific area outside the house. Smoking can leave stubborn odours on surfaces and in fabrics. The same applies to burning of candles in the home, while they may temporarily leave a pleasant smell, the soot and particularly the waxy residue left on surfaces can trap dust, odours and discolour paintwork.
In addition to our general odour prevention tips, here are some effective ways to stop odours from lingering in your kitchen:
When cooking foods that produce strong odours, such as fish or curry, use the extractor fan or open windows to let the odours escape. You can also try using a splatter guard while cooking to minimise odours and grease build-up. And don't forget the rangehood filters need cleaning or replacing too as they can harbour bad odour.
Regularly clean kitchen surfaces, including countertops, stovetops, and appliances, to prevent the build-up of food residues and odours. Wipe down surfaces with a mixture of water and vinegar or a mild cleaning solution.
Store leftover food and ingredients in airtight containers to prevent odours from spreading. This helps contain strong-smelling foods like onions, garlic, and spices.
Clean your fridge, oven, microwave, toaster, and other cooking appliances regularly to remove any food residues and odours. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the appropriate cleaning methods. Check and clean or replace the filters in your home's heat pumps, too, as dust is a great trap to hold odours.
Preventing odours in a musty basement involves addressing the underlying causes of the musty smell. As mentioned earlier improving ventilation, controlling humidity with a dehumidifier and using odour absorbers will greatly improve a stagnant basement. Here are some other preventative measures odours from forming in a musty basement:
Moisture is often the primary cause of musty odours in basements. Check for any water leaks, condensation, or dampness in the basement or under the home if on a pile foundation and address them promptly. Repair any cracks in the foundation, fix leaking pipes, and ensure proper drainage around the perimeter of the house, try to ensure that water drains away from the home and not accumulates around it.
Insulate any exposed pipes to prevent condensation and reduce the chances of moisture build-up. Insulating basement walls can also help regulate temperature and minimise the potential for musty odours.
Thoroughly clean the basement to remove any existing mould or mildew. Use a mixture of water and bleach or a specialised mould cleaner to disinfect surfaces. Pay attention to corners, crevices, and areas prone to moisture. Allow the surfaces to dry completely.
Items such as cardboard boxes, old carpets, and water-damaged furniture can harbour moisture and contribute to musty odours. Remove these items from the basement to prevent odours from spreading.
Arrange furniture and storage items in the basement to promote airflow and prevent stagnant areas. Leave space between stored items to allow air circulation.
Maintain a routine of inspecting and cleaning the basement. Regularly check for any signs of water intrusion or dampness and address them promptly. Clean the basement periodically to prevent the build-up of dust, dirt, and potential sources of odour.
By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce musty odours and create a more pleasant environment in your basement.
Remember, the best approach to preventing odours is to adopt a proactive cleaning routine and address any underlying causes rather than just masking the smells.
If after all of those steps you still have persistent odours, it might be time to call in your local JAE team for a professional clean. JAE are experts in upholstery cleaning and carpet cleaning, as well as stain removal, which can all really help to improve the smell of your home. The JAE team can also apply a coat of JAEGuard® fabric protection to help minimise future stains and smells in your home.
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