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We’ve all experienced times when our home doesn’t smell as fresh as we’d like. Even with a clean and organized space, stubborn or lingering odors in places like the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or other areas can be frustrating. The first step in addressing these issues is identifying the source of those unpleasant smells. Here are some common reasons your home might have odors and what you can do to eliminate them.
Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are prone to developing these smells due to the accumulation of decaying food particles, grease, and other materials within the disposal and its adjacent pipes. As food particles break down and decay, they release unpleasant odors. Techniques such as using ice cubes, baking soda, and running lemon peels through the blades can help maintain a clean, fresh, and odor-free garbage disposal.
Ways to Get Rid of Smells in Garbage Disposal
Bed Sheets
Bedding can quickly develop odors—specifically sweat and morning breath. Fortunately, the solution is clear: make it a habit to wash your sheets weekly.
The Refrigerator
Expired food in the refrigerator is a common culprit for household odors. Regularly clearing out leftovers and wilted produce before your grocery shopping trips can help tackle this issue.
Dishwasher
Potential mold and odors can develop in a dishwasher, often due to food particles accumulating within. To address this issue, make it a habit to clean your dishwasher regularly.
How to Clean a Dishwasher with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Smelly Shoes
Shoes can be notorious for developing unpleasant odors. Take the time to thoroughly air them out. Sprinkling some baking soda inside can help absorb moisture and eliminate odors, or you can opt for specialized shoe odor eliminators.
Dirty HVAC Filter
To maintain a healthy indoor environment, it’s important to regularly change the air filters in your home. Air filters play a crucial role in removing airborne particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens from the air. Typically, it’s recommended to change air filters every three months. If you detect any unusual odors in your home, this could be an indicator that it’s time to replace the air filter.
How Often Should You Change the HVAC Air Filter in Your Home?
Your Pet
While our furry friends are beloved members of the family, they can develop odors, just like humans. It’s important that their living spaces remain clean by regularly changing the cat litter, washing your dog’s bedding, and grooming your pets. Bathing your pet and keeping their sleeping and eating areas clean can help tackle unpleasant odors.
Lack of Air Circulating
If your home feels stuffy and the air seems stale, making it hard to breathe comfortably, it might be due to a mix of stagnant air, pollutants, and a buildup of carbon dioxide. A quick fix is to open the windows for a few minutes and let fresh air circulate to help clear the indoor environment.
Trash Can
A stinky kitchen often indicates that it’s time to take the trash out. However, sometimes the issue goes beyond the bag being full—it might be due to a hole in the bag that allows gunk to accumulate at the bottom of the can. Little spills and crumbs can build up, resulting in unpleasant odors within your trash can. To address this problem, you’ll need to wash the trash can in hot, soapy water.
Washing Machine
Household appliances that frequently come into contact with water are prone to mold growth. For instance, if you have a front-load washer without a vent or leave damp laundry in the machine for an extended period, it can lead to a musty odor in the washing machine. To avoid this, it’s a good practice to leave the washer’s door and detergent drawer open for a few hours after your last load. If you discover mold, you can use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and baking soda to clean the affected areas.
How to Clean Sticky Grease Off Your Kitchen Cabinets
Our kitchen cabinets can easily accumulate dirt, grease, and grime. Here are some of the most effective cleaning methods to revive those greasy kitchen cabinets.
How to Clean Sticky Grease Off Your Kitchen Cabinets
How to Declutter Your Kitchen: 20 Items You Must Toss
The kitchen holds a special place in our homes, serving as a hub for cooking, meals, and gatherings. However, even though it’s the center of our daily lives, it’s easy for clutter, disarray, and items that have outstayed their welcome to accumulate in this space. Check out the 12 items in your kitchen that should be thrown away immediately.
