It’s a common misconception that air fresheners will remove odors from your home. In truth, they’ll only mask the stench on a temporary basis while leaving the source of the problem entirely unchanged, so they can be considered crutches in the battle against bad smells. Here are a few common household stinks and how to remove them more permanently.
Chemical Compounds
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are common byproducts of things like wall paint and laundry detergent. You’ll need to strip them from the atmosphere if you want to breathe fresh, unpolluted air again. Believe it or not, indoor house plants are an effective way to do this: Studies have shown that certain floral species can improve air quality, so bringing a few garden mums into your home can counter pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.
Pets
Your furry friend might be the cause of your household stink. Unless you wipe down his paws every single time that he comes in from a potty break, he’s probably tracking in all kinds of dirt, grass and urine. Most people just throw some baking soda on their carpet to mask the smell, but if you’re serious about removing odors from your home, you might need to rent a steam cleaner and get all the way down into the fibers.
Clogged Drains
When nasty things like food, hair and grease get trapped in your drains, the build-up of debris can cause awful odors to permeate your home. The easiest way to fix this is with a drain cleaning by a professional, like those from Five Star Plumbing, but make sure that you’re hiring the right people for the job. You’ll want a crew that uses high-tech imaging equipment to locate the exact position of the clog, and any sprays or cleaning solutions that they use should be all-natural.
Bathroom Bacteria
Despite its purpose, there’s no reason for your bathroom to smell any worse than the rest of your home. The trick is to clean it regularly and focus on the removal of bacteria. It can flourish in the nooks and crannies of sinks, showers and toilets, and left unchecked, it can cause insidious odors that never seem to go away. Buy some organic cleaning products and get to scrubbing in dark corners. You can’t over-clean tile, so go nuts.
If strange smells are haunting you throughout your home, it’s time to do something about them. Use these suggestions to tackle cleaning problems head-on and make your house smell like the welcoming, refreshing place that it’s supposed to be.