Does Your Home Smell Good? Tips to Freshen Up!

After returning from a wonderful vacation this August, I was greeted by an unexpected guest: a musty smell in my home. Though I often keep my windows open to let the fresh air dance around, the house had been shut tight for two weeks. This summer was more humid than usual, and the result? A not-so-pleasant aroma.

I turned into detective mode, sniffing around every corner. Where was this unpleasant scent coming from? The primary sourse, to my surprise, was the old leather couch! A newer leather couch had a little odor too, but not as bad. There were also some hints in the kitchen around the stove and laundry area.

There are many solutions out there to cover the smell, but most of the main stream solutions are full of toxins. To eliminate the smell, you really need to eliminate the source of it.

Here is what I did:

Kitchen & Laundry Area Deep Clean:

With my husband’s assistance, we moved the stove and meticulously cleaned every nook and cranny. A word of advice: move appliances with caution to avoid scratching your floors. The oven was also given a thorough cleanse using its self-cleaning feature. The laundry area wasn’t spared either. Behind, around, and inside the washing machine — everything got a good clean, with the washer receiving a special bleach treatment.

Couch Refresh Solution:

Ready to give your couch a refreshing makeover?

Here’s a simple recipe:

1 gallon of warm water

2-3 drops of dish soap

5-6 tablespoons of baking soda

15-20 drops of grapefruit essential oil (or any scent you prefer).

I took an old towel and gently rubbed the solution onto the couches. If you have fabric couches, this solution works wonders for them too. Just remember, if you’re washing them, pick a sunny day or assist the drying process with a fan.

Don’t Forget the Rugs and Carpets:

Older rugs and carpets can sometimes hoard unpleasant smells. Occasionally giving them a thorough professional clean, preferably with non-toxic solutions, can breathe new life (and aroma) into them.

In conclusion, our homes are our sanctuaries, and they should feel (and smell) as inviting as possible. Whether it’s after a long vacation or just regular upkeep, with a bit of effort and these handy tips, you can keep your home smelling fresh and inviting!