HOW TO KEEP YOUR HOME SMELLING FRESH

 Your home is a place where you should be comfortable and be able to relax at the end of the day. However this can be difficult if you have odours lingering around. So it's important to address them promptly. In this post I'll be sharing with you easy ways you can do this that doesn't cost alot.

Addressing the source of odours

Before dealing with any bad odours the first step is to identify the source. This is an important step as you won't be able to prevent nasty smells from returning, if you don't know where they are coming from. Here are some tips for 3 most common sources:

Drains

Kitchens and bathroom sinks produce some of the worst smells, especially if not well maintained. This is because of the build up of food, soap, grease and grime that attracts bacteria. So make sure you clean and unblock them regularly. You can buy products that do just that or you can do it a much cheaper and eco friendly way, where you use baking soda and vinegar to do the job. 

Bins

Your kitchen bin needs to be emptied regularly into your outdoor bin. Smells from the bin is due to the decomposition of what you have thrown away which produces gases and chemicals. The longer you leave it the worse smells will get. As well as disposing rubbish regularly it's important to regularly clean out the bin itself. Cleaning and disinfecting your bin not just gets rid of nasty odours but also gets rid of harmful bacteria. Lemon scented products tend to be best for cleaning them out and also adding a bit of baking soda helps to absorb smells.

Fridge

Your fridge is another common culprit for bad smells. Left over fruit, veg, meat and condiments will start to smell foul when left for a long time. This will attract germs and bacteria which you really don't want. You should be cleaning out your fridge once a month, removing products that are out of date. You only need hot soapy water to give your fridge good clean. Draws and shelves are best taken out and left to soak. 

Deep clean regularly 

Deep cleaning your home regularly is important for eliminating bad odours instead of just masking them.  This includes those hard to reach areas and should be a monthly habit. Having a checklist is helpful for making sure you clean all areas. Make sure you start by decluttering each area first, and then you can begin to dust all surfaces, clean appliances, mop hard floors, clean windows, etc. 

Control moisture and ventilation 

Moisture can create an uncomfortable environment in your home. Overly humid air is a breeding ground for mould and mildew that can lead to bad odours, damage to your possessions and is also extremely bad for your health. Using a dehumidifier or simply letting fresh air into your home by having windows open each day helps to keep it under control and get rid of toxins and bacteria.

Using scented products 

Masking smells isn't the solution but using scented products can elevate your home. Candles, air fresheners, sprays, incense and plugins are great options. It's best to stick with the same sort of fragrance as not to be overwhelmed with too many different smells.