Stop. Take a deep breath in through your nose and think about what just entered your olfactory senses. Smell is one of the most powerful sensations humans experience, for better or for worse.
When it comes to the home, the smell is a way to judge a home's cleanliness and welcoming atmosphere. If a home smells rank, we judge it harshly. If it smells fresh, we feel more welcomed.
How does one keep their home smelling fresh between pet odors, cooking food, and the trash can? Simple: neutralize the foul odors. But how to make your house smell good? Let us tell you!
Spot the Obvious
The first step in how to make your house smell good is to tackle obvious sources of foul odor, like the trash, expired food in the fridge, and more.
The obvious may not seem transparent if you have lapsed into the adaptive state of ‘nose blindness.' This lack of sensitivity occurs when regular smells become normalized so that you do not notice. So, what might be an obvious source of the odor has managed to blend it. Items that lead to nose blindness might include pet beds, diaper pails, garbage cans, and litter boxes.
Take preventative measures so that odors don't stand a chance. This prevention includes cleaning the inside of the garbage pail at least once a month. You can also leave a scoop of kitty litter at the bottom to absorb wandering fumes. Clean pet beds regularly and freshen the litter box daily.
Tackle the Fridge
One of the most obvious areas to tackle is any funky smell emitting from the fridge. You should regularly toss out expired food, such as condiments and leftovers. Anything that takes up long-term residency in the back of the fridge can cause a strong odor. A monthly inventory and clean-sweep are best to keep the fridge fresh.
At the same time, do not forget to give the interior of the fridge a good scrub. Remove shelves, soak them in hot water, and keep the interior spotless. Ensure any cleaner you use on the interior is food-safe and avoid bleach on areas that food might touch.
Shop Scented Candles
Candles are subtle ways to fill your home with a signature scent. If you use the same scent throughout the home, you will have that ‘signature scent’ people associate with and expect from your clean abode.
You can light your scented candles shortly before guests arrive and have the home filled with a pleasant aroma! They also mask odors in smelly areas, like the bathroom.
Other scented options to consider incorporating are diffusers and scented plug-ins. You also can switch up candles, diffusers, and plug-ins for holiday scents during those special times of the year!
Avoid Scent Overload
While you want to select a welcoming and refreshing scent, you should avoid overloading the senses. When it comes to how to make your house smell good, it is not about overpowering guests. Instead, the best approach is one that promotes a feeling of relaxation, energy, or whatever you intend to create in that space.
A subtle approach when you shop scented candles is also best when considering guests. Some may have sensitivities to strong odors or even allergies, so you certainly do not want them to be uncomfortable.
So, what types of scents may be ‘too strong?’ Generally, anything that is overly sweet can be too much. That is not to say you have to avoid those strong smells altogether! Perhaps save the peppermint cookie dough candle for when you are alone.
When you have guests coming, opt for natural scents, like citrus, florals, or woody ones.
Manage Moisture Mayhem
One of the leading causes of noxious home odor comes from excess moisture trapped into various household items. If you live in a humid climate, your rugs and carpets are particularly susceptible to trapping moisture. Areas where moisture is more common, like the bathroom and kitchen, are quick to kick up an unpleasant fuss.
To deal with moisture mayhem, test the humidity level. If it is above 60 percent in any room, try to use a dehumidifier. You should also ensure towels are fully dry before putting them away and replace sponges frequently to avoid trapped moisture.
Clean Soft Surfaces
Soft surfaces like throw pillows, bed linens, carpets, and upholstery act as magnets for odors. Even after you clean away dirt or wipe up a spill, unwanted odor-causing bacteria can linger. These bacteria can lead to mildew or mold.
To deal with odors trapped in soft surfaces, try a professional steam clean once a year, especially for the carpets and upholstery! Wash linens, throw pillows, and window curtains regularly.
Freshen Up
An excellent way to freshen the home is just to open windows and let in a natural breeze. Airing out of the home is advisable if cooking smells from dinner linger or paint fumes create pungent odors in a room.
An open window can lift the mood of the house and makes the space feel clean and breezy. If possible, open windows on opposite sides of the home for a refreshing cross breeze.
Neutralize It
If you are not big on floaty floral or crisp pine scents, consider odor neutralizers, so your home smells like nothing in particular. Activated charcoal filters can clear out smelly spaces by soaking up unpleasant smells.
Find Your Favorite Scent
Your home is your space, and these tips are a great way to make it a welcoming, inviting one! By mastering how to make your house smell good, you can create a warm embrace or a refreshing escape for everyone who enters!
Ready to enhance the scents in your home? Shop scented candles today!