Unpleasant smells can turn a cosy home into an uncomfortable space faster than you can say “what’s that smell?” Whether it’s lingering cooking odours, pet accidents, or musty cupboards, stubborn smells can be a real headache. But fear not! With a bit of know-how and some simple household items, you can banish those pesky odours for good. These 15 clever hacks will help you freshen up your living space using natural, eco-friendly methods that are kind to both your nose and the environment. Say goodbye to artificial air fresheners and hello to a naturally fresh-smelling home. I prefer not to use chemicals in my home for cleaning or fragrance when there are safer natural alternatives.
Simmer Citrus Peels and Herbs
Create a natural air freshener by simmering citrus peels and herbs on your stove. Fill a pot with water, add lemon or orange peels, and toss in some rosemary or thyme. Let it simmer on low heat, and the steam will carry the fresh scent throughout your home. This method is particularly effective after cooking strong-smelling foods like fish or cabbage. For a seasonal twist, try adding cinnamon sticks and cloves in winter for a warm, inviting aroma.
Sprinkle Baking Soda on Carpets
Baking soda is a powerful odour neutraliser that works wonders on carpets and rugs. Sprinkle a generous amount over the carpet, let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results), then vacuum thoroughly. The baking soda absorbs odours, leaving your carpets smelling fresh. This hack is especially useful for homes with pets or smokers. For extra freshness, mix a few drops of your favourite essential oil into the baking soda before sprinkling.
Use Coffee Grounds in the Fridge
Place a small bowl of coffee grounds in your fridge to absorb unwanted odours. The coffee acts as a natural deodoriser, trapping smells and leaving your fridge smelling neutral. Change the grounds every few weeks for continued freshness. As a bonus, you can later use the coffee grounds as a natural fertiliser for acid-loving plants in your garden. This method also works well in shoes or gym bags to combat persistent odours.
Clean Drains with Vinegar and Baking Soda
Smelly drains can be freshened up with a simple mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then flush with hot water. This natural cleaning method helps remove odour-causing bacteria and clears minor clogs. For stubborn smells, repeat the process weekly and consider using a drain snake to remove any built-up gunk.
Hang Charcoal Bags
Activated charcoal is a natural odour absorber that can work wonders in musty areas. Hang small bags of activated charcoal in wardrobes, shoes cupboards, or any area prone to dampness and odours. The charcoal will absorb excess moisture and neutralise smells. These bags can last for months and can be refreshed by placing them in sunlight occasionally. You can also place charcoal bags in your car or caravan to keep these spaces fresh.
Create Vanilla Extract Air Freshener
Make a natural air freshener by soaking cotton balls in vanilla extract. Place these in small dishes around your home for a sweet, comforting scent. This method is particularly effective in small spaces like wardrobes or shoe cupboards. You can also use this trick in your car by placing a vanilla-soaked cotton ball in a vent clip. For variety, experiment with other extracts like peppermint or almond.
Freshen Bins with Citrus Peels
Keep your rubbish bins smelling fresh by placing citrus peels in the bottom before adding a new bag. The natural oils in the peels help neutralise odours and leave a fresh scent. Lemon, lime, or orange peels all work well. Remember to replace the peels every week when you change the bin bag. For added freshness, sprinkle a little baking soda over the peels to absorb any lingering odours.
Use Newspaper for Shoe Odours
Stuff crumpled newspaper into smelly shoes overnight to absorb moisture and odours. The paper will soak up the dampness that causes bacterial growth and bad smells. In the morning, remove the paper and your shoes should smell much fresher. This method is particularly effective for trainers and other athletic shoes. For best results, replace the insoles regularly and allow shoes to dry completely between wears.
Make a DIY Room Spray
Create your own natural room spray using water, vodka, and essential oils. Mix 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of vodka, and 15-20 drops of your favourite essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. The vodka helps the scent linger in the air longer than water alone would. This spray is safe to use on fabrics and in the air. Try combining lavender and lemon oils for a calming, clean scent, or peppermint and eucalyptus for an invigorating boost.
Use Vinegar to Absorb Paint Smells
If you’ve recently painted a room, place shallow dishes of white vinegar around the space to absorb the paint fumes. The vinegar will neutralise the strong smell of fresh paint. Leave the dishes out for a few days, replacing the vinegar daily. This method is much safer than using chemical air fresheners around fresh paint. To speed up the process, use fans to circulate air and open windows whenever possible.
Deodorise Mattresses with Baking Soda
Freshen up your mattress by sprinkling baking soda over the entire surface. Let it sit for several hours or overnight if possible, then vacuum thoroughly. The baking soda will absorb any odours and moisture from the mattress. This method is particularly useful for older mattresses or those in humid climates. For an extra boost, add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the baking soda before sprinkling – it’s naturally antibacterial and promotes relaxation.
Use Lemon to Clean Microwaves
Remove lingering food odours from your microwave by cleaning it with lemon. Cut a lemon in half, place it in a microwave-safe bowl with water, and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes before opening. The steam will loosen any grime, and the lemon will leave a fresh scent. Simply wipe clean with a cloth. For tough stains, dip the cloth in the lemon water and scrub gently before wiping dry.
Create an Onion Odour Absorber
Believe it or not, onions can help eliminate odours in your home. Cut an onion in half and place it in a bowl in the room with the unwanted smell. The onion will absorb the odours overnight. This method works particularly well for removing paint or smoke smells. Just remember to dispose of the onion afterwards, as it will have absorbed the bad odours. For larger spaces, use multiple onion halves placed strategically around the room.
Use Kitty Litter for General Odour Absorption
Kitty litter isn’t just for cats! Place small open containers of clean kitty litter in areas prone to odours, such as near litter boxes, in musty basements, or in cupboards. The clay in the litter will absorb moisture and odours effectively. Change the litter every few weeks for continued freshness. This hack is especially useful in damp areas of your home. For a more discreet option, fill old socks with kitty litter and tie them off to create portable odour absorbers.
Create a Natural Reed Diffuser
Make your own eco-friendly reed diffuser using items from around the house. Fill a small glass jar or vase with a quarter cup of sweet almond oil or safflower oil. Add about 15-20 drops of your favourite essential oil. Cut bamboo skewers to size, or use proper diffuser reeds if you have them, and place them in the jar. The reeds will slowly absorb the scented oil and release the fragrance into the air. This method provides a constant, subtle scent without any heat or electricity. Flip the reeds once a week to refresh the scent, and top up the oil mixture when it runs low. You can experiment with different oil combinations to create unique, personalised fragrances for each room in your home.
18 Everyday Things Amish Women Aren’t Allowed to Do
The Amish culture is known for its simple way of life and adherence to traditional values. While this lifestyle may seem appealing to some, there are certain restrictions that Amish women face that most modern women do not. Take a look at these things that we take for granted that are off-limits to Amish women.
Read More: 18 Everyday Things Amish Women Aren’t Allowed to Do
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
