Coming home to a clean and wonderfully fragrant house is a delightful feeling after a tiring day. Yet, no matter how diligently we clean, keeping our homes smelling fresh can sometimes feel like a never-ending challenge. Sure, you could simply spray some air freshener to temporarily mask unpleasant odors, but that's just a quick fix. What if I told you that you could banish those stubborn odors altogether using everyday household products? Yes, you read that right! 

The answer to your olfactory woes lies within the confines of your own home. In fact, you might be surprised to discover that seven ordinary household items can double as incredible odor eliminators. Forget about merely covering up unwanted smells. With the help of these secret odor-trapping agents, you can bid farewell to unpleasant odors for good. Join us as we unveil these miraculous solutions recommended by expert house cleaners. Get ready to transform your home into a haven of freshness and pure air.

First, identify if the odor has a source

In most cases, looking for the source is crucial for dealing with an unpleasant odor in your home. For example, when a musty smell is related to mold or a plumbing issue, you'll need to address the problem first. 

Besides, unpleasant smells sometimes come from a dirty, overlooked area in the room, and cleaning that spot should be the first step. If you can't find where the smell is coming from, check these usual sources of odor:

• Trash cans: Even if you take out the trash and avoid overflowing the bags, it's normal to overlook any spills or residue. The trash can itself can smell even more than the trash if you neglect to wash it.
• Garbage disposal: Food bits and greasy residue will get stuck under the blades, resulting in a funky odor.
• Refrigerator: Spoiled food might give off an increasingly bad smell. Besides, spills and drips will set and develop odors.
• Carpets: Your carpets might look clean, but they can trap spills and stains deep in the fibers. Check if your carpet needs a deep cleaning.
• Closets: When some clothing isn't in season, it's easy to neglect a whole section of your wardrobe, giving humidity and poor ventilation a chance to develop musty smells.
• Bed linens: Even if you go to sleep after a shower, your body will always have natural oils, and in time, the residue builds up in your bed.

How to remove pesky odors in your home

Sometimes, getting rid of unpleasant aromas inside your home is as easy as cleaning the source of the smell. However, with a powerful deodorizer, you can speed things up. Here are seven household items you can use as deodorizers to keep your home fresh.

1. Baking soda

Besides its usefulness in scrubbing gunk and grime, this powder also can deal with odors. For example, a well-known way to combat smells in the fridge is leaving a small bowl with baking soda inside. 

Besides, baking soda can help you keep carpet smells at bay. Sprinkle the powder over the carpet and vacuum it after 15 minutes. You can use this trick on other textiles as well.

2. White vinegar

At a glance, white vinegar gives the impression that it adds smells instead of dealing with them. However, you shouldn't let the aroma of vinegar fool you! Thanks to its acidity, this household product is one of the most effective natural odor removers.

The best way to use vinegar as an odor eraser is with a simmering pot. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a pot, simmer it for 15 minutes, and you'll see (or rather smell) the difference!

3. Lemons

If you prefer to avoid the vinegar smell, you could throw some lemon peels in your simmering pot instead of white vinegar. Lemon and vinegar contain acids that react with the molecules that cause foul smells.

Besides, if you love citrus essence, you'll be glad to know that lemon juice can dissolve grease and oils in your garbage disposal. Follow these simple steps to clean and deodorize it:

• Step 1: Throw a cup of ice in your garbage disposal. Then, add a cup of salt and squeeze a lemon on top of the ice. 
• Step 2:  Let the water run and turn on the garbage disposal. The ice and salt will scrub the blades, while the lemon juice leaves a fresh scent.

4. Cat litter

Every cat owner knows how effective cat litter is for absorbing moisture and keeping odors sealed. So, why not use it to trap other smells in your house? Fortunately, it works wonders.

Cat litter works especially fine to catch moisture and musty smells on the bottom of your trash can. Just sprinkle one scoop of cat litter between the trash can and the bag, and replace it when it's moist. 

5. Coffee grounds

If you happen to be a coffee lover, this odor trap might interest you. Coffee has properties that activate once the smell is nearby, catching any odor particles while adding a rich aroma. Just fill a small bowl with the used coffee grounds and leave it inside cupboards and bathrooms. 

Also, you can use coffee inside your car; keep it in a container with a couple of holes on the lid. 

6. Vanilla extract

Perhaps coffee isn't to your liking, or you might want a sweeter aroma on top of zero odors. Then, try vanilla extract as an alternative, and you'll always enjoy its lasting, sweet smell. 

For example, if your refrigerator isn't as fresh as you want, dip a couple of cotton balls in vanilla extract and leave them inside the fridge and freezer. Also, you can throw a few cotton balls inside your trash can or leave them in any room you want to deodorize.

7. Dryer Sheets

Besides leaving your laundry soft and fresh, dryer sheets can also help by absorbing foul odors in your house. Thanks to its materials and softening agents, it acts as a magnet for smells while adding a hint of fresh scent. 

Dryer sheets work best in places where you store clothes. You can place one or two dryer sheets inside your drawers or closet. Besides, a dryer sheet between the trash bag and the can is an easy way to keep garbage odors at bay.

Rain City Maids can help you keep a fresh home!

Cleaning and preventing odors might feel like a never-ending chore, but the professionals have your back. At Rain City Maids, we pride ourselves on freeing homeowners in Eastside Seattle from their cleaning chores with reliable and top-quality cleaning services.

Check out our cleaning services and start saving time.