This is the first of a series of articles I will be publishing on Home Truths: good old faithful remedies that will sort out everyday dilemmas in and around the house.
If you have trusted family secrets on the subject, please feel free to email it to me to share with our readers. margaux@homeology.co.za
I have searched high and low for remedies to get rid of fowl and mysterious odors. Six things kept popping up so here is what you need to have in your pantry for a ‘smelly kit’.
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Citrus peels
- Vinegar
- Coffee grounds
- Lemons
- Vanilla essence
Deodorize drains
Pour bicarbonate of soda down the drain while running warm tap water to get rid of funny drain smells. This is particularly handy for people – like me! – with septic tanks that fill up during winter.
Neutralize moldy carpets and upholstery
Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on carpets and upholstery with a moldy smell and leave for 15 minutes before vacuuming.
Dodgy smelling sneakers
Sprinkle one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda onto the insides of sneakers and leave overnight. The bicarb absorbs the smell and will extend the life of your shoes.
Freshen up garbage
If you trash can starts smelling long before pickup date then add a few citrus peels.
Ovens and microwaves
Use a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and vinegar to remove grease build-up and to eliminate any odors. The soda acts as an abrasive and deodorizer while the vinegar does the same as bleach.
Smelly cupboard or car trunk
Fresh left over coffee grounds are great to eliminate odors. Place the coffee in a plastic container with holes punched in the lid and leave in the cupboard or car trunk.
Natural air deodorizers
It’s always a good idea to freshen out a room from time to time by leaving the windows open and letting the sun shine in. This is the most natural of all remedies to deodorize a room.
Alternatively you can leave lemons cut in half in inconspicuous places or rub vanilla essence on light bulbs to scent the air.
Bring the outdoors in for cleaner air
Invest in indoor plants. Not only do they add a pretty living element to your interior but they also clean the air naturally provided you keep their leaves dust free.
Aroma logo
Download our DIY & Styling issue e-book and have a look at the Aroma chapter showing you how to make linen spray and a jam jar burner with spices to give your home a signature scent.
Sources: ivillage.com goodhousekeeping.com sustainablebabysteps.com
