Writer at Home Hacks
No matter how often we clean our homes, scrub our bathrooms, and scour our kitchens, it seems like some smelly odors just never seem to go away. Instead of running to the grocery store to buy expensive odor removal products, try these hacks instead.
Just a few basic supplies are all you’ll need for these 7 awesome odor-banishing hacks. Hello, freshness!
Your house is going to smell absolutely amazing.
1. Use a slow-cooker to soak up odors
Instead of covering odors up with sprays or other artificial scents, absorb them so they’re gone forever. All you’ll need is a slow-cooker, baking soda, and water.
Pour water into your slow-cooker and add 3 tablespoons of baking soda.
Mix the ingredients together and turn the crockpot to the ‘low’ setting.
Keep the lid off and let simmer until all odors are absorbed. Just make sure to keep an eye on it so the water doesn’t cook off and burn the baking soda.
Feel free to add a slice of lemon, a stick of cinnamon, or a couple drops of essential oil.
2. Create your own plug-in refill
Lots of people use plug-in air fresheners to keep their homes smelling fresh and clean, but the refills can make a dent in your wallet. Make your own instead!
Use pliers to remove the wick from your plug-in air freshener. Rinse the bulb if necessary.
Fill the bulb halfway with your favorite essential oil.
Fill the rest of the bulb with water, making sure to leave enough room to reinsert the wick.
Insert the wick, give the bulb a shake, and plug back into the wall.
3. DIY pet odor removal spray
If you have pets, you know how smelly they can be. Whether it was an accident in the house or a wet dog odor, yucky pet smells are never good. Here’s a super easy solution for this common problem.
Mix two parts water to one part mouthwash in a spray bottle (Crafty Little Bee recommends Listerine since it’s the strongest on the market).
Spray away!
4. Place homemade air fresheners around your home using Downy Unstoppables.
Why not make your home smell good and create an adorable piece of decor? These little DIY air fresheners are great for placing in the bathroom, in your closet, or inside cabinets.
Supplies needed will be: small mason jar, craft paper or swatch of burlap, needle or toothpick, baking soda, Downy Unstoppables in a scent of your preference.
Cut a square of burlap or paper the size of the Mason jar lid and set aside.
Fill jars about a quarter full with baking soda.
Add about a quarter capful of Downy Unstoppables on top of the baking soda.
If using craft paper, place the piece of paper inside the outer ring of the Mason jar lid. Use a toothpick/need to poke holes in the paper, screw the cap on, voila!
If using burlap, place the piece of burlap over the jar and screw the outer ring onto the jar.
The full tutorial with photos is at Redefined Mom.
5. Get rid of musty furniture odors with vinegar and water
Vintage and antique furniture can get a bit of a funky smell at times. Thankfully, there’s an easy way to remedy this problem with a common household ingredient – vinegar!
Mix one part vinegar to one part water in a bowl. White vinegar is best but apple cider vinegar will work too.
Use a soft cloth to spread the solution onto the musty furniture pieces and allow to air dry.
Another option is to spray the solution onto the furniture with a spray bottle.
6. Hang a teabag to absorb odors
Teabags are great for making a nice, hot cup of tea, but they are also wonderful at absorbing odors. Hang a few of your favorite smelling teabags in your closet for a lovely fresh scent.
7. Make your own fabric spray
After months of being sat on, jumped on, and laid on, furniture can gather some not-so-pleasant-odors. Keep your pillows and cushions smelling fresh with a homemade fabric spray.
Fill a spray bottle with water, a tablespoon of baking soda, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
Give it a good shake and spray away!
