Having bad smells in your home isn’t only annoying. But it can also pose several health issues to you and your family, depending on the source. Washing machines can cause a musty smell, garbage and scraps can attract odor-causing bacteria, and wet towels can result in a foul odor.
In fact, even new furniture can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can irritate your throat, nose, and eyes. Not only can these gases smell bad, but they can also cause more serious problems such as kidney or liver damage. With that in mind, it’s recommended that you first find the source of the smell so you can properly get rid of them. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common solutions to reduce foul odors in your house.
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1. Check Air Conditioning
The first thing you should look into is your cooling system. An inefficient or broken air conditioning system can emit foul odor in the space, which is often caused by the dirt, bacteria, or mold accumulating in the unit.
If your units started emitting an unpleasant odor, immediately call an air conditioner service company for inspection and repair. They can quickly determine the source of the problem and get rid of the smell in no time. In most cases, thorough cleaning of the internal parts can solve the problem. Experts will also use non-toxic and biodegradable products for cleaning and filtration to prevent the regrowth of bacteria and mold.
2. Practice Good Pet Hygiene
If you have pets, their odors can be a nuisance in the house. If you want to keep your space smelling fresh, it’s crucial to maintain good hygiene for your fur babies. If possible, you should bathe your pets once a week. Don’t forget to also learn about other grooming techniques, such as regular nail climbing and brushing.
If your pets spend most of their time outdoors, their nails and fur can collect unpleasant things that can add up to indoor odor. Moreover, keep the litter boxes clean every day to avoid any unpleasant stench. It’s also best to place them in a well-ventilated space so the smell can naturally dissipate and won’t intensify.
3. Dust The Entire House
Did you know that dust is a combination of outdoor and indoor particles? It may include insect droppings, pet dander, pollen, and even dead skin. Not only can they add to your home’s unpleasant smell, but they can also cause allergy symptoms. For such reason, dusting is highly recommended, too, whether you’re allergic or not. This can help make the room smell clean, and you can breathe more effortlessly.
Among the top places to dust are shelves and tables. Also, go through the tops of your windows and doors and around the electronics, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and carpeting. If you’re dusting hard surfaces, use a damp cloth. You can also wear a mask for protection against dust.
4. Move Them out of The Windows
Another simple way to get rid of the musty smell is to air it all out. Open all your windows in every room so the fresh air can come in and replace old air. You can get a cross breeze by opening windows in different rooms.
Fret not if there’s no wind blowing outside. You can still draw in fresh air by using desk fans or ceiling fans. If the weather is too cold, opening the windows for just a few minutes can still help make the indoor air clean. Apart from letting fresh air circulate your house, the natural light coming in can also help kill bacteria and germs that contribute to foul odors.
5. Regularly Clean The Garbage
Organic food is healthy, but when they turn into waste, it can cause foul odors too. Don’t let them rot and get trapped in a garbage disposal. You can toss some chunks of chopped limes and lemons in the trash can to reduce the amount of bad smell.
Bear in mind, though, that this can only fresh up the trash can temporarily. It’s still best to clear out the garbage disposals in your home as frequently as needed. Furthermore, avoid tossing potato, onion, and carrot peelings at the garbage disposal as they can cause blockage. And once they start to decay, you can expect a horrible stink.
By following these tips, you can make your living space more pleasant and comforting to stay in. At the same time, you don’t want to welcome your guests in a home that smells bad, right? Keep your home intact and spotless to minimize indoor odor. Not only do you get to have a comfortable space, but you also get to reduce the risks of health problems.