Eliminating Odors at the Source

Regular deep cleaning is key to removing lingering odors from everyday life.

“Cleaning is hard work, but deep cleaning is the difference between a clean house and a fresh home scent.” – A homeowner

Small changes can make a big difference in clearing out unwanted smells and creating a clean, uplifting fragrance that makes every room feel welcoming. This is achieved by tackling odors at their source, rather than just covering them up with air fresheners.

Refreshing Soft Furnishings

* Laundering washable items according to their care instructions

* Using fabric refresher sprays or baking soda treatments

* Steaming upholstery and carpets for deeper odor removal

Freshening Your Kitchen

* Running citrus peels through the garbage disposal to clean the blades and release a fresh scent

* Creating a stovetop simmer pot with aromatic ingredients and fresh herbs

Pet-Friendly Fragrances

* Creating a pet-friendly fabric spray with baking soda, essential oils, and distilled water

* Strategically placing dried florals in pet beds, upholstery, and carpets

Layering Complementary Fragrances

* Choosing a foundational scent family and building around it

* Layering different scents to create depth and a more sophisticated olfactory experience

Introducing Fresh Air

* Creating a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the home

* Using an air purifier in rooms that tend to develop stale odors

Candles and Flowers

* Using candles thoughtfully to avoid overpowering competing fragrances

* Displaying fresh flowers to bring a lovely scent into the home

DIY Diffuser and Baking Soda Jars

* Making your own diffuser with essential oils and carrier oils

* Creating baking soda jars to tackle unwanted odors and add a pleasant scent to the room

Expert Tips and Resources

* Check out our other useful cleaning guides, such as our 7 expert-approved tips to keep windowsills clean during pollen season and 5 common lawn care mistakes that are killing your yard. * Discover more cleaning solutions and tips from Tom’s Guide.