There’s no denying that the way your home smells is indicative of how well you take care of it. However, some bad smells can be very tricky to get rid of. Some smells can linger for months on end, even after various attempts to smoke them out. So, exactly what can you do to eliminate lingering smells in your home? Read on to learn some simple tips.
1. Repair faulty heating systems.
If you have a heightened sense of smell, it’s easy to pick out an unexplained odor in your home. No doubt, some odors give you a clue into problems in your home. Heating systems usually emit unusual odors that can linger too long. Also, if your house smells of rotten eggs, this can indicate a gas leak. If you suspect this might be the case, avoid operating any electrical switches and call an HVAC technician to carry out a diagnostic and repair work.
Another tip to stop bad smells emanating from your heating system is to open up the windows for more ventilation. This might seem obvious, however, many people tend to leave their windows closed during the winter months; which also happens to be the same months when heating systems are commonly used.
2. Freshen the air in the kitchen.
As long as you cook, there’s going to be a stench in your kitchen. Most times, it doesn’t matter how many times you mop and clean; the smell just won’t go away. No doubt, fresh air is an effective method of pushing out bad smells. So, the quickest way to let out stale air is to open the windows. Additionally, try to perfume the air in your kitchen to neutralize the odors that emanate from there.
Another cause for the stench in your kitchen could be leaving trash indoors for too long. So, ensure you regularly take out the trash. Whilst at it, try to clean your trash can with a deodorizing pack. Then spray it with a disinfectant to kill off any bacteria. No doubt, with the right cleaning products, you can banish bad smells from your kitchen for good.
3. Get rid of odors in the bathroom and bedroom.
Another likely area in the home where foul smells emanate is the bedroom. Certainly, regularly cleaning your bedroom can help you combat smells for long. And just so you know, your mattress will likely start to smell musty after years of continuous use. A quick fix is to sprinkle some baking soda on the bed before vacuuming it up.
Also, try to leave your closet door open sometimes, especially after hanging freshly washed closed. Even after washing and drying, some clothes might still remain a little damp. That moisture will remain trapped in a closed closet and give off a moldy smell. For a little assistance, a closet dehumidifier will absorb the moisture from the air to prevent any bad smells.
4. Deal with molds and mildews.
In addition to health hazards, indoor molds and mildews have unpleasant odors that can cause a stench in your home. Mildew smells like rotting wood or dirty socks. As for mold, when it grows, it releases certain unpleasant smells. You can get rid of these smells by scrubbing the affected area with bleach. If it persists, engage the services of a professional.
5. Get Tested
If you’ve tried all the above and the smells persist, it’s advisable to get a health checkup. There’s every possibility that your senses are playing a fast one on you. There are reliable tests for olfactory dysfunction which you can take.
Also, believe it or not, the foul smells you’re perceiving could be a warning sign of Parkinson’s. Studies show that Parkinson’s disease alters a person’s sense of smell. Some typical Parkinson’s disease symptoms include amnesia, restless sleep, stiff muscles, and loss of smell.
Clinicians make use of smell tests to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. The best thing to do at this point is to undergo clinical tests. If the diagnosis comes out positive, the doctors will prescribe medications for you.
