When we clean we get rid of dirt that accumulates in piles. We scrub build-up from kitchen use. The scummy feeling in the tub is wiped until its slick. When faced with an odor, however, we often are stumped on how to clean it up. There are deodorizers, cover-up fragrances, and simply hoping it will go away by itself.
What if it doesn’t? How do you clean away odor? Don’t fret. WhoCanHelp has steps you can follow to take the smell away.
The process is simple and you can use things that are probably already in your pantry. You will need chlorine bleach, tri-sodium phosphate, apple cider vider vinegar, baking soda, lemons, air conditioning filter, and gloves.
Open up windows to allow proper ventilation for the process. The fumes can potentially cause dizziness and shortness of breath. A fan might also be a helpful tool.
If the smell is on clothing, bedding or fabrics and regular washing has not deceased the smell, use the following procedure: Using your plastic gloves, mix 5 Tbs of Tri-sodium phosphate, 1 cup of chlorine bleach and 1 gallon of water together in bucket or large bowl.
Soak garments in solution for 5-10 minutes and then launder as usual. Rinse out twice to ensure all chemical compounds are gone. Then air dry. Change your air-conditioning or furnace filters.
Often odor particles linger in the filter your HVAC system. If odor problems persist, you may need a professional duct cleaning service – an easy hire at WhoCanHelp.com!
If the odor is coming from floors, mix the same clothing solution as above and wash the floors with the solution. Make sure to rinse thoroughly.
Is the smell from the fridge? The fridge is a “cold bed” for bad smells. Unplug the refrigerator and wash with a solution made from 1 cup vinegar, the juice of three lemons and a gallon of warm water. Scrub the fridge thoroughly and smells will abate. Always a good idea to have baking soda in the fridge during normal use too.
If smells are still lingering it could be your insulation! Smells cannot be cleaned or deodorized if it gets trapped in insulation (think fire damage and cigarettes.) To rid this type of lingering odor, you will need to replace the insulation with new raw material.
Take a whiff, smell that? It’s the sweet scent of WhoCanHelp to the rescue. Until next time Toucans!
