How to Make Your Home Smell Good

Smells can evoke certain memories and emotions stronger than any other sense can.  This is because, smells go through our nose and olfactory pathways directly to the hippocampus–which can remind us of memories and feelings without us being directly aware of it.

I’m sure you have experienced catching a whiff of something–fresh baked cookies, mown grass, or even the chlorine from a pool–that brings you right back to another time in your life.  With scent being such a powerful experience for people, we really don’t want the scent of our homes to make a bad impact on us or guests.  In addition to keeping your home’s air clean and safe to breathe, let’s talk about making it smell good.

What can cause home odors?

Odors in the home can come from many different things.  Some are temporary–such as an overflowing diaper pail, microwaved fish, or the feet of a family member who didn’t wear socks in the heat today.  Others seem to linger for much longer.  Here are some common culprits of more permanent home odors.

1. Appliances

Dishwashers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, and front-loading washers all have the ability to become stinky if they are not cleaned regularly.

2. Shoes, coats, clothes

If your mudroom or area by the door constantly stinks, it might be from damp jackets, sweaty shoes, and other items of clothing that have gotten wet or dirty and haven’t dried out properly (or, are in need of a good wash!)

3. Mildew

Kitchens, bathrooms, and even the air conditioner can all be breeding grounds for mold, which can cause that tell-tale musty ‘old home’ smell.

4. Urine

Pet accidents, toddler accidents, or just poor aim in the bathroom, can lead to a lingering urine smell on carpets or in the bathroom.

How to Fix that Smell

Good habits

One of the best ways of avoiding a smelly home is through establishing good habits such as regularly cleaning appliances and rooms.  Sometimes, things will need a little extra effort.  For example, sending rugs out for professional cleaning, or calling in an expert for mold removal.

Quick tricks

Who better to know how to make your home smell good on a moment’s notice than a realtor?  So, here a few from realtor.com to help your home smell fresh, warm, and inviting.

Baking. Who doesn’t like the smell of fresh baked goods?  Baking up some cookies, even if they are just break and bake can make your house smell like a domestic paradise.

Bars of Soap. Setting out a bowl filled with unwrapped bars of soap can make the bathroom smell fresh.  Another tip?  Hide some in the linen closet to freshen that up as well.

Dryer Sheets. Dryer sheets are not just for the dryer!  They can be used in shoes to get rid of stink as well as in drawers and cabinets.

Candles. A good scented candle can make your home smell fantastic.

Simmering Cinnamon. I’ve heard that some cooks always like to make sure that their kitchen smells nice while cooking or baking because the food will absorb the scent.  This is why simmering ingredients such as cinnamon, vanilla, and cloves on your stove top can be a great pre-baking tradition.

Looking for more information for keeping your home’s air fresh?  Contact us at FLAME Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical!