As a Pleasant Ridge renter, you would love to have a home that smells fresh and clean. However, bad smells can easily develop in your home even before any problem presents itself. Spraying air freshener or lighting scented candles are not the ideal solutions for problems like these. They will only mask the smell but will do nothing to eliminate it. The best way to keep your rental home smelling great is to identify the root causes or sources of the unpleasant smells. If you do this, you will surely have a clean and pleasant place to live.
If you notice a bad smell in your house, you should first check your garbage disposal. Rotting food that gets stuck around garbage disposal blades is usually the reason for the bad odors. Getting rid of bad odors in a garbage disposal can be as easy as running the disposal for a minute after putting lemon-scented dish soap or lemon rinds down the drain.
Alongside garbage disposal, humidity can also cause bad indoor odors. If your area has a humid climate, or you notice that condensation often accumulates on your windows, chances are you have way more than the ideal amount of moisture in the air inside your home. Damp rugs, furniture, sponges, and towels can start to mold and smell bad. Using a dehumidifier or fans may help get rid of excess moisture build-up in your rooms. Ensure that towels and rugs are properly dried before storing them or putting them in a hamper. Check and replace your sponges every two weeks as well.
Aside from smells coming from the garbage disposal or high humidity levels, bad smells can also come from other common sources around the house. Unpleasant odors can also come from litter boxes, garbage cans, and diaper pails. These items should be deep cleaned once a month, at the minimum, or even more often if needed. The refrigerator is also one common source of bad smells. Expired food and moldy leftovers can really stink up the house. Clean out your fridge with hot, soapy water at least once a month and throw away anything past its expiration date. Bacteria on the inner surfaces of your fridge can also be removed by wiping down bins and shelves with a mixture of water and white vinegar. Don’t use bleach, however, because its fumes can be unsafe for use around food items.
You could also take this time to refresh your soft surfaces. Fabrics are known to easily trap smells and can make it hard for you to keep your home smelling good. You can also make carpet and upholstery steam-cleaning part of your annual cleaning routine. Keep your carpets and rugs fresh between cleanings by sprinkling them with baking soda and them vacuuming afterward. Urine spots must be cleaned immediately with an enzyme cleaner. This will keep your rugs free from any odors. Washing bed linens, pillows, and other soft surfaces regularly also help in keeping unpleasant odors at bay.
If the unwanted smells still linger even after you have thoroughly cleaned your house, you can try these other ideas. Air out your house by opening the windows. This helps in releasing any trapped odors. You can effectively prevent cooking odors and smoke from getting trapped inside. Scented candles can help deodorize your home and add a pleasant scent. You can also go natural by simmering herbs and fruit over the stove. Citrus slices, lavender, and mint add a pleasing aroma to the air and help get rid of other smells. Take note, as well, that strong scents may not always be best for interior spaces. Avoid overly sweet or pungent scents that can often be overpowering; opt instead for natural florals, citrus, or woods. These subtle scents will surely give your rental home a subtle but pleasant aroma.
If you’re looking for a new rental home to try these tips and tricks in, Real Property Management Advantage has your next home! Check out our listings or call us at 248-259-2575.
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