Introduction
We’ve all had that awful moment where you’ve walked into your home and in the middle of taking a deep breath of relief that you’re home you’re hit with a SMELL. Regardless of the source, this is typically a pain to deal with. So how can you quickly neutralize odors in your home using natural methods?
It turns out that there are a lot more options than you’d think! Read the tips and advice below to discover all of the different ways you can naturally deodorize your home quickly and efficiently with things you probably already have sitting around the house!
White Vinegar
Vinegar is one of those miracle products that just seems to help with everything. Need to clean a mirror but you’re out of window cleaner? Vinegar. Looking to wipe down your countertops but you’re out of your normal cleaning products? Vinegar. Well, guess what? Vinegar also can help neutralize odors naturally!
“If the source of the smell in your home is in a specific area, maybe from a spill or a pet accident, vinegar can be applied to that spot on the rug, couch, or floor,” says Alex Czarnecki Founder & CEO of Cottage. “Vinegar contains acetic acid which is a powerful deodorant. It can even be simmered on the stove to act as a whole-home deodorizing agent if there is an especially pungent smell you’re trying to get rid of.”
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another fantastic deodorant that you probably already have on hand. Baking soda, like vinegar, can be used in a couple of different ways to deodorize your home. Baking soda absorbs smells and can prevent odors from forming in the first place, or it can be used to counteract an odor that appears suddenly.
“Many of us know the trick of keeping baking soda in our fridge to ward off funky fridge odors,” says Sara Adam Slywka, Co-Founder and CMO of Nesting. “However, baking soda can be used as a deodorant in a few other ways too. You can combine it with essential oils and sprinkle it into your carpets or cushioned furniture to act as a deodorizing agent or you can make a paste to scrub an area like your microwave that may hold onto odors for a prolonged period of time.”
Essential Oils
These are one of the favorite choices for many who are seeking natural ways to deodorize their homes. Many of you probably already have oils or a diffuser sitting around your home. Sure, essential oils smell great, but did you know that some oils actually neutralize odors too? That’s right! While you might have thought that essential oils were simply masking the smells of your home, they may have actually been fighting them for you.
“There are several essential oils that can help neutralize odors in your home while providing other benefits as well,” says Michelle Arnau, CEO of Rowan. “Oils such as lemon, lemongrass, rosemary, lavender, tea tree, and orange can help with deodorizing even the funkiest of spaces. Lemongrass specifically is known to be a fantastic pet-safe deodorizer.”
Spice Cabinet Supplies
A great way to quickly create a pleasing aroma in your home is to boil spices and other ingredients to ward off those icky smells if you have guests on their way or you just want to freshen up the space with a new aroma. Check out what our expert had to say about the ingredients you can try out to customize the scent to your liking.
“There are several ingredients that are probably hanging out in your spice cabinet that can quickly bring a wonderful aroma to your home with minimal effort,” says Liza Kirsh, CMO of Dymapak. “Cinnamon, cloves, pumpkin pie spice, ginger, and vanilla or almond extract can make your home smell like you’ve been baking away and create that wonderfully comforting aroma.”
Soy or Beeswax Candles
Soy and beeswax candles have become more and more popular over the last few years. These natural candles allow you to burn a pleasant smelling wax without the fear of other unnatural elements or toxins being released as they’re burning. Look around your local area and you’ll likely find a small business or candlemaker that you can support by purchasing their products to deodorize your home naturally.
“Soy and beeswax candles are so much better for your home and your health than pure paraffin wax candles,” says Kevin Callahan, Co-Founder & CEO of Flatline Van Co. “Paraffin wax burns at a lower burn point which means it releases a significantly higher amount of soot and other materials used in the candle into the air that you’ll end up breathing in. Soy and Beeswax candles have little to no paraffin wax which means they’ll burn hotter and eliminate all of the impurities so there’s nearly no soot to be released into the air and you’re simply left with a fantastic smell in your home.”
Natural Room Sprays
Natural room sprays are often made with essential oils and other natural ingredients and are meant to be sprayed in the room similar to an air freshener. These sprays can be used to deodorize your couches, curtains, rugs, and more!
“Creating a natural room spray isn’t super difficult,” says Ben Hyman, CEO of Revival Rugs. “You can combine your favorite oils, carrier, and alcohol of some sort along with water to create a mist customized to your taste. There are also plenty of natural room sprays available at supermarkets and online retailers as well.”
Homemade Potpourri
Potpourri is a classic way to make your home smell wonderful and deodorize spaces. You can make potpourri yourself by gathering ingredients that you love and creating your own. There are so many options when it comes to making your own natural potpourri.
“Gather supplies like dried flowers and pinecones and use them as your base. This will be super simple if you have your own garden, otherwise, you can buy flowers at a local market or greenhouse to use,” says Michael Van, CEO of Furnishr. “Select colors and materials that will mesh well with the style of your space. Once you’ve dried out your plant material, you can mist them with a blend of oils and natural fixatives to create a lasting fragrance that can continuously deodorize a space naturally.
House Plants
House plants are wonderful options for deodorizing a space naturally. Neutralize odors with house plants by selecting varieties that are known to help with purification and deodorization. Not only will this spruce up your space, but it’ll provide you with fresh, clean air.
“Plants are a wonderful addition to any space,” says Justin Soleimani, Co-Founder of Tumble. “They bring life and color to the space but there are also several varieties that will deodorize your home naturally as well. Snake Plants, Peace Lilies, and Boston Ferns are just a few that will help neutralize odor naturally.”
Conclusion
While a smelly home is inconvenient and annoying, you can be prepared by knowing how to use the options above the next time you come home to an unpleasant aroma. By using ingredients you have on hand, you can combat and neutralize odors with natural ingredients.
Prevent odors from showing up by keeping baking soda in your fridge and making potpourri for your home. You can also purchase certain plants to help purify the air and neutralize odor in your home.
If you need to neutralize a spontaneous odor, ingredients in your spice cabinet or essential oil supply may be able to come to the rescue. Create room sprays, boil ingredients on the stove, and combine with baking soda to freshen up your home. White vinegar is also a great neutralizing agent to use in a pinch when you have a smelly area.
Hopefully, these tips and tricks help you in your search for natural ways to neutralize odor in your home!
