Cleanliness is not merely a visual concept; rather, it’s multi sensory. For example, a place may appear clean but still be—for lack of a better word—stinky. Therefore, it’s not truly clean.
Indeed, the presence of foul odours and lingering smells can significantly impact the overall cleanliness of a space. Thus, if you want your home or office to be truly clean, then you should go beyond what the eyes can perceive.
Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. There are many things that can cause unpleasant, lingering odours, which you may or may not be able to easily address.
Below, we discuss a few key things about the causes of bad smells and provide practical tips to get rid of them so as to ensure clean, health, and pleasant atmosphere for all:
Causes of Foul Odours and Lingering Smells
Some of the most common sources of foul odours and lingering smells, both at home and in the office, include food, pets, and stale air. Other causes include smoke, a mould infestation, dead animals, and stuck sewage. Odours can also get trapped in your HVAC system’s vents, or seep into porous surfaces and fabrics.
The good thing is that you can always hire commercial cleaners like Crewcare to perform a thorough job of cleaning so you don’t have to worry too much about nasty smells accumulating in your living and working space.
Tips to Neutralise and Remove Odours
Of course, keeping your home or office clean isn’t just the responsibility of your hired cleaners. Ultimately, it’s your space and it’s primarily upon you to keep things in good order for everyone’s health and safety.
Fortunately, there are many simple ways you can neutralise or remove odours. Here are some suggestions that you can easily implement, whether at home or in the office.
Use natural deodorisers
Natural deodorisers, such as baking soda, activated charcoal, and vinegar, are highly effective in absorbing and neutralising odours. In the kitchen or pantry, you can place bowls of baking soda in and let it absorb lingering smells overnight; do note that it may take for stronger smells to disappear.
Outside the kitchen or pantry, you can use decorative containers for activated charcoal or baking soda for better aesthetics and then place these containers strategically within a space to absorb unwanted odours. Make sure to replace the activated charcoal or baking soda every month or so.
To remove odours from carpets, you can sprinkle baking soda on them before vacuuming. Meanwhile, you can use vinegar to clean surfaces that have lingering smells.
Clean or change air filters regularly
Dirty air filters can become traps for unpleasant odours and can also recirculate dust, allergens, and other harmful substances in the air. To maintain a safe and healthy environment in your home or office, make sure to clean or change your air filters based on the recommended schedule by the manufacturer.
Dispose vegetable peelings properly
Some people have a habit of throwing vegetable peelings into their trash bin. Unfortunately, vegetable peelings rot very quickly and can become a source of unpleasant odours if left in the trash bin even just for a few hours.
To prevent any foul, lingering odours from pervading the air, make sure to dispose of vegetable peelings separately. If you have a compost bin, put the peelings there. If not, pack them tight in a sealable, compostable bag to prevent odour formation.
Wash trash bins regularly
Trash bins get dirty and smelly over time. If you don’t clean them every so often, they will start emitting unpleasant odours even when they’re empty. Simply put, you need to wash your trash bins regularly. Fortunately, all you need for this task is some soapy water and some disinfectant.
To slow down the accumulation of smells, use trash bin liners. You can also sprinkle some baking soda in the trash bin to help neutralise odours.
Avoid smoking indoors
Smoking indoors not only affects air quality, but also leaves behind a strong and persistent odour. It’s important for offices to establish designated outdoor smoking areas to prevent the smell from permeating indoor spaces. At home, make sure to smoke outside and away from upholstered furniture, curtains, carpets, and other soft surfaces.
Clean and disinfect upholstery
Because of the porous nature of fabrics, upholstery can absorb odours easily. Make sure to regularly wash and vacuum sofas, chairs, curtains, and other soft surfaces in your home or office, following manufacturer guidelines. Doing this will remove trapped odours and keep them in good shape for a long time. Consider using fabric refreshers or baking soda before vacuuming for added freshness.
Maintain pet hygiene
Pets can contribute to lingering odours if you don’t bathe and groom them regularly. Besides the pets themselves, you should also clean their bedding and toys; it’s also crucial to vacuum any pet hair or dander to minimise pet-related odours.
Final Reminders
Foul odours and lingering smells can detract from the overall cleanliness and appeal of a home or office. By addressing these odours proactively, you can create a fresh and inviting space for all. Embrace these tips to banish unwanted odours and enjoy a clean and pleasant environment that truly feels like home or work.
Remember, a space free from foul odours is not only visually pleasing but also promotes a healthier and more enjoyable experience for everyone.