How to Eliminate Bad Odour From Your Flats: An Expert Overview

Think back to your childhood home and remember some joyful memories. The wonderful smells of food wafting from the kitchen, the strong fragrance of jasmine in the summers, the crackling woody smell of bonfires in winter – these are likely to be the most wonderful memories you have. Scientific research suggests a strong connection between smells and memory functions. Here are some tips from experts to eliminate bad odour from your flat. 

• The Usual Suspects

Trash cans, pet litter boxes, pet beds, plant beds etc., are the common suspects when it comes to finding the source of bad odour in the household. Despite regularly emptying them, these areas tend to retain an unsavoury smell. Cleaning them out regularly with soap and water, scrubbing them, and spraying them with disinfectant can help limit the odour. Pet beds must be washed and sundried regularly to eliminate the odour.

• Moisture Traps

Moisture and mould are one of the main causes of your home smelling musty. This is a rather common problem in flats and apartments during the monsoon season when clothes do not dry out quickly. Consider investing in a dehumidifier or a drier for your home. Ensure your clothes are fully dry before you fold and put them away.

• Deep Clean The Cleaners 

We are used to household appliances that make life easy for us but often forget that many of these require regular maintenance and deep cleaning. Clear out the refrigerator weekly and use soap to clean the removable shelves. Use water with slices of lime to remove stale odours from the microwave. Your washing machine, too, requires deep cleaning once a fortnight. Use tablet cleaners and empty out the lint filter each time you clean.

• Hard On Soft Surface

Carpets, curtains, cushions, and upholstery absorb moisture during the hot and humid months and start to smell. Regular vacuuming is an easy way to remove dust and dirt from these, but occasionally, you may need to use professional services to help shampoo your carpets, deep clean your upholstery, and dry clean your curtains. Machine wash and dry your cushions and soft toys if they are washable.

• Scent It Up 

While most experts agree that a zero odour or neutral state is the best option, there are times when we want our homes to smell fragrant. Essential oil diffusers, dried potpourri packs, scented candles, etc., are good solutions to make your home smell beautiful and cover up mild odours. However, it is best to avoid strong room sprays, agarbattis, and incense that could smell smoky or cause allergic reactions.

• Spot Attention

Some areas of the home require extra love and attention. Places like bathrooms and kitchens tend to retain a lot of odours. This may be a problem with the ventilation system. Install an electric chimney in the kitchen and an exhaust fan in the bathroom if possible. Use smaller trash cans that will make it necessary to empty them more regularly. Keep any composting bin you may have in the garage or the yard.

• Closet Cleanse 

Most of us love the idea of an overflowing cupboard but forget that every piece of clothing or accessory we own may require regular maintenance. Heavy silks, winter clothing, shoes etc., tend to attract moisture and mould and become smelly. Remember to take them out regularly and air them. Get professional cleaning help when necessary.

Final Thoughts

Keeping the windows open and letting in fresh air is the best way to eliminate odours. So let nature work her own brand of magic and keep your home smelling divine.