You know that ultra-fresh, citrus-kissed scent that greets you when you walk into the lobby of a luxury hotel? Do you ever wish your home could smell like that and start looking into how to make your house smell good? You may fantasize about your home having a signature scent that makes it feel like a clean, safe sanctuary, but life (and reality) can sometimes get in the way.
Whether it’s a smelly dishwasher, mysterious shower drain smells, pets, kids, or even unwanted moisture, there are many side effects of everyday life that can fill your home with a less-than-pleasant scent. If you can’t figure out where that ghastly odor is coming from, check these likely causes—you might find the culprit where you least expect it.
Your Trash Can
This one seems obvious—garbage stinks, after all. Little spills and crumbs can build up over time and form bad odors inside your can that linger even when you take out the trash bag (you should empty the trash regularly, of course). To deal with the lingering smell right away, use an odor-eliminating spray, which actually eliminates rather than covers up unpleasant odors. It provides a burst of freshness to clear the air in your kitchen quickly.
To clean the can properly, spray it with diluted bleach and let it sit for a few hours, says Abe Navas, general manager of Emily’s Maids housecleaning service in Dallas. Rinse it with plenty of water and then use soap to wash it out.
Another solution: Designate one trash can for “dirty trash” and take it out every day, even if it isn’t full, says Jennifer Snyder, a Waco, Texas-based certified professional organizer and owner of Neat as a Pin Organizing & Cleaning.
