How to Clean Your House to Have a Fresh Smell

A clean and fresh-smelling home creates a welcoming and comfortable environment for you and your guests. So today, I’ll guide you through a step-by-step process on how to clean your house to have a fresh smell and achieve a refreshing fragrance that lingers in every corner.

By establishing a cleaning routine, organizing belongings, deep cleaning carpets and furniture, refreshing bedding and linens, and addressing specific odor sources, you can transform your home into an inviting sanctuary. Additionally, I’ll share the use of natural cleaning solutions and odor absorbers to create a pleasant ambiance without harsh chemicals. Let’s dive in!

Establish a Cleaning Routine

To maintain a fresh-smelling home, it’s crucial to establish a regular cleaning routine. Set aside dedicated time for cleaning each week, so you can tackle different tasks systematically and prevent dirt and odors from accumulating. Create a checklist of cleaning tasks to ensure nothing is overlooked. By following a consistent routine, you’ll be able to maintain a clean and fragrant home effortlessly.

Get Rid of Unnecessary Items

Clutter can trap odors and make your home feel stuffy. Start your fresh-smelling journey by
decluttering and getting rid of unnecessary items. Donate or discard items that you no longer use or need. By minimizing clutter, you’ll open up space and allow air to circulate freely, reducing the chances of unpleasant smells lingering in your home.

Deep Clean Carpets and Rugs

Carpets and rugs can harbor dust, dirt, and odors, impacting the overall freshness of your home. Regular vacuuming is essential, but periodic deep cleaning is also necessary. Use a carpet cleaner or hire professional services to clean your carpets and rugs deep. This process will help remove deep-seated dirt and eliminate any lingering odors, leaving your floors fresh and rejuvenated.

Clean and Refresh Curtains or Drapes

Curtains and drapes can absorb odors and trap dust. Regularly vacuum or shake them to remove loose dirt and dust. If they are washable, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to launder them and refresh their appearance. For non-washable curtains, use a fabric refresher spray to eliminate odors and give them a pleasant fragrance.

Refresh Bedding and Linens

Clean and fresh bedding and linens contribute significantly to a pleasant-smelling bedroom. Experts recommend washing your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets every week to eliminate sweat, dirt, and odors. If you have pets that sleep in the bed, experts recomment washing every 3-4 days. It may be a hassle to wash weekly, so it’s a good idea to have at least two sets of sheets.

To wash bedding, use a gentle, fragrant laundry detergent to add a fresh scent to your linens. Consider using fabric softeners or dryer sheets for an extra touch of fragrance. Making your bed with clean sheets each day will give you a refreshing start and promote a clean-smelling bedroom.

Clean Appliances for a Fresh-Smelling Home

Household appliances can harbor odors if not cleaned regularly. Pay special attention to the following appliances to ensure a fresh-smelling home:

• Refrigerator: Clean the interior, removing any spills or odorous items as soon as possible. Personally, I like to clean out my frige the day before garbage pick up so I don’t have food sitting in the trash, which attracts flies. According to the USDA, use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to eliminate mildew inside, remove shelves to clean with water and detergent, and do a sanitizing rinse with 1T. unscented bleach to a gallon of water. To elimate odor in the freezer, use baking soda in an open container or freezer baking soda boxes.
  ● Oven and Stove: Remove stains and grease from the oven and stove surfaces using
  appropriate cleaners. Clean burner grates and drip pans thoroughly to eliminate lingering odors. Learn how I clean my oven racks >> How to Clean Oven Racks without Harsh Cleaners.
  ● Dishwasher: According to experts, dishwashers should be cleaned at least once monthly to prevent odors and to maintain optimal performance. Clean the interior and remove any residue or food particles in the dishwasher filter that can cause odors to develop. To clean gime build-up inside the dishwasher, add a cup of vinegar in a dishwasher safe bowl to the top rack and run through a hot water cycle. There are also commercial dishwasher cleaners that can be used, like this one >> Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner.
  ● Washing Machine: Monthly washing machine cleaning is recommended to prevent lime and grime build-up. To clean, add 2 cups of vinegar to the detergent compartment and run a hot cycle to help elimiate odors detergent build-up. This will help clean the drum and dispensers to prevent mold and mildew growth. If your washer has a self-cleaning cycle, run it monthly to eliminate odors and maintain a fresh-smelling laundry area. Here’s a washer cleaner to try >> Glisten Washer Magic Machine Cleaner.

Eliminate Odors

Even with regular cleaning, certain areas of your home can develop persistent odors. Here are some additional steps to help eliminate them:

• Prevent Mildew and Odors: Keep your bathrooms and damp areas well-ventilated and dry. Regularly clean shower curtains, tiles, and grout to prevent the growth of mildew and mold, which can cause unpleasant smells. I have a Teen Bathroom Cleaning Checklist and a 30 Day Bathroom Cleaning and Organization Challenge to help maintain a clean bathroom.
• Clean Lint Trap and Vent: Regularly clean the lint trap in your dryer and ensure the vent is clear. Lint buildup can lead to musty odors and pose a fire hazard. To help keep your dryer vents clean, use a dryer vent cleaning kit or dryer vent brush.
• Address Specific Odor Sources: Take targeted actions to eliminate odors from specific sources like trash cans, pet areas, or diaper pails. Use appropriate cleaning products or deodorizers to tackle these specific odor sources.
• Use Natural Cleaning Solutions: Natural cleaning solutions are effective alternatives to chemical-based cleaners. They are safer for you, your family, and the environment. Try these natural solutions to maintain a fresh-smelling home:
  • Natural Odor Absorbers: Baking soda and activated charcoal are excellent odor absorbers. Place open containers of baking soda or charcoal in areas prone to odors, such as refrigerators, closets, or shoe cabinets.
  • DIY Air Fresheners or Potpourri: Create your own air fresheners using essential oils, citrus peels, or herbs. Simmering potpourri on the stove or using essential oil diffusers can infuse your home with a natural and pleasant fragrance.
  • Houseplants for Natural Fragrance: Certain plants, like lavender, jasmine, or eucalyptus, release delightful scents. Place these plants strategically around your home to naturally freshen the air.

Enjoy a Fresh Smelling House

Maintaining a clean and fresh-smelling home requires some effort, but the results are worth it. By following the steps above, you can establish a cleaning routine, eliminate odors, and use natural solutions to create a refreshing home ambiance. Then all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the benefits of a fresh-smelling living space.