Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Have a better smelling house in the summer
You would think that summertime would bring more pleasant smells into our houses, but that is often far from the truth. Your house can end up smelling worse in the summer if you don’t keep up with maintenance and home cleaning. Even with air conditioning there is more moisture in the air that encourages the growth of odor causing microorganisms. Warmer temperatures and humidity amp up any lingering odors and cause bacteria to grow quickly. Here are some sources to pay attention to in order to stay ahead of odor and bacteria.
Garbage disposal. Your garbage disposal works hard to grind up food scraps, but some lingering scraps can start smelling in the warm months. There is an easy fix. Pour boiling water down the drain followed by one cup of white vinegar and half a cup of baking soda. Let it sit for five minutes then rinse well with boiling water. For an even fresher scent mix equal parts lemon juice and baking soda and let it sit for an hour, then rinse with boiling water.
Trash cans. Garbage cans are another smelly place in both winter and summer. A good weekly wash with soap and hot water should keep odors at bay, but if not try washing with one cup of baking soda in a gallon of warm water. Many bad smells are acidic in nature and the baking soda will neutralize that.
Refrigerator. The refrigerator is another place where bacteria can grow with the moisture of summer — not to mention the many times it is open. A weekly wipe down with baking soda and water will help. The old-fashioned box of baking soda open in the fridge really works well too to reduce odors. Expose as much of the surface as possible to help with odor absorption.
Microwave. The microwave is one of the most used appliances in the kitchen. Wipe up spills as soon as possible before the humidity increases the odor. Place a cup of white vinegar in a microwave safe bowl along with a couple tablespoons of lemon juice. Heat on high for 5 minutes. Leave in the microwave for another five minutes then remove and wipe down the interior with a damp cloth.
Rugs and carpets. These can harbor a lot of bacteria and pollutants, and this can cause odors especially in the warmer months. It’s best to remove shoes when in the house to lessen tracked in bacteria and dirt. Vacuum at least twice a week and steam clean every 6 months.
Couches and chairs. Our seats get a workout in the summer. Vacuum and turn over couch and chair cushions weekly. You’ll be surprised at how much dirt and crumbs collect there. Clean yearly. Check for a code on one of the cushions. Code W means it can only be cleaned with a water based cleaner. Code S can only be dry cleaned, and it should only be professionally cleaned.
Decorations. Curtains and throw pillows also accumulate dust and odors from around the home and should be cleaned seasonally or at the least vacuumed. Check the care instructions to see if you can toss them in the washer or if they must be dry cleaned.
Pets. Pet beds and blankets need to be laundered weekly. Wipe down crates regularly. If you smell pet odors on upholstered furniture, use an enzyme cleaner. You can use a handheld steamer for older stains, combining the water with white vinegar. Litter boxes should be washed monthly when you replace the litter
Bedroom. While you are sleeping your body is shedding dead skin, not to mention sweating and releasing saliva! Wash your bedding regularly. Vacuum your mattress and follow with fabric spray.
Bathroom. Your bathrooms of course are a haven for bacteria raised by moisture year-round. Ventilate as much as you can to cut down the humidity. Use an all-purpose cleaner and pay attention to what’s going on behind hanging towels or pictures.
Air conditioning. And lastly, have your HVAC system serviced yearly to keep it working efficiently. Replace filters regularly. Make sure your system is the right size for your needs, since an improperly sized system can cause organic growth like mold and mildew.
Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago
