8 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR HOME fresh and fragrant
Try these fuss-free, pursefriendly odourbusters
If you have pets, make sure you regularly clean their bedding to prevent nasty whiffs lingering. Vacuum it first to remove any fur and dirt, using the upholstery tool. Then go over it with a lint roller or some sticky tape rolled over your hand – it’s important to remove as much fur as possible to prevent it sticking to the inside of your washing machine. Also remember, the smellier the dog, the smellier your house! Use quality pet shampoo that lifts away odours and keeps your pooch beautifully fragrant, try Dirty Dog Deodorising Shampoo, £9,
Pets at Home.
If your cat causes a lingering smell by peeing on the furniture, don’t use ammonia to clean up as the smell can encourage them to re-offend! Baking soda and vinegar, while a bit smelly itself, works to remove the lasting odour of sprayed cat urine, because vinegar is an acid that neutralises the alkaline salts which form in dried urine stains. A solution of one part water and one part vinegar can be used to clean walls and floors.
Banish bin odours forever with this antibacterial remedy. Put four drops of eucalyptus essential oil into the bottom of an empty bin, before replacing the bag. The aroma will last for at least 24 hours, while the oil prevents the growth of bacteria and fungus. Please note, this isn’t suitable for wicker bins.
If your carpet’s kicking up a stink, the answer’s in your store cupboard – bicarbonate of soda. Simply sprinkle it on dry carpet – and on soft furnishings – leave for one hour or overnight, then vacuum off.
It’s never been more important to keep your home clean and hygienic. And, thanks to Zoflora, which has recently been proven to kill the Covid-19 virus, you can do just that and make your living space wonderfully fragrant at the same time. Dilute one capful of Zoflora Sparkling Spruce, £1.48, into 400ml of water either into a trigger bottle or a sink of warm water. Use the diluted solution to wipe down surfaces with a clean cloth.
By using diluted Zoflora to clean the work surfaces, you are not only making sure food preparation areas are virus and bacteria free, but it will keep the kitchen smelling fresh and fragrant for up to 24 hours, too. You can also use the diluted solution all over the house, in your bathroom and to wipe items that people touch such as light switches, door handles and TV remotes.
As well as smelling stale, your pillows can harbour dust mites, which why it’s important to keep them dust-free and fresh. Our favourite Queen of Clean, Anthea Turner, recommends choosing a day when the weather is good, then washing your pillows at 60ºC and popping them outside to dry. When completely air dry, place in the tumble dryer with two clean tennis balls to help plump them up. You’ll have to give a good shake, but they will end up being as good as new. To keep your bed fresh, make sure you vacuum your mattress when changing the sheets and give your mattress protector a wash at least once a month.
Sort out a stuffy room with this nifty hotel housekeeper trick. Soak a cotton wool ball with five drops of lavender essential oil, then pop it in the bag of your vacuum. It will release a wonderful fragrance while cleaning.
Plants are known for their ability to clean indoor air, while adding more oxygen to the room and act as a stress-reliever – what’s not to love?! Try ferns, orchids, peace lily, philodendron, golden pothos, anthuriums, or palms.