As a Thousand Oaks renter, you would like to be in a home that smells fresh and clean. But unpleasant smells can quickly develop at home before you even notice there’s a problem. Spraying air freshener or lighting scented candles are only band-aid solutions. The smell will only be masked for a while but it won’t be eliminated at all. The best way to ensure your rental home smells nice is to identify and address the sources of unpleasant smells. Once done, you can enjoy your clean and pleasant home.
Garbage disposals are the most common causes of bad smells in the house. The bad odors from garbage disposals are usually caused by food that gets stuck around the blades and starts to rot. You can remove bad odors in garbage disposal by putting a bit of lemon-scented dish soap or lemon rinds down the drain, turning on the water, and then running the disposal for a minute.
Aside from garbage disposal, humidity also causes bad indoor odors. Humid climates or too much condensation on your windows are signs that the air inside your home is holding too much moisture. Damp rugs, furniture, sponges, and towels can start to mold and smell bad. You can use a dehumidifier or fans in rooms that often have moisture build-up. You should also make sure towels and rugs are completely dry before your store them or throw them in a hamper. It also helps to replace sponges every two weeks.
Once you have addressed any problems with the garbage disposal and humidity levels, but the smell still remains, you can check these other common sources of bad smells. Some of the likely suspects are litter boxes, garbage cans, and diaper pails. Deep cleaning is required for these items. You can do this at least once a month, or as often as necessary. Bad smells can also come from your refrigerator. You will not believe the stink that expired food and moldy leftovers can cause. At least once a month, empty your refrigerator of any item past its expiration date and then scrub the shelves with hot, soapy water. You can also use a mixture of water and white vinegar to wipe down the interior surfaces of your fridge to get rid of the remaining bacteria. Do not use bleach because its fumes make it unsafe for use on food contact surfaces.
This would also be a great time to refresh your soft surfaces. Fabrics can trap bad smells and keep your home from smelling nice. You can have your carpets and upholstery steam-cleaned once a year. Baking soda sprinkled on to carpets and rugs also help freshen them up. Make sure to vacuum them thoroughly afterward. Immediately clean urine spots with an enzyme cleaner. This will prevent any bad odors from building up. It is best if bed linens, pillows, and other soft surfaces are washed regularly so they don’t accumulate bad odors.
If after cleaning your house thoroughly, you still notice unpleasant smells, you can also try these other methods. Open your windows to air out your house and release any trapped odors. This effectively prevents cooking odors and smoke from staying in your house. Deodorize your home and add a pleasant scent by using scented candles or by simmering herbs and fruit. Citrus slices, lavender, and mint have a nice aroma and can help replace other smells. Bear in mind that strong scents are often not the best picks for interior spaces. Avoid overly sweet or pungent scents that can quickly become overpowering. You can use natural florals, citrus, or woods instead. These subtle scents can give your home a subtle but pleasant aroma.
If you’re looking for a new rental home to try these tips and tricks in, Real Property Management Limitless has your next home! Check out our listings or call us at 805-702-7800.
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