The smell is the very first thing that people notice when they enter your Sugarloaf apartment. While all homes and apartments have a distinct odor, we must admit that some apartments smell better than others.
According to professionals, a clean apartment should smell like nothing at all. But as we all know, it’s almost impossible to make an apartment smell like nothing. No matter how much you clean it and what products you use, your living space will always have a distinct scent. If you aren’t quite pleased with how your Sugarloaf apartment smells, here are 3 simple odor-improving tips that will make your living space smell amazing all the time.
- Use an Odor Neutralizer
Before using any cleaning products that add a scent, it’s important to deep clean your apartment and then use an odor neutralizer. Unlike air fresheners that only cover up bad smells, odor neutralizers eliminate foul odors completely. How do odor neutralizers work? In a nutshell, these products initiate a chemical reaction that is able to eliminate the bacteria or germs that are the source of malodors. Currently, you can find different types of odor eliminators, including scented and unscented plug-ins, sprays, gels, and charcoal-based products. For the best results, professional cleaners recommend using odor neutralizers before bringing any fragrance into your living space. For persistent foul odors, you can also use an air purifier.
- Clean and Deodorize Soft and Porous Surfaces
Soft and porous surfaces, such as carpets, area rugs, upholstery, throw pillows, curtains, and any other textiles you use to brighten up and add personality to your Sugarloaf apartment can absorb and hold onto unpleasant odors for a long time. What’s more, odor-causing bacteria can easily develop after a spill dries or after dirt gets wiped away from a porous surface. Not to mention excess moisture, which may cause mold to grow particularly on natural fabrics.
If there is a musty odor lingering in your Sugarloaf apartment, the first thing you should do is measure the humidity level in your apartment. If it is above 60%, a dehumidifier can help you get rid of excess moisture and mold along with the annoying musty smell.
If there is an unidentified malodor throughout your apartment, the source of the problem could be your carpets, area rugs, upholstery, throw pillows, and curtains. In that case, you should thoroughly vacuum the carpets, area rugs, and upholstery, and then steam clean them. You could also apply a fabric odor eliminator, following the label instructions for use.
Besides vacuuming and steam cleaning on a regular basis, another thing you can do to keep your Sugarloaf apartment free of unpleasant odors is to sprinkle a freshener powder over your carpets, areas rugs, and upholstery. Let the powder sit for at least 30 minutes and then vacuum the items thoroughly. By simply adding a freshener powder to your cleaning routine, you can keep your Sugarloaf apartment smelling amazing all the time. And the really good news is that you can find different non-toxic, natural freshener powders that are completely safe for both people and pets and come in a wide variety of scents.
Additionally, make sure that you clean any biological stains, such as an accident from your pet, using an enzyme cleaner. Unlike regular cleaning products, enzyme cleaners break down biological stains more quickly and efficiently. As well, you should wash your throw pillows and curtains regularly, according to the instructions on the label. To keep your throw pillows and curtains smelling fresh, you could apply a multi-use fabric freshener as often as needed.
- Clean Your Drains and Dishwasher
If there is a foul odor coming from your kitchen or bathroom, sniff around your sinks, shower, drains, and dishwasher. Because in many cases foul smells come up from drains, you should clean all of your drains and the dishwasher occasionally.
When it comes to cleaning drains, professional plumbers don’t recommend using chemical drain cleaners. That’s because these products usually contain corrosive chemicals, such as lye and sulfuric acid, which can damage the pipes.
The best way to get rid of foul odors coming from sinks and showers is to run extremely hot water down the drains to soften residue buildup, following up with dishwashing liquid. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you can also pour a mixture made from equal parts of vinegar and baking soda down the pipes and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then, rinse with very hot water. Or you could use a commercial enzyme drain cleaner to clean your drains once a month. Besides keeping drains clean and odor-free, enzyme drain cleaners also prevent clogs. If the bad smell comes from your dishwasher, follow the cleaning instructions in the manual.
As you can see, keeping your Sugarloaf apartment smelling amazing all the time isn’t too difficult. Regardless of whether you live alone or with a roommate, or you have kids or pets, at least some of the tips presented above should work for you.