by Amber Benge

Created on: February 21, 2008

You don't have to spend a lot of time or money to keep your home smelling fresh. Cooking dinner, changing diapers, and keeping a pet indoors can leave your house smelling like yesterday's trash, but a few quick fixes will reverse the nasty odors and control the everyday smells.

If the smell is coming from your kitchen, start by boiling some vinegar to neutralize the air. Next, make a little box from tin foil and fill it with a few tablespoons of vanilla extract. Turn the oven onto "warm" and carefully place the box inside. Let it continue warming until the sweet vanilla scent fills your kitchen.

When pet odor fills your home, try using baking soda to eliminate the odor. Baking soda can be sprinkled in the bottom of the litter box, to keep your cat's area smelling fresh. If Rover did his business on your favorite rug, baking soda can help. Mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil with some baking soda sprinkle it over the soiled carpet. Let it stand for fifteen minutes before vacuuming. This should remove the stain and the smell.

Essential oils can be used for cleaning almost any part of the home. If you prefer to avoid the more expensive and hazardous chemical cleaners, invest in a few great essential oils. They last forever and will keep your house smelling great! Tea tree and lavender oils are great antibacterial agents. Mix a few drops with water to make your own cleaning solution. If you prefer to stick with store-bought cleaner, rinse all surfaces afterward with a mixture of one pint water and four drops lavender oil. This will keep your home smelling great for days.

There are many air fresheners on the market today that will keep your smelling fresh with no effort on your part. Try the plug-in air fresheners that disperse a light fragrance for several weeks at a time. It is amazing how a spiced apple air freshener can trick you mom into thinking you actually took time to bake a pie. Pumpkin scents are perfect for fall and cranberries or pine give off a great winter smell. Citrus is a fresh spring and summer choice.

An inexpensive stovetop potpourri can be made anytime. Place orange, grapefruit, and tangerine peels in a pot of water. Add cinnamon sticks and cloves for a warm, delightful smell. Bring the water to a boil and then let it simmer for as long as you wish. Add more water as you need to. This is a great way to keep a sweet smelling kitchen while you cook. It is also a neat way to make your house smell fabulous while you do some quick clean up before entertaining guests. Even when you don't have time to detail clean your home, people will judge your cleanliness by house your house smells. Even if it's a little cluttered, a great smelling home will always leave a nice impression.

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