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Here's another great tip from BobVila.com.
If the age-old question, “what’s that smell?” has got you stumped, here’s how to clear the air.
First, know that household odors serve a purpose—they are there to tell you that something is leaking, broken or needs to be cleaned or thrown out. Masking them with other scents or ignoring them won’t make them go away and could actually be hazardous to your health.
Try to localize the odor, troubleshoot possible causes and, if necessary, call a professional to rectify the problem before it gets worse.
Once you’ve taken care of the cause, there are some effective ways to clear up residual odors without using toxic chemicals. New citrus-based and bio-degrading air deodorizers will naturally digest odor-causing substances in trash cans and bathrooms and are easier on the lungs.
To prevent household odors or deal with chronic ones, check for leaks under sinks and water-using appliances and have a plumber inspect your plumbing system to be sure it’s properly vented and sealed.
Change the filters in your air cleaner and furnace on a schedule and keep vent fans in the kitchen and bathrooms in working order.
If you regularly have water in your basement or your crawlspace has an unlined dirt floor, you should consult a basement professional for moisture mitigation solutions to keep the mold and mildew at bay.
Find out more at BobVila.com:
The ultimate home improvement web site!
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