In theory, the bedroom should be a quiet, comfortable place. However, if bad smells invade this room, it is difficult to feel at home. Classic air fresheners are often full of toxic and potentially harmful chemicals when inhaled (for example, phthalates are thought to alter the endocrine mechanisms of humans, flora and fauna). Fortunately, there are many ways to make your room smell pleasant again without harming yourself or those around you.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the Bedroom
Step 1. Open the windows
To improve the smell of a room, letting in fresh air is the best method there is. In addition, direct sunlight can eliminate mold and other odor-causing bacteria. Contrary to popular belief, outdoor air can be less toxic than indoor air, as dust, radon and other toxins can accumulate indoors. Open the windows once a day, for at least 5 minutes.
Step 2. Clean the bed
Wash your sheets and pillowcases once a week. Wash the duvet at least at every change of season (every 3 months). If you don't wash your bedding regularly, it can cause bad smells.
Instead of making your bed immediately after getting up, remove the sheets so that the mattress airs out for at least 30 minutes. During sleep, the body releases moisture, which can be transferred to the bedding, creating a breeding ground for mold and bacteria
Step 3. Dust the surfaces
Use a microfiber dust cloth or lemon-soaked rags to add an even fresher aroma to the room. Prepare these cloths in advance and use them for dusting bookshelves, window sills, electronic devices, and so on.
- Mix 250 ml of water, 250 ml of white vinegar and 15 ml of olive oil.
- Soak a few dust cloths in the solution (old t-shirts, underwear, and socks can be recycled this way, and during their second life they can help you clean super!).
- Squeeze the cloths so that they are slightly damp, then arrange them in a glass jar, layering them with the peel of a lemon cut into pieces. Close the container tightly.
Step 4. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
After cleaning the room, vacuuming allows you to remove all traces of dirt from the floor. Don't forget the corners, the area under the bed, the upholstered furniture and even the walls, where dust can accumulate.
- The HEPA filter helps to trap allergens such as dirt and dust, thus preventing them from being released into the air.
- If possible, vacuum 2-3 times a week and wash the HEPA filter regularly.
Step 5. Apply vinegar to the walls
The walls of the room can trap and retain many odors that can be eliminated thanks to vinegar. Mix 60ml of vinegar with 2L of water. Dip a sponge or old face towel in the solution and clean the walls.
Don't worry about the vinegar smell - it will go away once it dries
Part 2 of 3: Eliminating Bad Smells
Step 1. Avoid smoking in the bedroom
Cigarette smoke soaks into clothing and furniture, not to mention that it seriously contributes to air contamination in the home. It would be best to stop altogether to ensure a truly healthy environment for yourself and those around you. If you can't, at least try to smoke outside.
Step 2. If you keep a garbage can in your room, remember to empty it and clean it thoroughly with a rag and spray cleaner
Also try spraying it with an air freshener to get rid of odor-causing toxins.
Step 3. Don't wear shoes in the bedroom
Soles can leave a long trail of unsightly elements, from traces of fecal matter to toxic chemicals found on city sidewalks. Storing your shoes in front of the front door helps to make the bedroom a healthier and more fragrant environment.
Step 4. Use a carpet or carpet freshener
Carpets and rugs can often be a source of bad odors. Spray a commercial deodorant on the surface and vacuum (follow the specific instructions for the product you use). Alternatively, you could make a homemade solution that will give rugs or carpets a fresh smell in no time.
- Mix 110g of baking soda with 100g of borax in a plastic bowl. Then, add 20-25 drops of your favorite essential oil (orange is a natural flea repellent) or 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or cloves (the latter repel moths). Stir until you get a lump-free solution.
- Apply the solution to the carpet or carpet and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum.
- If you are concerned about staining a light carpet or carpet, do not use pure cinnamon or cloves. You can use cinnamon or clove essential oil instead.
- If you are sensitive to strong odors (or someone living with you is), use classic baking soda instead. Just spread it over the surface, leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then vacuum it.
Step 5. Keep pet spaces clean
If you share the bedroom with a 4-legged friend, be sure to also clean the areas where he spends the most time. Get rid of solid waste daily and regularly clean boxes, cages and aquariums.
Part 3 of 3: Using Natural Air Fresheners
Step 1. Arrange the plants in the bedroom
They don't just revive furniture: research has shown that they filter out toxins spread by synthetic materials.
- If you have pets or children, make sure the plant is not poisonous if ingested.
- Make sure you choose plants that suit the conditions in your room. Some need a lot of direct sunlight, while others require more shade. Also inquire about temperature and humidity requirements - instructions are often found on the plant's label.
Step 2. Dab a few drops of vanilla extract on a cold bulb
When you turn off the light, the heat emitted by the bulb will give off a pleasant smell.
Step 3. Make a natural room spray
Commercially available deodorants often contain many harmful chemicals, while a simple solution based on essential oils and water is a viable alternative. Simply mix 60ml of distilled water with 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil in an empty bottle with spray dispenser.
- Lavender is known for its calming properties, while citrus aromas, such as lemon, tangerine, orange, and grapefruit, can be quite refreshing.
- For a variation of this recipe, add 4 g of baking soda to the solution. This way you will have a great furniture deodorant spray.
Step 4. Try natural flavored soy or beeswax candles
Candles create atmosphere and perfume the air with an inviting fragrance. That said, you have to be pretty picky in your choice. Many candles contain paraffin, so they spread cancer-causing chemicals as they burn. Additionally, the wick's material often has traces of lead, and artificial fragrances may contain harmful toxins. Look for soy candles scented with essential oils or beeswax candles, which give off a delicate honey fragrance.
You can also make candles at home
Step 5. Fill a bowl with potpourri
Potpourri is a composition of aromatic elements such as dried flower petals, leaves and spices; it is useful to perfume the room in a lasting way. You can buy it at the grocery store, in a gift shop, or online. Alternatively, it's easy to make it at home: just mix star anise, cinnamon sticks and cloves in a jar or saucer, then place it in your room.
If you are feeling ambitious, you can dry apples and oranges in the oven and add them to the mix. Cut an apple and an orange into very thin slices, arrange them on parchment paper creating a single layer and bake them at 120 ° C for about an hour and a half or until completely dry
Advice
- Listening to your favorite music while cleaning the chamber can make the process more enjoyable.
- You can place a glass of baking soda in the corner of the room to absorb unwanted odors. Replace it from time to time.
