Annoying Items to Tidy Up and Simple Methods to Clean Them Effectively
Got a Nasty Smell Lingering at Home? Here's Your Guide to Deep Cleaning Common Areas
By Kayla Boyd, BuzzFeed Staff
If you've been ignoring those hidden odors in your home, it's time to tackle them head-on. Our editors have rounded up five problematic areas alongside the perfect solutions to eliminate those bothersome smells and keep your home fresh and clean.
1. Kitchen Sink
If you can't remember the last time you dusted your blinds, read on.
The Problem:
Stuck with a pesky smell coming from your kitchen sink, and you're clueless about how to make it disappear.
The Solution:
A garlic disposal cleaner that foams up to help break down any leftover food residue. Say goodbye to that yucky, rotting aroma every time you do the dishes.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Seeing is believing. Not only does it do a great job, but you can see it happening. It doesn't just mask the smell and leave a lemon scent like some products, it cleans too and looks fun. Idk. Blue foam comes out and that's good enough for me." - sylvie yah
Grab a pack of four for just $3.78.
2. Dishwasher
Your dishwasher isn't getting your dishes as spotless as it once did and it's whiffing a bit in there. How on earth do you clean the inside of a dishwasher?
The Solution:
A pack of cleaning tablets to the rescue. These bad boys will help remove all the grime from the inside of your machine and get rid of any weird smells and hidden residue.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "After using this product, I am happy to report that my $5 investment saved me over $500. I was ready to replace my dishwasher, due to super cloudy glasses, residue, and just not getting clean. Then I saw a product test review for Affresh in Good Housekeeping magazine. I was ordering some stuff from Amazon anyway, so I added that to my order. I did not expect the results I got! The glassware that I thought was permanently etched and ruined came out like new. Same with cutlery. The difference is unbelievable. I am amazed!" - Sheila
Get a six-pack for $8.95.
3. Shower
Your shower door is looking a bit cloudy, and it's borderline grimy too. But the thought of putting in all that work just to scrub it down again has you considering a minimalist approach to personal hygiene.
The Solution:
A no-scrub weekly shower cleaner to keep soap scum and grime out of your hands. With this miracle spray, you won't have to scrub, just leave it on for 8-12 hours, and then rinse with warm water. It's the ultimate lazy approach to keeping your shower spotless.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Powerful enough to cut through soap scum on my shower door!! I was amazed...I could see the streaks within minutes as the product collected and ran down the inside of the shower door. I used it again the next day to finish off what was there and then weekly since. I have shiny, pretty doors again without scrubbing once!! Also, the scent is so subtle that it's hard to detect. Very happy to recommend this to all!" - Greg n Jeni
Available in two scents, two sizes, and a multipack, priced at $20.98.
4. Dryer Vent
Your dryer is taking ages to get your clothes dry, but other than clearing the lint trap, you're unsure of what else to do about it.
The Solution:
A flexible coil lint and dust brush to tackle the impossible-to-reach lint that's been collecting in your dryer's vent. This little tool can help prevent fire hazards, and it's also great for cleaning crumbs and dust lurking underneath your appliances.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I use one in the dryer filter area and one under the refrigerator. They get dust I can't get any other way. I gave five stars for durability even though I've had them for only a short time. They feel sturdy to last long enough for me." - ASF
Get a bundle of two for $8.95.
5. Blinds
Your blinds are drowning in dust, and it's making your eyes itch every time you look out the window to see if your packages have arrived.
The Solution:
A three-pronged duster made from microfiber to efficiently reach between those gross blinds and get them dazzling clean. Plus, it comes with five microfiber sleeves so you can handle all your windows at once before giving them a good wash.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "A super time saver. It legitimately used to take us hours to clean all the blinds. We can now do all the faux-wood Venetian blinds in the house in about one hour. It's really nice that it comes with some spare cloths for it, and it's cheap enough to buy a whole additional set so we can make more than one kid do this chore at the same time." - R.D.
Costing $6.99, you can choose from two colors.
The reviews for this post have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
Here's a complete guide to eliminating unpleasant odors from different parts of your home:
Cleaning a Smelly Kitchen Sink
- Addressing Odors in the Drain:
- Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to neutralize smells. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with hot water[1][3].
- Regularly use a drain unblocker to prevent blockages that cause odors[1].
- Cleaning the Splash Guard and Drain Filter:
- For sinks with a garbage disposal, gently remove the splash guard and clean it with dish soap and warm water. Replace it if damaged[3][5].
- Clean or replace drain filters to prevent food particles from entering the drain[3].
- Preventing Odors:
- Avoid pouring grease or food residue down the drain. Instead, use a food waste bin or compost[1][3].
- Regularly rinse the sink with hot water to prevent buildup[3].
Cleaning a Smelly Dishwasher
- Regular Maintenance:
- Run a cleaning cycle with baking soda or a dishwasher cleaner once a month to remove buildup and odors[2][5].
- Leave the dishwasher door open after use to dry it out[2].
- Addressing Persistent Odors:
- If odors persist, check and clean the filters or gasket seals for food particles and mold[2].
Cleaning a Smelly Shower
- Removing Mold and Mildew:
- Use a non-toxic cleaner like Branch Basics to remove mold and mildew. Apply the cleaner, scrub gently with a toothbrush, and rinse thoroughly[2].
- Utilize a HEPA vacuum to remove spores before cleaning[2].
- Preventing Moisture Buildup:
- Use the exhaust fan during and after showers. Keep it on for at least 15 minutes after use[2].
- Open the shower curtain or door to air out the area[2].
- Regular Cleaning:
- Regularly squeegee the shower walls and floor to remove water and soap residue[2].
Cleaning a Smelly Dryer Vent
- Removing Debris:
- Use a vacuum cleaner or a specialized dryer vent cleaning kit to remove lint and debris. Always disconnect the power before cleaning[4].
- Check and clean the exterior vent as well[4].
- Preventing Buildup:
- Clean the lint filter after each use to reduce buildup[4].
- Consider annual professional inspection if you notice reduced dryer efficiency[4].
Cleaning Dusty Blinds
- Dusting:
- Use a microfiber cloth or a damp dryer sheet to dust blinds. For vertical blinds, start from the top and work downwards to prevent dust from spreading[4].
- Deep Cleaning:
- For more stubborn stains or dirt, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the blinds and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Ensure the blinds are fully dry to prevent water spots[4].
General Tips
- Regular Maintenance:
- Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent odors and buildup.
- Natural Cleaners:
- Use natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda to reduce chemical use and costs.
- Air Circulation:
- Ensure good air circulation in all areas to prevent moisture buildup and related odors.
- The article provides a solution for a smelly kitchen sink by recommending a garlic disposal cleaner, which foams up to break down food residue and eliminate yucky odors.
- In the context of market-apple-news, the article could discuss a new product from aussiedlerbote, with the product ID e9f144e9914675b0b387810b3f9f8b73, that offers a creditline for home improvement projects to help homeowners tackle problems like a smelly kitchen sink.
- While discussing the deeper cleaning of common areas, the article could mention the importance of regular dusting of blinds to prevent buildup and itching eyes. This cleaning practice could be handled by utilizing a three-pronged duster made from microfiber, like the one discussed in the article.
