How To: Remove household odors

Life stinks. Literally. Daily living leads to lots of lingering smells. Household odors from cooking, kids, pets, bathrooms, and guests can accumulate. Get rid of them with some simple remedies.

You Will Need

*Baking soda
*Essential oil
*Cotton balls
*Plastic containers
*Lemon juice
*Mineral oil
*Sponges
*Food-grade hydrogen peroxide
*Microwave-safe bowl
*White vinegar
*Bleach
*Activated charcoal

Step 1: Dispose of offenders

Remove anything growing fur or moss that's not a pet or a plant.

Step 2: Absorb stink

Place open boxes of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odors. To absorb smells throughout the house, place a few drops of lemon, orange, or peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball, and place in a container with a perforated lid.

Step 3: Scour cutting boards and counters

Scour wooden chopping blocks with a paste of lemon juice and baking soda or salt. Season with mineral oil.

Step 4: Sanitize surfaces

Sanitize countertops and other surfaces by sponging them down with a mixture of one part 35 percent food-grade hydrogen peroxide to 11 parts water.

Step 5: Clean microwave

Mix 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Run the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. Wipe the inside.

Tip: Throw lemon wedges in the water to add a fresh scent.

Step 6: Clean cat litter

Empty the litter box, pour in an inch of white vinegar, and add baking soda and water. Let it soak for a few minutes, scrub, rinse and dry. Soak, scrub, and add baking soda on the bottom before refilling.

Step 7: Deodorize toilet and drains

Scrub the toilet bowl with vinegar. Pour a ½ cup of bleach and a ½ cup of water down drains to prevent odors.

Step 8: Use activated charcoal

Fill containers with activated charcoal and place in areas affected by mold and mildew.

Fact: You can peel onions under cold water, or refrigerate or freeze them before chopping to prevent tears.