How to Get Cat Urine Smell Out of Carpet

When our feline friends mistake carpet for kitty litter, unpleasantness almost always ensues.  Our only hope is that we may find the accident before the smell sours and leaks deep within the fibers.  Cat urine smell is one of the less enjoyable parts of owning a cat, however with preventive steps it can be minimized.


 
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In this guide, a range of solutions will be provided for removing cat urine odor for carpet.  By following the below tips, you will be able to increase your odds of eliminating you feline urine-based odor.

 

Suggested Steps

These steps will help you in removing the urine from the carpeting and the underlying padding, and return freshness to your carpeting.

 

1 Step 1: Black Light

Cat urine is often smelled before it is visibly found within the carpeting.  Since the odor can often be challenging to find, it is recommended that you employ the use of a black light to locate the spot of your feline’s accident.  Shut all of the blinds within the house, and survey the rooms in which the odor is coming from with the black light.  Using baking soda, mark the locations that need treatment and open the blinds up to begin working on the spots.

 

2 Step 2: Blot Dry

If the areas you’ve found are still wet it is recommended that you blot to locations with a fresh cloth.  Be sure to press with full force to ensure that you draw as much of the urine from the carpeting as possible.

 
 

3 Step 3: Water Down

Once the majority of the of the urine has been lifted out, pour water onto the spot and proceed to blot this liquid up.  By doing this two or three times, you will be able to further dilute the presence of kitty urine within the carpeting.

 
 

4 Step 4: Enzyme Deodorizer

Finally, pour a veterinary approved enzyme cleaning solution on the location which is emitting the sour odor.  The active enzymes eat through organics like urine and renders them odorless.  Pour this product on the location and provide 24 hours for it to resonate into the carpeting and underlying padding.  After a day has passed, return and blot the majority of the moisture from the flooring.  Enzyme carpet cleaner can be purchased at pet stores and most super markets.

 
 

Alternatives to Enzyme Solution

Often enzyme cleaning solution is not available.  In such cases, the following household ingredients can perform nearly as well in nuetraling the odor and returning the carpet to normal.

 

A White Vinegar

Measure one part white vinegar and two part water and pour over the location of the accident.  Allow this solution to sit for 24 hours before returning to blot dry much of the moisture from the carpeting.  Since the smell of wet vinegar can also be unpleasant, you can expedite the drying process by opening windows within the affected room.

 

B Baking Soda

Mix one part baking soda with five part water and pour contents on the location of the accident.  Provide a minimum of 24 hours for the solution to set before returning to blot dry the moisture from the carpeting.


 
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How to Get Dog Urine Smell Out of Carpet

Even when accidents occur, we still love our canine companions.   However, when our faithful friends pass an unfortunate urine deposit on our carpet, our dedication often falls short of removing the stench.


 

With a range of cleaning options, it can be challenging to find the proper household solution for neutralizing this unwelcome aroma. In this guide, there will be a variety of effective remedies for ridding yourself of  doggy urine-based odor.

 
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Suggested Steps

The following steps are key for removing urine from the carpet and neutralizing all of the residual odors.

 

1 Step 1: Blot Dry

Begin by pressing down of the urine spot with a dry cloth.  This will work to absorb much of the urine from the carpeting and the underlying padding.  To soak up the deep down moisture place body weight behind the press to ensure more urine is brought to the surface.

 

2 Step 2: Water Down

Once the majority of the urine is drawn out of the carpeting, pour water on top of the location and proceed to press dry the location.  After doing to two to three times, it will have the effect of further diluting the urine percentage within the carpeting.

 
 

3 Step 3: Enzyme Deodorizer

Most veterinarians recommend using an enzyme deodorizer. The  power of activated enzymes works to eat through the remaining organic odors left from the urine.  Pour enzyme carpet cleaning solution on the spot of the carpeting and allow for it to set within the carpeting for a minimum of 24-48 hours.  After one to two days, return and blot dry the moisture from the carpet allowing the remaining moisture to air dry. Enzyme cleaning solution can be purchased at pet stores and most super markets.

 
 

Alternatives to Enzyme Solution

When enzyme solution is not available, there are other formulas that can have a similar effect in drawing out lingering urine odors.  Both baking soda and vinegar are effective ingredients at neutralizing odors within carpeting to return them to normal.  Follow step one and two above, and then use one of the below solutions.

 

A White Vinegar

Mix a formula of one part white vinegar and two parts water and pour within the affected portion of the carpeting.  Allow the vinegar to set into this spot for 4-8 hours before returning to blot dry the location.  The windows within the room can be opened to epedite the drying process of the remaining moisture.

 

B Baking Soda

Develop a mixture of one part baking soda with six parts water and pour on the location of the accident.  Allow for the baking soda formula to set in and absorb the odor for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to blot dry the majority of the moisture from the carpeting.


 
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How to Get Smell Out of Cotton Rug

As with anything that is meant for the floor, there is an accumulation of filth and grunge with time. Rugs characterize this as people sit, walk-on, and drag them around.  It should come as no surprise that after all of this treatment that rugs can develop grimy residue and begin to smell.


 

Depending upon the use of the rug’s cost and the particular filth that has rubbed off, there are several different approaches to cleaning and removing odor built up the rug.  By following the below tips you will be able to increase your odds of having a stink-free rug back in it’s usual decorative position.

 
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Washing Solutions

The benefit of cotton rugs is that you can usually run them through the washing machine.  When placing them through one rinse and spin is not enough the following solutions can be helpful.

 

1 Hot Water

The cotton fiber open up when placed within a hot water wash and allow easier access of the detergent.  Be sure to place this on the hottest setting before running the cotton rug through a detergent wash.

 
 

2 Wash Again

Often, washing a the rug a second time will help in getting any residual odors that were not swept away during the first rinse.  A second detergent wash may be all that is needed to return the cotton rug to normal.

 
 

3 Baking Soda

Baking soda works well at absorbing odors and adding freshness to a load of laundry.  To give the rug an extra boost, add a half cup of baking soda within a normal detergent wash.

 
 

4 White Vinegar

This solution works well at getting deep within cotton rugs and neutralizing odors.  Measure a cup of white vinegar and pour within a normal detergent wash cycle.  To add an extra kick, hang the cotton rug outside to air dry rather than running through the drying machine.

 
 

Solutions Without Washing

For more delicate cotton rugs, using the washing machine may not be an option.  In such cases, there still exist options for removing odors and adding freshness back within the rug.

 

1 Hang in Sunlight

Placing the rug outside within direct sunlight can help to neutralize the odor.  The fresh air, open space and UV rays all help in wiping the odor out and carrying away any unwanted aromas.  After allowing the rug to hang for 24 hour return

 
 

2 Lemon Juice

The chemicals within citrus fruit can work wonders in removing the odors from rugs.  Mix three teaspoons of lemon juice with a cup of water and pour within a spray bottle.  Mist down the entire rug with a heavy coat of vinegar and hang to air dry.  The citric acid will often cut through the odor producing organic and render it odorless.

 

3 Sprinkle Borax

Borax is highly effective at drawing out odors from cotton rugs. Place the cotton rug within a remote corner of the house and sprinkle borax over the entire rug in high quantities.  Allow for the borax with sit for 5-7 days before shaking the rug off outside and placing the rug back within it’s old position.

 

4 Activated Charcoal

The process of using activated charcoal is slow, but effective.  Place activated charcoal briquettes within nylon leggings and place lay along the end of one side of the rug.  Proceed to rolls the rug around the nylon enclosed briquettes and place within a heavy duty trash bag.  Keep rug within trash bag for 5-7 days and remove after a week has passed.


 
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How to Get Burnt Smell Out of Microwave

We have all done it while following label directions of the popcorn package.  In the wreckage of our post-popcorn destruction, we often question what we have done wrong, and what we must do to remove the burnt smell that is left behind.


 

Though it may seem like this smell will never go away, there exist several steps that can be followed in removing the burnt popcorn smell baked within the walls of the microwave.  In this guide, a wide range of preventive steps and cleaning tips are offered for returning a microwave to it’s fresh original state.

 

General Household Solutions

1 Open Door

Immediately after popcorn or other foods have burnt within the microwave, leave the door open to allow for it to aerate. If the door is closed immediately after something is burnt it can condense and intensify within the microwave.

 

2 White Vinegar

White vinegar works well in breaking down smoke-based odors.  Fill a microwavable safe bowl with water and four teaspoons of white vinegar. Place the bowl within the microwave and run the appliance for 6 minutes.  This will help in spread warm vinegar stream within the interior and covering any residual odors.

 

3 Baking Soda

This household substance work great at absorbing odors.  Fill a microwave safe bowl with water and mix in 5 teaspoons of baking soda.  Place the bowl within the microwave and run for 6 minutes, allowing the steam to cover the walls of the microwave.  Allow for an hour to pass while the baking soda works to absorb much of the odor from the walls.  After removing the bowl, use a damp sponge wipe down all of of the walls of the microwave.

 

4 Real Vanilla

The smell of vanilla is very effective in covering unwanted smoke-related odors.  Fill a microwave safe bowl with water and mix in four teaspoons of vanilla.  Place the bowl within the microwave and run for 6 minutes.  Allow the moisture the sit on the walls of the microwave for 30 minutes be for returning to remove the bowl and wipe down the walls.

 

5 Lemon Juice

The citric acid within lemon juice works wonders in cutting through the smokey odors within the microwave.  Measure five teaspoon of lemon juice and mix within a microwave safe bowl of water.  Place bowl within the microwave and run on for 6 minutes.  Leave microwave door closed for a full hour before opening it to wipe down the lemon juice moisture from the walls.


 
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How to Get Smell Out of Tupperware

After cleaning out the back of your refrigerator, you’ve found a mysterious tupperware container containing an unknown smelly matter.  After dumping the contents into the trash, washing it out thoroughly and allowing time to dry, the off-putting odor is still present.


 

This smell is often the result rotten food which has been infused within the plastic of the tupperware.  While there is often nothing that you can do to minimize rotten food bleaching the clarity of the plastic, you can often do something to remove the odor.  By following the tips below, you will be able to increase your chance of putting your tupperware container back into active status.

 

Smell Removal Solutions

 

1 Hot Water

The use of hot water helps in expanding the plastic container to allow for dish detergent to get in and wipe out residual odors.   Fill sink with hot water and with 3 teaspoons of dish detergent and dunk the tupperware containers in mixture.  After leaving the containers to sit overnight return and rinse off to return to rinse off.

 

2 Vinegar

Pour one part white vinegar and 3 parts water within the tupperware container and seal lid.  Shake the tupperware and allow for it to sit overnight before returning and pouring the contents out.

 
 

3 Baking Soda

Place five teaspoons worth of baking soda within the the tupperware container, before closing the lid and shaking thoroughly.  This will cause the baking soda to cover the walls of the container for better absorption of unwanted odors.

 
 

4 Bleach

This substance works well at wiping out residual odors within a variety of plastics. Fill the sink with hot water and add a half cup of bleach within the mixture.  Submerge the tupperware within the solution and allow for it to site for 2-3 hours before returning to wash it off.

 

5 Crumpled Newspaper

Newspaper works well at absorbing odors within enclosed spaces.  Crumple up newspaper and stuff within the interior of the tupperware and close the lid.  Allow the tupperware to sit for 24-48 hours as the newspaper  slowly extracts the unwanted aroma from the plastic siding.  After this time has passed, throw newspaper away and enjoy freshened tupperware.

 

6 Vanilla Extract

Fill the tupperware half way up with water, and add 3 teaspoons of vanilla to the mix.  After closing the lid, give the tupperware container a good shake allowing the substance to cover the side of the tupperware.  Allow the tupperware to site for 5-8 hours before returning to pour the substance out and rinse the interior.  Much of the smelly odor will be wiped away and replaced by a freshened vanilla smell.

 

7 Sun

If all else has failed, place the tupperware outside within the sun to sit for 24-48 hours.  The open space, fresh air and UV rays will all help in freshening the container.  Be sure that you leave the container open, and leave it facing upwards for the process.


 
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How to Get Smell Out of House

No one wants their house to smell of an off-putting odor.  Stenches can creep up and quickly fill entire rooms and deprive the air of freshness.


 

There are countless things that can make your home smelly.  Yet, there remain only a handful of household formulas that can remove the odors.  Thanks to these solutions almost any odor can be eliminated within your household.

 
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General Household Solutions

General tips apply to nearly all smells within the household.  By following these solutions, you can be sure that you’ll minimize any odor.

 

1 Open Windows

The first step to clearing an odor from your house is to open the windows.  Allowing a gentle breeze to sweep through the house will carries much of your unwanted aroma off and adds freshness within your home.

 
 

2 Remove Smelly Things

If you identify the source of the odor, put the smelly item outside as soon as possible.  Doing this will often solve the problem and entail no further cleaning.

 
 
 

3 Baking Soda

This household substance is a cornerstone in the fight against odor.  Sprinkling this powder over most odor-filled spills will usually be enough to absorb the unwelcome aroma.

 
 

4 Vinegar

This substance does wonders in getting deep down within fabrics and surfaces to neutralize odors.  Whether it is used to deodorize the laundry, carpeting or furniture, it is almost always successful.

 
 

5 Vodka

This alcoholic  substance works wonders on short notice.  By pouring vodka within a spray bottle, you can simply mist down smelly areas of the house and allow them to air dry fresh.

 
 

Smoking Smells

Smoke odors are one of the most challenging odors to remove within a home.  Once the smoke gets deep down within fibers and surfaces it is usually a struggle to remove the smell.

 

1 Walls & Ceiling

You will need to wash down the walls and ceiling surfaces with a solution of bleach.  Mix one part bleach with six parts water and scrub down all of the wall and ceiling surfaces within your home.  Leave windows open during this process to allow for fresh air and faster evaporation.

 

2 Baking Soda

Sprinkle heavy amount of baking soda over the entirety of the carpeting.  Allow for the powder substance to sit for 24-48 hours before returning to vacuum the powder up.  Much of the smoke-bade odor will have been absorbed within the baking soda, leaving freshened carpeting behind.

 

For more solutions on removing smoke odors from your home, click here.

 
 

Urine Smells

Household urine odors can come with their own set of challenges as it is often difficult to find the source of the spills.  The following household solutions help in finding these locations and neutralizing the odors.  In preparation, you will need to purchase a black light and enzyme cleaning solution at your local pet store.

 

1 Black Light

Once you’ve purchased a black light, shut all of the blinds within your house ensuring that the interior is in darkness.  Turn on the light and begin surveying the floor in search for pet urine stains that will glow under the light.  When spots are found, pour a small amount of baking soda over the spot as a marker until it can be properly treated.  Once completed, open the the blinds and move forward with cleaning the spots.

 

2 Enzyme Cleaning Solution

Active enzyme products are invaluable solutions for eating through harsh organics like pet urine.  Return to the marked locations and pour enzyme cleaning solution over the entire area of the flooring.  Allow this solution to sit for 24 hours before returning to blot up the excess moisture.  Once the remaining solution evaporates, you will be left with freshened flooring.

 

Deodorizing a home often requires a deep cleaning, and this Redbeacon video on house cleaning offers some fun solutions on getting this job done:

 

 


 
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How to Get Smell Out of Carpet

Carpet is a collection zone for tracked filth, spills and even bodily fluids. With much use, it should come as no surprise that unpleasant odors can often creep up on it without notice.


 

Since we spend so much time living on top of this flooring, it is important to know how to clean and freshen it.  Accordingly, this guide outlines a wide range of smells that can develop within carpet and provides unique solutions for removing them.

 
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Mildew Smell Removal

Once mildew odors get within carpet, the smell can be very challenging to remove.  The smell of mildew is representative of the existence of mold within the carpet, which means that you must also kill off mold to make the problem go away.

 

1 Step 1: Shampoo

Develop a solution of 5 teaspoons of shampoo with a half gallon of hot water, and pour on the location.  Using a cloth, begin scrubbing down area.  Pay extra attention to remove all of visible mold from the carpeting.  The shampoo will help the lift any discoloration and clean the spot.

 

2 Step 2: White Vinegar

White vinegar works well in getting deep within the carpeting fiber and reaching the underlying padding.  Mix a formula of white vinegar and water in equal parts and pour liberal amounts of this substance over this spot.  Allow this spot to sit for 3-4 hours, before returning to blot the area to remove as much moisture from the carpeting as possible.

 

3 Step 3: Enzyme Deodorizer

Finally, return with an enzyme carpet cleaner and pour this product over the area of the mildew odor.  Similarly, allow this substance to sit for a minimum of 3-4 hours before blotting the remaining moisture left from this substance up.

 
 

4 Step 4: Fan Dry

Run a fan pointed at the location of the mildew to aid the carpet in a faster drying process.  For added measure, open the windows during the day to allow for ventilation.

 
 
 

Vomit Smell Removal

When vomit gets within carpeting it is never a pleasurable experience.  The longer you wait to clean the vomit, the more resistant the odor becomes.

 

1 Step 1: Scoop

Scoop up all of the vomit as soon as it hits the carpeting.  Using a flat edged instrument like a spoon can be helpful for scooping up the  the substance.  Keep in mind that the faster you treat the accident, the less likely it is to get deep down within the fiber and padding.

 

2 Step 2: Shampoo

Mix 5 teaspoons of shampoo with a half gallon of water and pour on top of the spot.  Rub and blot the area to allow the soap to lift the bits and pieces of the throw-up to the surface.  Continually scoop this soap from the surface to remove any remaining acidic debris.

 

3 Step 3: Enzyme Cleaner

Once the surface becomes visibly clean, pour enzyme cleaner over the location.  The activated enzymes within this formula eats through any odor producing organics or acids left within the carpeting and padding.  After 3-4 hours, return to blot some of the excess moisture, leaving some remaining to air dry.

 
 
 

Urine Smell Removal

Deodorizing urine from carpeting is not a pleasant activity.  When you get done scolding the perpetrating piddler, the following steps will help in returning the carpeting back to normal.

 

1 Step 1: Blot

Blot as much urine from the carpeting as possible.  Using several paper towels press down with you entire body weight to absorb the majority of the urine spill.

 
 
 

2 Step 2: Detergent Mixture

Mix a solution of 4 teaspoons of dish detergent with a gallon of warm water.  Pour half of the contents on the location of the urine spot, and proceed to blot the formula from the carpet.  Once the solution has been blotted up, repeat instructions with the second half.

 

3 Step 3: White Vinegar

Vinegar will directly counteract the ammonia and help in removing any residual odors. Mix a half gallon solution of vinegar and water in equal parts, and pour on the spot.  Let the formula sit for 1-2 hours before returning to blot up the moisture.


 
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How to Get Smell Out of Drain

After years of the washing dishes, bits of food and gunk can build up within the drain of the kitchen sink.  The rotten odor developed can be very unpleasant and cause an unwelcome aroma within the entire kitchen.


 

When this happens, it is important to combat the build up causing the odor within the pipework .  This guide will provide a range of solutions for breaking down the smelly substance within your drain to return fresh air within your kitchen.

 
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Break Down Solutions

Before washing the unwanted substance down the drain you will need to loosen it from the walls of pipework.  You can do this by using a variety of different chemical compounds.

 

1 White Vinegar

Measure a half gallon of white vinegar and pour down the sink the kitchen sink.  Allow this substance to set into the pipework for an hour before using the faucet or washing it down with boiled water.  Vinegar is often just as effective as bleach, and provides a more natural way to clean the sink.

 

2 Bleach

Pour a half gallon of bleach down the drain.  Allow a minimum of 30 minutes for it to set in before washing it down.  The bleach will eat through much of the gunk causing odors and loosen the bit and pieces up to be washed away.

 
 

3 Baking Soda

Mix a formula of 10 teaspoons of baking soda to one gallon of water, and pour the contents down the drain.  Allow 2 hours for the baking soda to absorb much of the unwanted odors before running the faucet or pouring hot water down the sink.

 
 

4 Lemon Juice

Mix one full cup of lemon juice with a half gallon of water, and pour contents down the sink.  The citric acid within lemons will cut through much of the odor producing residue, and loosen it to be washed away.  Allow 2-3 hours to pass before running sink or pouring boiling water down the drain.

 
 
 

Wash Down Solutions

Once you have neutralized much of the odors, you will want to wash the remainder of the odor producing bits away.  This can be done in large part by boiling water and including some additive to give it an extra boost.

 

1 Boiling Water

Get close to a gallon of water to a boil, and proceed to pour it down the drain.  The hot water will loosen the remaining hold that the gunk has within the pipe and wash it away.

 
 

2 Dish Detergent

This solution can be added to the pot shortly after the water has reached a boil.  After adding 3 teaspoons to the boiling water, pour the contents of the pot down the sink.  The dish soap will help in further breaking down any tough oils or residues.

 
 

3 Pure Vanilla Extract

For added effect, add 3-4 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract to a pot of boiling water prior to pouring it down the sink.  This will help in masking any remaining odor, and leave a fresh scent of vanilla within the kitchen.


 
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How to Get Smoke Smell Out of House

Tobacco odors are not something you want lingering within house.  Whether you smoke two packs a day or moved within a house that has been smoked in, the constant smell of tobacco odor can be unpleasant to anyone.



 

There are several household solutions for removing this odor and returning freshness to a home.  This guide will work to provide odor removal tips for you to reach your goal of getting the stench out of your house.

 
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Quick Solutions

Often, there is not enough time to completely wipe out the smoke residue before having guests over.  When this happens, you can use the following suggestions to mask the air within your home on short notice.

 

A Open Windows

Allowing fresh air to sweep through your house can do wonders in reducing that amount of odor that builds up within your home.  If you are planning to have visitors plan on leaving the windows open an hour prior to their arrival.

 

 

B Air Freshener

These devices take awhile to get warmed up, but work well over longer periods of time.  Within a few hours of plugging a freshener within your home, you will be able to enjoy a freshened aroma.

 
 

C Febreze

This product works wonders within a short period of time.  Simply spray down the areas of your house where the majority of the smoke odors area exist.  While this will mask the odor for a short period time, it is by no means a long lasting solution.

 
 

D Candles

Candles can help in burning musty air and replacing it with a freshen scent.  Placing candles in the smokiest rooms of the house and burning them for 30  minutes can majorly reduce the detection of tobacco odors.

 
 
 

Long-term Solutions

If you really want to remove the tobacco odor for visitors or for home resale, you will need to remove the residue at it’s source.  These requires the laborious task of cleaning the walls, ceiling, carpeting, furniture and clothing.

 

Walls

A Step 1: Bleach

Bleach is the most effective ingredient for removing smoke residues from walls and ceiling.  Mix 1 part bleach with 6 parts water and scrub down the all of the walls and ceilings within your house.  Be sure to have open the windows before beginning this process to allow for ventilation and faster drying.

 

B Step 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda

If residual smell persists after washing the walls and ceiling down with bleach you can apply a formula of vinegar and baking soda to remove the remaining odors.  Mix 1 part baking soda, 1 part vinegar and 8 parts water to create the solution.  After the bleach has dried, wash all of the walls and ceilings down with this solution and open windows to allow it to air dry.

 

Carpeting

A Baking Soda

This household substance is very effective at absorbing and removing odors.  Sprinkle high quantities of this powder over the entirety of the carpeting leaving no area untouched.  Allow baking soda to sit for 24-48 hours before returning to vacuum from the carpeting.  If the tobacco smoke has gone through the fiber and into the underlying padding it can be challenging to remove.  If this is the case, you may need to seek the help of professional carpet cleaners.

 

Linens

A Wash Clothing & Linens

If you have smoked within close proximity of your closet, you may need to remove all of your clothing to and wash them.  This can be a lot of work, but if they smell of tobacco you do not want them stinking up your house.

 
 

Furniture

Removing smoke residues from furniture can vary based upon the material that is is constructed from.  Fabric, leather and wood furniture all need different treatments.

 

A Fabric

If the furniture is made of fabric, your best option will be to use a steam cleaner to get deep down within the fiber.  The shampoo washes out much of the smoke residue and neutralizes the smell.  Place the piece of furniture outside in the shade to allow for it to air dry.

 

B Leather

The best product for this is Orange TKO.  This product is made naturally from orange peels, and the citric acid works in cutting through the smoky residues that cling to leather furniture.  Pour some Orange TKO on a cloth and wipe down the entire surface of the leather furniture.  For added measure, you can also pour baking soda within the lining to freshen the cushion.

 

C Wood

Similar to Orange TKO, the citric acid within lemon oil eats through the smoke residues on the wood’s surface.  Apply lemon oil to a cloth and wipe down the entire surface of the furniture’s wood.


 
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How to Get Smell Out of Starfish

Like many sea dwelling echinoderms, starfish have become a prized item among people visiting the beach.  Unfortunately, when starfish have not completed their decomposition process, they can emit an unwelcome aroma.


It may seem like the starfish stink will never go away, as it requires time and treatment to successfully neutralize the odor.  By following the below tips, you will increase your odds of eliminating your starfishy funk.

Soaking Tips

Soaking a starfish prior to drying helps in neutralizing much of the decomposition odors.  Drying the starfish without first soaking it will lead to a worse odor-filled drying process.

1 Baking Soda

Soak starfish within a mixture of baking soda and water for 48 hours.  Once Starfish has fully absorbed mixture, much of the odor will be neutralized and it will be ready for drying.

2 Bleach

Place in a solution of bleach and water for 24 hours.  After a full day of soaking, much of the odor will be removed, leaving the starfish ready to dry.

3 Boil in Alcohol

Place starfish within a boiling pot of alcohol and water in equal parts.  Let starfish sit for a minimum of another 60 minutes before removing to dry.

4 Soak in Alcohol

A water and alcohol solution works great at neutralizing much of the remaining odor.  After letting the  Starfish soak for 24 hours, it will be prepared for drying.

5 Fresh Water

This is the ideal solution if you wish to go chemical-free.  Letting the Starfish soak in fresh water straightens the legs out and prepare it for drying.  Ideally, allow starfish soak for 24-48 hours within fresh water before placing it out to dry.

Drying Tips

Once you have neutralized much of the rotting smells within the starfish, you must then lay the starfish out to dry. The following tips will ensure that it is dried with straight arms and free of odors.

1 Weigh Down Corners

It is easy to forget to weigh down the corners during the drying process.  However, when this is not performed it can have nasty consequences when the starfish legs begin curling up.  Use small weights at the end of the arms to ensure that this does not happen.

2 Cardboard + Pins

A sure-fire alternative to weights is by pinning the starfish on a piece of cardboard.  Place the starfish on top of the cardboard, and strategically place pins through the arms and into the below cardboard.  This will ensure that no arm curling occurs so that the starfish maintains it’s original structure.

3 Dry Far Away

Many people seem to underestimate the foul stink of starfish during their drying process.  For this reason it is very important to place them within high, hard-to-reach corners of the exterior of your house.  Placing them atop the garage roof is a common spot as this location provides a dry, sunny, remote place for them to make their final transformation.

4 Keep Clear of Dogs

Our canine companions seem to love these sea dwelling echinoderms.  The more that they smell, the greater the allure that they possess.  While drying, take extra precaution to place the starfish in a location out of your dog’s reach.  If your dog does get hold of it, it will smell twice as bad when he throws it back up.

5 Go Small

The smaller the starfish, the less time it will take to remove odor.  By only selecting small starfish, you will minimize the need for a long-lasting odor removal process.


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