An unpleasant smell within a lunch box can build over a few days of neglect or after several months of use. Once the smell builds, it can often be incredibly challenging to deodorize the stink and return the box to its former freshness.
Fortunately, there are a handful of household remedies that work to eliminate food-based stenches. By following the below solutions, you can be sure that your lunch box will be stink-free and smelling like new.
Smell Removal Solutions for Lunch Box
1 Get Rid of Rotten Food
In most cases, the foul smell of residues within a lunch box are the result of food being left within the lunch box and subsequently spoiling. Although removing all rotten from the box may come be common sense, we thought that we would mention it none the less. After removing the rotten food bit, you will be able to evaluate the need to further treat the box with of of the below deodorizing solutions.
2 Soapy Scrub & Sunshine
Although this may be something that you have already tried, it remains effective in eliminating most lunch box odors. Mix a solution of dish detergent with hot water and scrub down the interior of the lunch box. Once completed, proceed to wash down the interior with fresh water to lift out any soap residues. Finalize by placing the lunch box outside within the sun until all moisture has naturally evaporated away.
3 Baking Soda
This household powder has fantastic odor absorption capabilities and can work well in freshening the interior of the lunch box. Begin by wiping down the interior of the box with a war soapy mixture. Before the moisture dries out, scoop 1/4 cup of baking soda and drop them within the lunch box. Proceed to seal the lid of the box and give it a good shake for 60 seconds to ensure that all of the walls of the box are sufficiently covered. Allow to box to sit for 24-48 hours while to powder works to pull in all unwanted odors. This solution and be finalized by sweeping out the loose baking soda from the lunch box after this waiting period has passed.
4 White Vinegar
Similar to baking soda, white vinegar is another kitchen ingredient that works well in eliminating odors on the spot. Mix a solution of white vinegar and water in equal parts within a small bowl. Using a clean sponge proceed to completely wipe down the interior of the lunch box. Once completed, leave the box open for the white vinegar solution to naturally evaporate away.
5 Newspaper + Vanilla Extract
If other methodologies have been ineffective, newspaper dipper within vanilla can do wonders in absorbing and covering rotten food odors. Wad up several sheets of newspaper until you are certain that the quantity will be sufficient to fill the space within the box. Next, dip the edges of the newspaper balls within a solution of one part vanilla extract and three parts water. Stuff the dipped balls within the lunch box, seal the lid and allow the box to sit for 24-48 hours. Once completed, open the lid and remove the newspaper balls from the case.
6 Coffee Grounds
Many people do not know that coffee grounds can be an effective odor absorbent. Fill the bottom of your lunch box with a half cup of coffee ground and close the lid. After 24-48 hours have passed, the grounds will have worked to absorb the unwelcome odor and left a subtle aroma of coffee beans behind.
Photo Credit: Per-Olof Forsberg
[contact]
Regularly drinking water will help in ensuring that you maintain fresh smelling breath. Water helps the mouth in staying hydrated and makes sure that bacteria does not become stagnate and grow. This is important because bacteria is one of the largest contributors to bad breath.
Many claim that eating an apple a day will do much to remove the negative effects of bad breath. While this is only a temporary solution, the crispy fiber does a great job in cleansing the mouth getting rid of excess plaque that may be causing the problem. Similarly, bananas also can have a positive effect if you are out of apples.
This solution has been used for generations to cover up bad breath. While most any candy or gum will have some short-term positive effect, ones that are naturally supplemented with cinnamon or ginger will have a much greater effect.
Both hydrogen peroxide and astringent mouthwash can be effective at removing bad breath. When selecting mouthwash you can usually spot the astringent variety by it’s intense blu or green coloring. While all mouthwashes work, ones that only use high alcohol levels to kill bacteria will not be as powerful.
It may sound gross, but many people fail to brush their teeth on a daily basis. Be sure that you are different, and always brush you teeth during both morning and night before going to bed. As a general rule, if you are brushing for less than 60 second, you can be doing a better job in cleaning your teeth.
Much of the odor producing plaque that causes bad breath lives in the cracks and creases of the gum line and between the teeth. Flossing will help you reach these difficult location the snap out any bacteria grim that may be causing you mouth to smell. Make sure that you are flossing daily to prevent unwanted buildup.
People rarely scrape their tongue, but this remains an important step in fighting the odorous bacteria within your mouth. The are countless groves and seams within your tongue where bacteria can grow. Scraping your tongue on a daily basis will ensure that this area is kept clean and clear of plaque.
Both of these ingredients are known perpetrators of bad breath. If you are eating high quantities of these white vegetables of a regular basis, they may just be the source of you problem. As a preventative measure you can either test your own breath or ask a friend to smell you exhale after eating either of these ingredients at a restaurant.
Besides being harmful to your health, smoking cigarettes on a regular basis can have a negative effect on your breath. Regular smokers should consider cutting back on there habit or stopping altogher if they are regularly combating a stale smoker’s breath. If quitting is not an option, the following guide can provide some extra ideas for freshening breath on the short term: Guide: 
If you are doing everything you can to reduce staleness within your breath with no success, your particular problem may be a medical one. During your next visit to the doctor bring up your problem and ask if it may be indicative of any larger problems.
It is important to always keep dog related debris off of the flooring. Regularly sweep up the skin cells and loose hair from the flooring to prevent these materials from accumulating. If these types of materials are not kept in check, they can easily end up in all areas of the garage and present a deodorizing challenge.
It is smart to do a quarterly mop of the flooring in the garage with enzyme cleaning solution. This cleaning formula harnesses the power of active enzymes to work in eating the odorous organics emitted by the dog. In cases where there flooring has carpeting, a steam cleaner with enzyme deodorizing shampoo can be used.
Improperly groomed dogs are often the source of smells within garage living spaces. Since most musty stenches begin with the dog, it only makes sense that a well groomed dog to keep a fresh smelling garage and home. If your dog has smell issues, aim for giving the dog monthly shampoo bathes.
It’s important to have machine washable covers on the dog’s bed and any furniture that the dog regularly spends time on within the garage. This will help in preventing high levels of dander from building deep within the padding, and will allow for removal of the contaminated surface for a machine wash cycle.
Much of the dog odor within a garage comes from poor circulation and the resulting accumulation of musty stale air. Try to always keep a window open with a window fan running to prevent this from happening. Of course, this practice can be placed on hold during winter months when weather will not permit it.
Building a dog door to the backyard can help in preventing any late night urinating within the garage. This is a regular problem for many dogs that are confined within a garage. A owner’s long work hours and busy schedules can lead to a very smelly situation developing within the garage.
If you notice an especially strong ammonia smell coming from the grass within your yard it is usually because your dog it ritualistically targeting the same grassy patch to do his business. The build up of urine in one spot can cause an especially bad smell. You can spot this location over the course of several days of close watch or by visiting your backyard at night with a blacklight.
Once you have found the urine affected locations of your yard you will want to treat it with deodorizing granules. While selecting the deodorizing granule product, make sure it is both environmentally safe and made from natural ingredients. This is important to ensure that it does no toxic harm to the lawn, property or dog.
Once you have spotted the smelly grass patch and treated it with deodorizing granules it is important to section off this part of the yard to limit access. Some dogs naturally develop a habit of peeing within the same area of the yard, and this is a habit that you will need to break. By section off this area you will give the deodorizing granules a chance to do their job in overcoming the ammonia stench.
As helpful tactic for other areas around the yard, using the hose to water any area that receives a direct hit can be effective at diluting the urine concentration. As a habit, you can watch your dog after letting them out and follow behind with a hose once all business has been completed.
When deciding upon a deodorizing solution, it is important to stay away from many tradition solutions used commonly around the home. Both baking soda and white vinegar can do more harm than good. While they may be effective at eliminating the odor within the lawn, they will have the result of killing the very lawn they it is meant to save.
Rotating collars is always a good practice. Doing this will ensure that your dog is always wearing a collar while another one is being cleaned and deodorized. This will keep your dog identifiable and make sure they never get lost. As well, this will also ensure that the odor will never build into a stink that will be impossible to remove. As soon as the fiber begins to smell, you will know that it is time to swap the collar and deodorize it.
Once a mild smell has develop within your dog’s collar, you will know that it is time to hand wash the collar and lay within the sun. Apply a light detergent to the collar within the sink and scrub intensely. The objective it to draw out as much dog related oils from the fiber as possible. Once complete, squeeze out any remaining moisture and place the collar outside in direct sunlight until the remaining moisture has completely air dried away.
For subtle dog scents within the collar, simply placing it through a washing machine cycle is enough to deodorize it and have it smelling fresh again. This solution can be combined with a normal household clothing wash to ensure that the collar does not bang around within the washer and dryer by itself.
Although it may seem unconventional, many swear by the dishwasher’s effectiveness at eliminating difficult odors found within dog collars. The dog collar can be placed within a normal dish filled cycle that is set on the hottest setting. Upon completion the piping hot soapy rinse will have an impressive freshening effect. As a final step, the collar can be placed within the sun to dry out.
Soaking the dog collar within a bowl of enzyme cleaner or Oxiclean can do much to eliminate the most difficult odors from a dog collar. Allow the dog collar to soak in either of the solutions for 4-6 hours before removing it and placing it through washing machine cycle with your clothing. Upon completion, your dog’s collar will be smelling much fresher than it did before.
This alcohol can be helpful in neutralizing odors and sanitizing surfaces that stem from the decomposition processes. After plugging the mouth hole, fill the shofar with one part rubbing alcohol and three parts water. Allow for the solution to sit for 24 hours before returning to pour the deodorizing mixture out. Once completed,
This solution works well when others have been less successful. The active enzymes within this solution will help in literally eating through the rotting particles within the interior of the horn and leave the natural fiber smelling fresh. Enzyme cleaners can be purchased at pet stores and most large supermarkets. Pour equal parts of enzyme cleaner and water inside the interior of the shofar after successfully plugging the mouth piece with cork. Allow the solution to sit for 24-48 hours as the enzyme reduce the odor levels within the shofar. Once completed, pour the contents out and allow the shofar to air dry.
This solution works well at eliminating high bacterial levels within the horn that may be causing the odor. Mix a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water in equal parts and pour within the shofar. Once completed, allow for the shofar to sit for 24 hours before pouring the contents out and allowing it to air dry.
This is an unconventional solution that can eliminate odors. Pour clean unused cat litter within the horn and allow it to sit for 5-7 days after being filled. During this time the fresh cat litter will help in absorbing much of the odor and drying out any of the smelly organics living within the shofar.
Many may be surprised that such a product exists, but specialized shofar deodorizing solutions can be purchase to fix your horn smell issues. The product spray is sold on Ajudaica.com and is called “Shofar Odor Neutralizing Spray”.
If you have the time, this long-term solution can make sure that an odor never develops within your flats. Obtain an old pair of nylon leggings and cut the legs apart. Place 2-3 charcoal briquettes within each legging and tie an knot above the last briquette. Next, put the nylon enclosed charcoal briquettes within the flats, making sure that they are pushed all of the way down the the toe area. Finalized by placing the activated charcoal filled shoes within a shoe box and allowing to sit over night. This usually takes between 5-7 to effectively remove the odor from the interior of the shoes.
If you find yourself wearing your Hush Puppies everyday, this might be the source of the odor. When these shoes have not had the proper time to breath, moisture remains within them on a constant basis and the odorous bacteria living within the shoes has a chance to grow. As a solution, rotating the shoes with another pair will ensure that they air out and never get to this point.
This incredibly absorbant powder works wonders at pulling in odors and freshening the insides of shoes. As a preventative solution, a quarter cup of the powder can be poured within shoes every night before going to bed. Place baking soda by the bed will help to ensure that you do not forget to apply nightly. As well, be sure to shuffle the Hush Puppies to ensure that the powder reaches the toe area of of the hush puppies where the greatest amount of the odor lies.
Oftentimes, hosing down the interior of the recycling bin will be enough to wash out the odorous residues and lift away the odors. During this process, be sure to scrub down any especially sticky areas with an old rag. Finalize by pouring out the liquids and leaving the top lid open to air dry any moisture.
Bleach can work well at breaking down organic bits within the interior of a recycling bin. Mix one part bleach with 10 parts water inside the bottom of the bin. Proceed to dunk a rag within the bleach solution and scrub down the interior. Once all of the residues have been washed away from the siding, proceed to pour out the contents and allow the remaining bleach moisture to evaporate.
Vodka may sound like a strange solution, however the alcohol within this party drink will work to neutralize the built up organic odors living on the sunglasses surface. Apply a small amount of vodka to a paper towel and proceed to wipe down the affected areas of the sunglasses. Once you have given the sunglasses a thorough wipe, provide 10-15 minutes for the alcoholic beverage to naturally evaporate away. As a note of precaution, some lenses may be negatively affected by alcohol. It is recommended that you only apply this solution to the frame of the sunglasses.
This solution works in the same way that it is used to kill bacteria within your palms. There are often odorous bacteria thriving within the surface residues of the sunglasses that cause the unwanted odor. By cutting through the bacteria, you will be able to eliminate the embedded odors within the eyewear. Take precautions in applying this solution to the sunglass lenses. Although this solution should cause no negative effects, it would be smart to first test it within a corner of the lens before applying to the entire viewable area.
In many cases where that glasses are suffering from the build up of dead skin particles and sweat, killing the bacteria within these residues is the only way to eliminate the odor. By placing your sunglasses within a ziplock bag, and leaving them within the freezer for 48 hours you will be sure to kill off all remaining bacteria that may be a at the root of the odor. Once sunglasses are removed from the freezer, it is recommend to place them withinthe sun for the day to boost the freshness within the eye wear.