The Tiny house Blog

How to Naturally Freshen Your Tiny House

By
Jason Francis
Designed and built over 100 custom tiny homes, lived on a sailboat for 9 months, and loves to live life to the fullest with his wife and their 4 kids.
Updated on:
October 4, 2023
tiny house cleaning

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Living a “green” life means reducing your exposure to toxic chemicals. One of the big ones to watch out for is artificial “fragrance,” which can contain several chemicals that are often hormone-disrupting at worst and irritants at best.

While you may not want a spray can of fake flower smells, you may find that you do want a way to “freshen up” your tiny house. These tips, worked out by the professional college assignment helper, can help. It is an excellent source for homeowners and students who want to live eco-friendly and promote this way of existence in their essays and papers.

Eliminate Odors Before They Start

Unpleasant odors in your tiny house or workplace can be discomforting and embarrassing. However, you can eliminate these odors before they even start by taking proactive steps. Here's how:

Choose Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

Opting for non-toxic cleaning products is essential to maintain a fresh-smelling environment. These products are free from harsh chemicals that often leave unpleasant smells or residues behind. Plus, they're safer for you, your family, and the environment.

Regular Vacuuming, Sweeping, and Dusting

Regular cleaning is a crucial part of odor prevention. Dust, hair, and pet dander can accumulate and cause lingering odors. Therefore, make it a habit to vacuum, sweep, and dust your living spaces regularly.

Regular Pet Grooming

Regular grooming can significantly help reduce smells if you have pets. Washing your pets, brushing their fur, and maintaining their dental hygiene can keep pet-related odors at bay.

Change Your HVAC Filter

Your HVAC filter plays a vital role in maintaining indoor air quality. It helps reduce dust and remove odors and other particles from the air. For optimum results, invest in high-quality filters and change them as per the manufacturer's recommendation.

Manage Your Food Waste

Food waste can quickly become a source of unpleasant odors. If you have room, consider placing food waste outdoors in a composter. Not only does this reduce smells, it also provides you with nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Alternatively, you could store food waste in the freezer until trash day to prevent it from decomposing and causing smells.

tiny house vacuum cleaning
Photo by No Revisions on Unsplash

Absorbing Odors: Effective and Natural Solutions

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, odors can still find their way into our tiny houses. However, worry not! Some simple, natural solutions can help absorb those pesky smells. Here are a few to try:

Baking Soda

It is a household staple known for its odor-absorbing properties. Simply place small, vented containers filled with baking soda around your house. The baking soda will help neutralize and absorb the odors, leaving your home smelling fresh.

Kitty Litter

Surprisingly, kitty litter is for more than just cats. Opt for a natural and unscented brand and place it in small containers or upcycled lids around your home. The garbage has excellent odor-absorbing properties and can help control unwanted smells.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is another versatile household item that can help lift odors. You can use it to clean various surfaces in your tiny house. While the smell of vinegar might be intense initially, it will fade, leaving behind a clean, odor-free space.

Bread Slices

Try this old trick if you're struggling with unpleasant odors in your refrigerator. Place a couple of slices of bread in the fridge. Bread is known to absorb odors effectively, so this can help neutralize any funky smells coming from your fridge.

Other Solutions

Hydrogen peroxide is an often overlooked resource for odor removal. It's not only excellent at eliminating odors, but it's also a great cleaning solution.

Fresh or leftover coffee grounds can absorb unpleasant odors, especially in confined spaces like fridges. Similarly, citrus, vanilla extract, oats, and essential oils are also known for their odor-absorbing properties.

tiny house vacuum cleaning
Photo by Kowon vn on Unsplash

Scent Naturally: Fresh Ideas for a Fragrant Home

Instead of using artificial air fresheners, why not try natural alternatives? They're easy to implement, often more cost-effective, and add a subtle, pleasant aroma to your living spaces. Here are some ideas:

DIY Air Freshener

Creating your air freshener is a fun and cost-effective way to keep your tiny house smelling fresh and clean. To make this, you'll need water, a splash of vodka, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Combine these ingredients in a spray bottle, and you'll have a custom-made air freshener ready. A quick spritz in any room can instantly uplift the atmosphere and boost freshness.

Citrus Peels

Citrus peels are an excellent, natural way to infuse your home with a refreshing fragrance. Simply place some citrus peels in a pot of water and gently heat them. This process allows the natural oils in the peels to be released into the air. The result is a subtle, refreshing citrus aroma that can fill your entire home, creating a pleasant and welcoming environment.

Spiced Potpourri

For a warm, inviting scent, try simmering fragrant spices like cinnamon sticks or cloves in a pot of water. As the heat releases the spices' aromatic oils, their scent will gradually permeate your living space. It creates a cozy atmosphere that's perfect for relaxation or entertaining guests.

Vanilla Extract

If you prefer a sweeter scent, vanilla extract is a great option. Pour a small amount into a small bowl and tuck it away out of sight. While not immediately noticeable, the vanilla aroma will subtly waft throughout the room over time, adding a sweet, comforting scent that can make any space feel more like home.

Citrus Slices

Another great way to naturally deodorize your space is by using citrus slices. Simply slice a lemon or other citrus fruit and leave the pieces on a kitchen dish. The citrus will help neutralize odors while imparting a fresh, crisp scent to brighten your kitchen.

Essential Oil Toilet Paper Roll

For a fun and unexpected burst of fragrance in your bathroom, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the inside of your toilet paper roll. Each time the registration is spun, it will release a bit of the fragrance, keeping your bathroom smelling fresh and clean.

Homemade Cleaning Solutions

Add essential oils to your homemade cleaning solutions for an extra scent boost. Not only will this make your cleaning tasks more enjoyable, but it will also leave your tiny house smelling wonderful long after you've finished cleaning.

Fresh Air

Finally, always appreciate the power of fresh air. Sometimes, the best way to refresh your living space is by opening a few windows and letting the outside breeze in. This simple act can make your home feel clean, fresh, and invigorated.

Wrapping Up

• Choose non-toxic cleaning products for a fresher-smelling tiny house.

• Regularly vacuum, sweep, and dust to reduce odors.

• Ensure pets are regularly groomed to minimize pet-related smells.

• Change the HVAC filter regularly for optimal air quality.

• Manage food waste properly to prevent odors from forming.

• Utilize baking soda, kitty litter, vinegar, bread slices, or essential oils to absorb odors naturally.

• Create DIY air fresheners with water, vodka, and essential oils.

• Use citrus peels or spiced potpourri to infuse a pleasant aroma into your home.

• Add drops of vanilla extract in bowls for a subtle scent boost.

• Place citrus slices on plates or add essential oils to toilet paper rolls for an unexpected burst of fragrance in bathrooms.

• Add essential oils to homemade cleaning solutions for an extra scent boost post-cleaning task.

• Utilize the power of fresh air by opening windows occasionally as needed.

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