Have you heard of nose-blindness? Being nose-blind means that even though everyone’s place has a smell, people become gradually acclimated to the smells of their home, car or belongings and do not notice them. Guests, however, do and that’s important when your home is
on the market and first impressions count.
According to an article on HouseLogic.com, here are three of the most common nose blindness causes and how to eliminate these smells from your home:
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Pets: If you have a pet, there is a pretty good chance your house will smell like it. The best ways to keep the odor to a minimum are to bathe and groom your pet regularly, vacuum often and use baking soda on carpets, and clean the cushions, blankets and beds where pets rest at least weekly.
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Basements: Mildew is common in basements and can cause a musty odor, so be sure to visually inspect for grey or white splotches that indicate mildew. Mildew can be scrubbed away with a mixture of one part bleach to four parts water. To prevent it from returning, run a dehumidifier and/or deodorize with bowls of vinegar, baking soda or cat litter.
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Refrigerators: Bits of food remain in your fridge, even after you finish or throw away the item. You might not notice the odor, but ice that tastes funny or food morsels accumulating on refrigerator or freezer shelves are a stinky sign. While a big job, the best way to eliminate odor is to unplug and empty the fridge and freezer for a thorough cleaning with hot water and baking soda. Afterward, wipe it down with vinegar and leave the door open for a few days.
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Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.