How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Wood

Cigarette smoke can easily penetrate the grain of a wood’s surface. Wooden furniture in close proximity to cigarette smoke can quickly develop a pungent musky odor and result in the discomfort of non-smokers.


 

The remain several things that can be done to remove this smell and return the wooden surface back to normal. By following the below household remedies you can be sure that your wood will be smelling fresh and cigarette-free.
 
cigarette-wood
 

Household Deodorizing Solutions

 

1 Lemon Oil Wipedown

If one solution naturally combatted cigarette smoke it would be citrus fruit.  By using citrus wood oil, you will be able to counteract the cigarette smoke residues that have made their way within the wood fiber’s surface.  Wash down wood surface before application, and apply with an old rag that you don’t mind getting stained.  After a healthy application, you can be assured that any smoke related odor will be a thing of the past.

 

2 Baking Soda Mixture

This household powder has wonderful capabilities for odor absorption. Create a watery paste solution of one part baking soda to ten part water and proceed to wipe down the entire surface area of the wood. After the baking soda mixture has dried, follow up several hours later to wipe away any baking soda residues with a damp hand cloth.

 

3 White Vinegar Scrub

This acid can be found in most households and works great at fight of the stench of cigarette smoke. Mix a solution of one part white vinegar with ten parts warm water and proceed to scrub down the smoke embedded wood ensuring to leave no area untouched. After the white vinegar mixture has had 20 minutes to settle in, follow up with a water wipedown to remove any vinegar remnants.

 

4 Hydrogen Peroxide Sizzle

This cleaning solution work well at disinfecting surfaces, and lifting embedded residues. Mix a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water in equal parts and proceed to wipe down the entire wood surface with the solution. After 5 minutes have passed wipe down the wood’s surface a second time with a damp rag to remove any remaining hydrogen peroxide. Besides hydrogen peroxide’s deodorizing capabilities, it has the potential to slightly bleach the wood if it is left to sit for too long of a period.

 

Product Deodorizing Solutions

 

1 Murphy’s Oil Soap

This cleaning product is fantastic at cleaning wood and extracting odorous residue off from wood surfaces. Apply product to a clean hand towel and wipedown the entire surface area of the wood and lift away smoke-related residues.

 
 

2 Enzyme Deodorant

Wiping down the smoke ridden surface of wood with an enzyme cleaner will do much to lift cigarette residues and remove the stench. Enzyme products can be purchased at pets stores and most large supermarkets. The activated enzymes within this solution will go to work in literally eating through the unwanted organic residues.


 
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How to Get Gasoline Smell Out of Clothes

Those who regularly work around gasoline know that the substance can easily make it’s way within clothing and create an unpleasant chemical odor. The subtile fossil fuel odor can cause much discomfort and inflict a sense of nausia in those unlucky enough to get the compound within clothing.


By following the necessary steps, this pervasive odor can be removed from clothing to return freshness within the fiber.  Although a simple laundry cycle is not always enough to remove the odors, using the below steps will ensure that you clothing is freshened and returned to normal.

Gasoline Smell Removal Principles

1 Warm Wash Clothing

After having soaked clothing with one of the below solutions, always make sure to run your detergent wash on the warmest setting that the affected clothing will allow. Using warm water within the detergent wash will have the effect of opening up the clothing fiber to allow increased reach of the clothing detergent.

2 Wash By Itself

Often the gasoline residues within one affected piece of clothing can easily rub off on another item within a washing cycle. For this reason, it is important that all items smelling of gasoline be washed and deodorized apart from you other clothing. If clothing regularly becomes affected by gasoline, it may be a good idea to create a separate clothing basket to place this type of clothing.

Gasoline Soaking Solutions

The chemical properties within the following compounds have the unique capability of breaking down the carbon bonds found within gasoline residues. After these bonds have been broken, the smell and remaining residuals will suddenly become much easier to treat and remove from the piece of clothing.

1 Rubbing Alcohol

As mention above, the alcohol within this solution has the effect of breaking apart gasoline carbon bond to help in deodorizing clothing. Find a large bucket and fill it with one part rubbing alcohol to 15 parts cold water. Place the clothing within this mixture making sure to stir the contents until the deodorizing mixture makes it’s way within all of the stitching. Allow for the clothing to sit within the mixture for 30 minutes, ensuring that it properly soaks in this deodorizing compound before placing within a detergent wash.

2 Vodka Bath

Working on similar principles as rubbing alcohol, soaking gasoline affected clothing within a mixture of vodka will work to break apart the carbon bonds. Unlike rubbing alcohol, vodka is a bit more expensive and carries a lesser percentage of alcohol. This means that it will cost much more to use this solution than opting for rubbing alcohol. Nevertheless, if you find yourself within a crunch, mixing one part vodka with five parts cold water will work to effectively break down the gasoline residues found within your clothing. After letting the clothing soak within this mixture for an hour, proceed to place the clothing within a normal detergent wash.

3 Ammonia

Although this solution maintains zero alcohol content, it remains very effective at breaking down gasoline carbon bonds and freshening clothing. Mix one part ammonia with 15 parts cold water and place the gasoline affected clothing within the mixture. After allow the clothing to soak for 15-30 minutes, remove the contents from the solution and place them within a normal detergent wash cycle.

Gasoline Washing Solutions

Often, a normal washing cycle can fall short of deodorizing clothing to remove the lasting gasoline aroma embedded within the fabric fiber. Using the following solutions can help to boost any wash cycle.

1 Baking Soda Boost

This household powder has been used for generations for it’s absorption capabilities. Once you have placed your detergent and gasoline affected clothes within the washing machine, add in a half cup of baking soda to the mix. This easy low cost supplement to the washing cycle can have a power impact on eliminating any residual gasoline odor.

2 White Vinegar Splash

Similarly the natural acid within white vinegar is well known for freshening difficult odors within clothing. After the detergent and affected clothing have been added to the wash cycle you can add an extra boost by pouring a full cup of white vinegar in before the wash cycle begins. As an additional note, the vinegar aroma will likely present within the clothing until the fiber has completely dried of moisture.


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How to Get Smell Out of Sneakers

Sneakers are the often worn and reliable footwear used for a variety of events and activities within daily life.  After much use, pervasive odors can build to develop an elusive and pungent odor.


 

Since these types of shoes are worn so regularly, you may need to place them on hiatus to properly treat and deodorize.   By following the below solutions, you can be sure that the foot-related odor inhabiting your favorite kicks will be a thing of the past.

 
sneakers
 

Deodorizing Solutions for Sneakers

 

1 Place Outdoors in Sun

Placing sneakers outside in the sun is often the first line of defense in removing any foot related odor problem. The fresh air, open space and ultra violet rays of the sun will all go to work in neutralizing the stench and returning freshness within the sneakers.  During a sunny day, place your sneakers outside in the sun during the morning and allow for them to soak in solar rays for 8-10 hours.  If the smell remains after an entire day within the sun, simply repeat the next day until the odor is gone.

 

2 Rotate Your Kicks

Wearing the same pair of shoes every day is never a good idea. Besides the social repercussions, the build up of sweat and skin particles can accumulate and never receive the needed window to properly dry out and deodorize. If shoe odor is a regular problem, try to give every pair of shoes a minimum of 24 hours to air out after wearing them.

 

3 Sprinkle Baking Soda Regularly

Baking soda is a powerful household powder for absorbing and eliminating foot-related odors within sneakers.  This solution works well for the sneaker owner who wears the same pair of footwear on a daily basis.  Pour a small amount of baking soda within sneaker every night making sure to shuffle the shoes slightly to ensure that the deodorizing powder makes it’s way down the toe away of the shoe.  Keeping a box of baking soda close to your bedside is an easy way to remember to treat your shoes every night before going to bed.

 

4 Pour Cat Litter In

This compound can work for more than deodorizing your kittens droppings. Pouring a small scoop of this pet product within the interior of your sneakers will have the positive effect of drying any moisture and absorbing foot related stench. For a few nights in a row, pour cat litter within shoes to ensure that all remaining bacteria has been eliminated and the smell has been removed.

 

5 Fresh Coffee Grounds

Although you may be more acquainted with coffee grounds within the morning, they can have positive effects if properly used at night.  The coffee grounds will work to gently absorb the foot related odors and replace it with the subtle scent of coffee beans.  Place coffee grounds within an coffee filter than has been enclosed with a rubber band.  After  creating two of these for each shoe, place them within the sneakers before going to bed. After 2-3 nights of placing thiese coffee ground filter balls with the shoes the desire results should take effect in delivering freshened footwear.

 

6 Enzyme Cleaning Wads

For truly difficult foot-related odors, using activated enzymes to literally eat through the odors can be an effective solution.  This type of cleaner is available for purchase at pet stores and most large supermarkets.  Wad up several paper towels and lightly dip them into a solution of enzyme cleaner.  Once you have done this with several paper towel, proceed to stuff the towels within the interior of the sneakers.  Once the sneakers have been completely stuffed with enzyme dipped paper towels, allow for them to sit for 24 hours to allow for the enzymes to work there magic.  After a day has passed, the paper towel wads can be removed and the freshened shoes can be placed back in use.                     

 

7 Activated Charcoal Inserts

If you have the time, this solution can help to remove foot-related odor and ensure that freshness is maintained within the shoes.  Place activated charcoal briquettes within an old pair of nylon leggings.  Proceed to place the nylon enclosed activated charcoal within the interior of the shoes before going to bed for 3-4 consecutive nights. The activated charcoal briquettes will work to slowly absorb the stench and maintain a fresh internal environment.  Please note, that the nylons play an important role of protecting the insides of your shoes from unwanted staining.


 
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How to Get Smell Out of Plastic

This substance can be found within a wide range of products of daily use.  Normally coated with a glossy finish, a simple wipe-down can usually clean and deodorize the material. However, in rare cases where smelly residues have permeated too long, the plastic fiber can develop a long-lasting pervasive odor.


Though challenging, these embedded odors can be removed with the use of several different household compounds.  By following the below solutions, you can add freshness back within your plastic product to have it smelling like new.

Smell Removal Solutions for Plastic

1 White Vinegar Wipedown

The natural acidic compound within white vinegar will go to work in sterilizing the plastic surface and stripping it of any odor. Mix a solution one part white vinegar with three parts warm water within a bowl.  Using a clean table cloth, dunk it within the mixture and proceed to wipe down the plastic surface.  Allow 20-30 minutes for the solution to air dry from the plastic surface.  Please note, that the surface will maintain a characteristic vinegar smell until it has completely evaporated away.

2 Vodka Wipedown

This alcoholic party drink works wonders doubling as a household deodorant.  The alcohol within the solution has the effect of neutralizing odors on the spot and lifting them away odorlessly.  Dampen a clean hand towel by pouring a small portion of vodka directly from the bottle.  Proceed to wipe down the affected surface area of the plastic making sure to press that deodorizing fluids within any surface cracks of the material.  Finally, provide 10 minutes for the alcohol to freshen the plastic and evaporate way before placing your plastic material back within use.

3 Lemon Juice Spray

The citric acid within lemon juice will go to work in neutralizing odorous residues embedded on plastic surfaces.  Mix a solution of one part lemon juice with three parts warm water within a spray bottle, and proceed to mist down the affected surface area of the plastic ensuring that no area is left untouched.  Allow the acid to work it’s way in the cracks and sit for 10-15 minutes before returning to wipe the residues clean with a freshly dampened table cloth.

4 Activated Charcoal Box

This solution has the unique capability of absorbing odors without dampening the plastic’s surface.  If the plastic that you are trying to deodorize is small enough to fit within a enclosed cardboard box then this solution might be for you.  Place several charcoal briquettes within an old pair of nylon leggings until the have become adequately filled.  Next, place the nylon enclosed charcoal briquettes and the smelly plastic object within an inclosed cardboard box.  Allow for the contents to remain within the sealed box for 5-7 days before returning to remove the freshened plastic item.

Remove New Plastic Smell from Plastic

Newly purchased plastic products often maintain a manufactural odor several for weeks following removal from original packaging. In such cases, there are preventative measures to minimize and remove this chemical stench.

1 Outside in Direct Sunlight

Placing your freshly purchased plastic item outside within direct sunlight will do much to remove odor.  The ultraviolet rays, fresh air and open space will all work to neutralize the manufactural odor and lift it away.  Place the item outside on a sunny day for multiple days.  After 2-3 days the scent of plastic odor should be a thing of the past.


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How to Get Smell Out of Tennis Shoes

This type of footwear is widely used and can develop foot odor during a range of activities.  Once an unpleasant odor gets within the shoes, simply airing the footwear out will not always be enough to relieve the odor.


 

In such cases, there exist a wide range of household remedies geared specifically to remove difficult odors from shoes to return them to normal. By practicing some of the below step, you can be sure that the stench within your tennis shoes will be a thing of the past.

 
shoes
 

Deodorizing Tennis Shoe Solutions

 

1 Outside in Sun

Placing tennis shoes outside within the sun does much to remove foot related smells and kill the odorous bacteria causing the stench.The ultra violet rays, fresh air and open space will all go to work in drying out the shoes and lifting away the odor.

 
 

2 Rotate Your Kicks

When tennis shoes are worn too often they can develop an unwanted foot related odor.  Without sufficient time to air out, the shoes will maintain a warm and moist environment that allows bacteria to grow and thrive.  As a preventative measure, consider rotating your tennis shoes with an alternative pair.  This will provide the needed window of time for sweat and other moisture in the footwear to air and dry out.

 

3 Regularly Sprinkle Baking Soda

This household powder has been used for decades as an odor absorbent. Regularly sprinkling baking soda within your shoes will do much to absorb the foot odor and maintain freshness within tennis shoes. As a helpful habit, keep a box of baking soda by your bed and pour a small amount of powder within each shoe before going to bed.

 

4 A Scoop of Cat Litter Makes the Odor Go Down

Similar to baking soda, fresh cat litter works as a wonderful odor absorbent. Before going to bed measure 1/4 cup scoop of cat litter and pour within each shoe.  This compound will work to quickly remove any moisture and absorb any stench that may have built up within the footwear.

 

5 Wads of White Vinegar

Using the strong acid within this household compound can work to eliminate the foot-related odor within tennis shoes.  Mix a solution of white vinegar and warm water in equal parts within a bowl.  Wad up several paper towels and dip them lightly into the pre-made solution, making sure that they do not get so wet that they loose their structural integrity.  Finally, stuff the dipped and waded paper towels within the affected tennis shoes and allow them to stay within the footwear confines for an entire hour.  Once completed, remove the paper towels and place them outside to air dry.

 

6 Activated Charcoal Fillers

Using activated charcoal briquettes can work as a long-term solution for maintaining fresh tennis shoes.  Place 2-3 charcoal briquettes within each leg of an old pair of nylon leggings.  Proceed to cut the leggings within the crotch area and tie the ends on each leg.  Before going to sleep every night, make sure that these activated charcoal inserts are placed within shoes.



Photo credit: Hello-Julie

 
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How to Get Smell Out of Oven

This sweltering household appliance regularly come into contact with a range of foods and residues. When spills and burnt fumes accumulate within the oven a foul smelling odor is usually not far behind.


Fortunately, there are several things that can be done to remove unpleasant odors from the oven to return it to normal.  Following the below solutions will ensure that the oven is freshened to clear it of all unpleasantness.

 
oven
 

Deodorizing Oven Solutions

 

1 Remove Chard Bits

Often, these smelly side effects of an oven are a direct result of bit of food which have fallen of the oven trays and reside immediately above the broiler.  Simply searching out these elusive bits and removing their chard remains is usually all it takes to return freshness to an oven.  This takes all of 2 minutes to perform and should always be your first deodorizing step.

 

2 Detergent Scrubdown

When there is noticeable build-up of residue along the bottom of the oven, a thorough scrubdown with the rough part of a sponge may be required. As long as the food-based residue continues to burn, you can count of the fact that it will create smoke and an unpleasant odor. Fill a large bowl with hot water with 2-3 teaspoon of dish detergent mixed in. Dunk the sponge within the mixture and proceed to scrub down the interior of the appliance making sure to clear away any remaining residues that may sizzle and ignite during use.

 

3 Lemon Juice Spritz

The citric acids within lemon juice have a way of making their way within the surface areas of the oven to neutralize food based odors. Mix a solution of one part lemon juice with 5 parts water within a spray bottle.  Proceed to spray down the entire interior of the oven and close the door.  For best results, be sure to allow for the citric solution to soak in for at least 3-4 hours before using the oven.

 

4 White Vinegar Spray

Similarly, this household acid works in the same fashion within the oven as natural lemon juice.  Mix a solution of one part white vinegar with eight parts warm water within a generic spray bottle.  Proceed to spray the entire oven down, and provide a minimum of 1-2 hours before running the oven.  As a side note, the vinegar will continue to smell of it’s natural compound until you run the oven or it has naturally dried away.

 

5 Broil It Away

When all else has failed simply boiling your problems away can work as a last result.  Set the oven to it’s max and run for 20-30 minutes as needed.  Often this will cause the smell to increasing become worse during this period, however this phase will soon pass.  You will know that the oven have been clear of the odor once the smell has dissipated and you see no visible smoke escaping from the cracks within the oven door.

 

After you’ve successfully eliminated your stench, you may wish to clean out any remaining build-up and debris from the interior of the oven. You can successfully use the following cleaning guide to put a final polish on the oven’s interior.


 
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How to Get Smell Out of Upholstery

This material comes into contact with range of people and substances while covering seat and furniture padding.  The build-up of food, bodily odors and mysterious grime can leave a characteristic stench that is never easily removed.


 

Fortunately, there are several household remedies to lift away any odors that have found there way within upholstery.  By using the below methodologies, you can be sure that the odors found within your upholstery lines furniture or automobile will be a thing of the past.

 
upholstery
 

Upholstery Deodorizing Solutions

 

1 Sprinkle Baking Soda On

In most cases that involve built up odors within seat upholstery lining, baking soda can work wonders in alleviating the smell.  This household powder has been used for decades for it’s unique capability in reducing and absorbing unwelcome odors.  To apply, simply sprinkle a healthy quantity of to baking soda atop the affected upholstery and proceed to work some of the powder into the fiber.

 

2 White Vinegar Mixture

As another helpful household ingredient, white vinegar is fantastic at getting deep into the source of odors to neutralize them on the spot.  Mix a solution of one part white vinegar with ten parts warm water within a spray bottle, and proceed to spray down the affected upholstery.  Open windows within the space and provide 24-48 hours for the solution to evaporate and lift the smell away.  Please note that the white vinegar will continue to smell of its characteristic aroma until it has completely evaporated away.
 

3 Vodka Spray Down

This alcoholic drink works great doubling as a deodorizing solution for upholstery.  Pour some vodka within a clean generic spray bottle and proceed to spray down the affected upholstery until it become sufficiently wet.  Open the windows within the space and allow for 203 hours to pass as the alcohol quickly evaporates off and carries the unpleasant aroma away.

 

4 Lemon Juice

The citric acid within lemons cut through the unwanted odor in nearly any upholstery.  Mix a solution of one part lemon juice with eight parts water in a spray bottle and proceed to mist down the affected area.  Open the windows within the space and provide one to two days for the lemon juice mixture that neutralize the upholstery stench and evaporate odorlessly away.

 

5 Enzyme Deodorizing Spray

If you can get your hands on an enzyme deodorizing spray, use it.  It is available in pet stores and most large supermarkets and will work small miracles as the active enzymes within the solution literally eat though the odorous residues within the upholstery.  Spray down the upholstery and provide 1-2 days for the enzymes to neutralize the odor and dry away.

 

6 Common Product Deodorizers

The use of household product deodorizes can often do the job on short notice.  Any thing ranging from glade to febreeze will be likely to mask and often eliminate the odor that is affecting the upholstery.  to apply simply spray down the affected area and open the windows to air dry.



Photo credit: Javier Cohen

 
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How to Get Skunk Smell Out of Concrete

Skunk sprays usually happen just outside one’s home, after the family dog attempts to chase down this nocturnal creature. When a skunk’s spray is unfortunate enough to encounter the porous surface of a cement slab within the front or backyard, it can become a challenging endeavor treat and remove.


Yet, there remain a handful of household ingredient that can go a long ways to introducing freshness back within the cement slab.  By following the below solutions, you can be sure that your concrete within your backyard will be free of any skunk related odor.

Skunk Smell Removal Methods for Concrete

1 Bleach It Out

The chemical compound within bleach works well at cutting through the odorous oils within skunk spray.  Mix one part bleach with eight parts water within a large 1-5 gallon tub.  Proceed to pour the contents over the areas of concrete affected by the skunk spray and allow for it to sit for 5-10 minutes.  Once the mixture has soaked in, proceed to spray down the concrete surface with a hose to ensure that all of the bleach related chemicals are removed from the porous surface.  You can finalize this process by spraying down the surface of the concrete with a deodorizing spray of white vinegar and water mixed in equal parts within a spray bottle.  As a note of precaution, bleach may cause some bleaching of colored concrete.  If your colored concrete has been sprayed, it is recommend that you use one of the alternative deodorizing methods outlined below.

2 Use the Traditional DeSkunking Concoction

This deskunking concoction works by combining several household deodorizers to ensure that the skunk oil has no chance of surviving.  Begin by mixing one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda and one teaspoon of dish detergent within a container and add two gallons of water.  Proceed to pour this foaming mixture over the surface of the concrete making sure that area affected area of the concrete is left untouched.  After the solution has had 15 minutes to settle in, spray the surface down with a hose to remove all of the chemicals from the concrete.  As a note of precaution, the hydrogen peroxide within this solution can potential have some bleaching effects and this solution is not recommended on colored slabs of concrete.

3 Drown it in White Vinegar

This household acid can have a powerful effect in lifting difficult skunk spray odors out of concrete.  Mix a solution of one part white vinegar with five parts water within a 1-5 gallon container.  Proceed to pour the contents over the affect locations within the concrete and provide a minim of an hour for the compound to soak in.  After this time has passed, remove as much of the kitchen compound as possible by spraying at a 45 degree angle to remove the vinegar from the concrete.  The next sunny day will work to dry out the surface and ensure that any remaining scent of white vinegar is lifted off.

4 Deodorize with Enzyme Cleaner

If you can get your hands on a gallon of enzyme cleaner, it will work to literally eat through odorous skunk spray oil within the concrete flooring.  Mix the enzyme cleaner and water in equal parts and pour over the affected area of the concrete at dusk.  Allow for the active enzymes within that solution to work their magic over night and the next day until the solution completely evaporates from the concrete.

5 Pour Hydrogen Peroxide

If you do not have the makings to create a deskunking concoction, then using hydrogen peroxide by itself can do much to neutralize difficult skunk odors within concrete.  Mix a solution one one part hydrogen peroxide with five parts water within a large container, and proceed to pour the contents over the locations of the concrete affected by skunk spray oil.  Allow 30 minutes for this solution to soak in before spraying the chemical off with a garden hose.  Similar to bleach, this solution is can have some bleaching effects and is not recommended for colored concrete slabs.

6 Sprinkle Baking Soda

Similar to white vinegar, baking soda can be used by itself if all the ingredients for a deskunking concoction are not at hand.  Begin by spraying down the affected concrete with a hose and proceed to sprinkle baking soda in heavy quantities over the entire slab of concrete.  After applying baking soda to the entire area, allow for it to settle into the concrete for 24-48 hours.  After 1-2 days have passed, you can return to spray the remaining powder from the concrete slab.

7 Seal Smell Within Concrete

If the skunk spray is proving impossible to remove from the porous concrete, you may want to consider sealing the stench within the concrete.  By purchasing and applying concrete sealer on the outdoor slab, you can be sure that the odor will become a thing of the past.  As a note of precaution, sealing concrete is permanent and requires some know-how, so be sure to do your research before applying to your effected concrete slab.

Skunk Smell Prevention

1 Motion Censor Lights

Using motion censor lights will have the effect of making sure that skunks keep a distance from your outdoor patios.  When skunks get too close, the flood lights with turn on and will naturally scare the skunks away from the locations near your home.  If you are to try this preventative tip, make sure that you place lights in locations to ensure that the patio is fully lit.  As well, ensure that the lights are not so powerful as to provoke the wrath of the skunks spray as a perceived threat.

2 Seal Concrete Up

 Using a concrete sealer will be effective at closing up the porous and absorbent surface that exists within most concrete surfaces.  This product can often be purchased at a home supply store and can be applied by most home owners with some experience in DIY home improvement.  After this has been applied, it will be much easier to lift off skunk spray oil and residues as they will remain within the surface area and will be ready to be lifted off.


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How to Get Musty Smell Out of Books

While reading old books, there is almost always an unsettling musty odor associated with them.  One always questions, where have these books been and what did the last owner do to it to make it smell this way.


Fortunately, there are several things that can be done to neutralize the odor and return some form of freshness within your aged book.  By following the below solutions, you can be sure that the mustiness will be eliminated to return your book to it’s former state.

Solutions for Deodorizing Musty Books

1 Microwave Your Book

It may sound strange to microwave your musty smelling book, but this can have the effect of killing the mildew spores that are causing the foul odor.  The high heat within the microwave create an environment which is unlivable for the odorous mold spore.  To put this solution into effect, start by microwaving your book for 15 seconds, and move on to 20, or 30 seconds if no positive effects are experience.  As a note of precaution, make sure that your books do not contain any metal before placing it within the microwave as this may led to disastrous results.

2 Freeze Your Book

Similar to microwaving, the musty smelling book can be placed within the freezer for similar results.  The cold environment of the freezer will create a cold environment that the mold spore within the book will not have a chance of surviving.  To use this method, place a book within a ziplock bag and place within the freezer for a minimum of 48 hours.  Once two days have passed, the bag can be removed from the freezer revealing a fresh smelling book.

3 Ziplocked Baking Soda

This household powder is fantastic at absorbing odors from items within the home.  Place the book within a ziplock bag and add in a half cup of baking soda.  Shake bag vigorously to make sure that the deodorizing powder makes it’s way within the pages of that mildew ridden book.  Provide 24-48 hours for the baking soda to absorb the odor, before opening the ziplock bag and clearing the powder from the pages.

4 White Vinegar Mixture

As a household acid, white vinegar can work miracles at cutting through mildew spore within aged books to return freshness to the pages.  Mix a solution of of one part with vinegar with three parts warm water within a spray bottle.  While flipping the book’s pages spray within to ensure that all pages have made contact with the deodorizing acid.  It is important to turn the spray on the lightest mist and only spray a coup, of time to prevent water damage within the pages.  Finalize by hanging the book to have the solution air dry from the pages.

5 Tea Tree Oil

This natural oil also contains anti-fungal properties that will be sure to combat the smells within a musty book.  Mix a solution of one part tea tree oil with ten parts water within a spray bottle.  Proceed to spray within the pages with a light mist while flipping the pages.  During this process, make sure that you spray a maximum of 2-3 skirts to avoid water damage.  Once the tea tree oil dry the scent of the oil and the existing musty odor will cease to exist.

6 Vodka Mist

This party drink has a secondary function of eliminating difficult smells and drying away odorlessly.  Pour a small about of vodka within a spray bottle and proceed to lightly mist the book while flipping the pages.  Hang the book up and the alcohol should quickly evaporate away and lift off the residual musty odor.

7 Activated Charcoal Absorption

If you have the time, this solution can be effective at lifting away musty book odors without the need to come into contact.  Place several activated charcoal briquettes within an old pair of nylon leggings and place within a small cardboard box.  Proceed to add musty books within, and sealing the box closed so no air can come in our out.  Finally, allow for the box to sit for 5-7 days before returning to remove the freshened books.

Preventive Measures

1 Cool, Dry & Light Location

Musty books are best avoided by keeping books within a space where mildew is not likely to develop.  Ideally, store your books within and cool, dry location with a moderate light source to avoid developing an unpleasant smell.  The worst place that books can be stored are within a warm, wet and dark location similar to a basement.


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How to Get Smell Out of Flip Flops

When flip flops are used on a regular basis they can easily develop a foul foot related odor within the material.  This pungent is almost always a direct result of dead skin particles and sweat building up that creates an odorous bacteria rich environment.


 

Fortunately, there remain several household remedies for removing the foot related odor and have you sandals smelling like new.  By following the below solutions you will be able to get the funk out of your flip flops.

 
flip-flops
 

Flip Flop Deodorizing Solutions

 

1 Soapy Scrubdown + Direct Sunlight

Often all that is required is a soapy scrub down of the sandals outside with a hose.  Using dish detergent, rub down the top side of the sandals ensuring that you have scrubbed within all of the difficult to reach cracks.  Follow this by rinsing the sandals down outside with a hose and leaving them to dry within direct sunlight for the day.  The soap will have the effect of removing much of the buildup as the open space, fresh air and ultraviolet rays will go to work in killing of the last of the bacteria.

 

2 Soak within White Vinegar

This household acid can work wonders in eliminating flip flop odors.   Fill large tray with one part white vinegar and four parts warm water and place your sandals face side down within the formula.  Allow the flip flops to sit for 3-4 hours as the acid within the vinegar gradually strips allow foot related buildup and kills off any unwanted bacteria that may have made a home for themselves within the sandals.  Once they have soaked for the required time, place them outside within direct sunlight dry out.  Please note that white vinegar will have an acidic odor while wet, however it will evaporate odorlessly with the unwanted foot odor after it’s application.

 

3 Rubbing Alcohol Soak

In a similar fashion to white vinegar, rubbing alcohol can work to remove an unwelcome stench from flip flops.  Mix a solution of one part rubbing alcohol with five parts water within a large tray and place your flip flops within it face down.  The alcohol within the mixture will have the effect of killing any odorous bacteria while loosening any foot residue that may have built up.  After 3-4 hour of soaking, place the sandals outside within direct sunlight to air out and dry.

 

4 Deodorize with Enzyme Cleaner

The active enzymes within this cleaning solution will literally eat through any loose organic materials within the surface of the flip flops and kill the bacteria.  Fill a large tray with a low level of enzyme cleaner and place the flip flops face down within the product cleaner.  After 4-6 hours you can remove the sandals and finish the deodorizing process by placing them outdoors within the sun.

 

5 Sprinkle Baking Soda

This kitchen ingredient has been used for decades for it’s odor absorption capibiltites.  If you are dealing with a minor foot odor, baking soda can simply be sprinkled over the top surface in heavy quantities and allowed to sit for 24 hours.  Alternatively, you can also mix a solution of one part baking soda with ten part water within a large tray and allow you sandals to soak face down within the solution for no less than 12 hours.

 

6 Scrub and Freeze

Another effective method for deodorizing flip flops is to scrub the top side down within the sink and proceed to ziplock bag them and place them within the freezer.  the scrubbing will help to strip the flip flop of any residual foot residues while the freeze will effectively freeze any remaining bacteria living within the flip flops.  For best results, make sure that sandals are kept within the freezer for 48 hours before removing to to thaw out within the sun.



Photo credit: Quinn Dombrowski

 
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