How to Get Smell Out of Hair

Within any given day, a smell can develop within one’s hair.  Like any fiber, hair accumulates residues, oils and smoke fumes.  When the smell develops within hair follicles, it can be quite unpleasant and can act as a constant annoyance.



 

Fortunately, there exists several solutions for removing odors and freshening hair.  By following the below solutions, you can remove any hair stench and free your follicles from odor.

 

Hair Deodorizing Solutions

 

1 Hair Down

When hair is tied within a bun, odor becomes locked in and does not have an opportunity to escape. Placing your hair down frees the individual strands and allows fresh air to sweep through and carry unwanted odors away.

 
 

2 Direct Sunlight

The UV rays of the sun can work well in drying out and neutralizing residues within follicles to render them odorless.  Spending 45 to 60 minutes within direct sun will have a freshening impact on any odor found within your hair.

 
 

3 Fresh Air

Spending time outside can be very beneficial to odorous follicles.  The fresh breeze and open space will work to lift off much of the unwelcome smells.  If you don’t have access a shower, aim to spend a minimum of an hour outside with you hair down.

 
 

4 Wash Again

It may sound simplistic, but washing hair a second time within the shower can have the effect of lifting out residual odors that weren’t eliminated during the first use of shampoo.  If you can tell an odor particularly bad, be sure to shampoo hair, then rinse and repeat.

 

5 Apple Cider Vinegar

Many naturalists regularly substitute shampoo for apple cider vinegar due to it’s powerful cleaning effects.  Mix a solution of apple cider vinegar and shampoo within a cup and bring within the shower.  Proceed to apply to hair and provide a minimum of 2-3 minutes for the chemicals to work their magic.  The vinegar will have the positive effect of stripping the odor producing residues to freshen the hair.

 

6 Baking Soda Paste

This household powder works wonders at absorbing odors.  Mix a paste solution of water and baking soda in equal parts within a cup.  Bring cup within the shower and apply to hair.  Provide 3-5 minutes for the the baking soda to pull the unwelcome odor from your locks.  After this time has passed, rinse baking soda paste out and enjoy freshened follicles.

 

7 Lemon Squeeze

The citric acid within citrus fruit can cut through smelly residues and add a nice sheen to hair.  Mix a solution of your normal shampoo and lemon juice in equal parts and apply to hair during shower.  Provide 2-3 minutes for the formula to set in before rinsing out from hair

 

8 Vodka Spray

This party drink drys odorless and is highly effective at lifting unwanted smells from hair.  Pour a small amount of vodka within a spray bottle and spritz down hair from all angles. Allow 5-15 minutes for the alcohol to evaporate, and leave hair smelling fresh.

 

9 Febreze It

This product is fantastic on short notice.  Spray hair down from multiple angles and provide 10-20 minutes for the solution to air dry away.  If smelly hair is a regular occurrence, consider placing Febreze in strategic location within the office, car and home to use on a moments notice.


 
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How to Get Smell Off a Cat

As much as we love our playful feline companions, they have a way of getting neck deep within some sticky situations.  When this happens, residue can build up within the cat’s fur and create an unpleasant stench.



Fortunately, there remain several things that can be done to help in washing the cat and removing odorous residues.  By following the below tips, you can be sure that your cat will be squeaky clean and smelling fresh.
cat2

 

Smell Removal Solutions

 

1 Prepare for Wash

It is important to get everything ready within the bathroom in advance of bathing the cat.  This will ensure that the entire cleaning goes smoothly without any unexpected events. Fill the bathtub with 3-4 inches of warm water, place a towel on the flooring of the bath to aid the cat’s footing and have a bucket and cat shampoo on hand.

 

2 Disarm Your Kitty

Before washing your cat, take some defensive measure before the process begins.  File down it’s claws to ensure that if it does swat at you, it’s nails will be so dull that they will not be successful at drawing blood.

 

3 Protect Yourself

Cats are not very fond of baths and will often resist the getting wet at all costs.  With this in mind, it is important to wear long sleeve shirts or long sleeve water resistant gloves to ward off bites and swats from the feline’s paws.

 

4 Firm Grip

It is important that you hold your cat firmly to prevent it from slipping loose.  Should your cat have the chance to break free, it will seize the moment to bolt out from the bathroom.  Additionally, be careful not to hold too tightly as this may constrict the cat’s ability to breathe properly.

 

5 Soak Cat

Bring cat within the bathroom and place it within the water.  Using the bucket, soak the cat from head to tail in the warm water while holding the cat in place.  During this stage be sure that all large debris are cleansed from the kitten’s fur, allowing the shampoo to have a greater effect.

 

6 Shampoo Cat

Once the cat has been completely soaked, proceed in applying cat shampoo within it’s fur.  During application be sure to rub the shampoo into the affected areas and to take precaution not to get any soap in the cat’s eyes, nose or mouth.

 

7 Dry Cat

To dry cat, remove from water and wrap within a medium sized towel.  Begin blot drying cat from all sides to ensure that the vast majority of the moisture is pulled from the cat’s fur. After the cat has been blot dried, let the cat loose within the house.  However, take precaution to keep the cat indoors until it’s coat has completely dried off. If the cat continues to smell immediately after the bath, it may be wise to contact a local veterinarian.



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How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Stuffed Animals

Kids love to hug them, sleep with them, and take them wherever they go. Unfortunately, because stuffed animals get so much of our children’s attention, they can easily develop a mildew odor.



There are things that can be done to add freshness back within your child’s stuffed animal. By applying some of the below tips, you can be assured that the stuffed animal’s odor will be removed and will not return anytime soon.

Stuffed Animal Smell Removal Solutions

1 Color-Safe Bleach

Color-safe bleach provides protection for the stuffed animal’s colors while working to ensure the eradication of any existing mold spore.  Place the stuffed animal within a pillow case, tie the end, and place within the washing machine.  Measure a normal cup of color safe bleach and add within the washer before running an entire cycle.  After the  completion of the wash, place within the dryer and run on gentle.

2 White Vinegar

This household substance is the best solution for cutting through mildew within a stuffed animal.  The chemicals work to eat through mold spores and lift off residual odor.  Put the stuffed animal within an enclosed pillowcase and place within the washing machine.  Use normal detergent and add 1-2 cups of white vinegar to normal rinse.  After wash has completed, place within a gentle drying cycle.

3 Baking Soda

This powder works wonders at absorbing odors and freshening musty stuffed animals.  Measure a full cup of baking soda and pour within a sealed trash bag along with stuffed animal.  Give the bag a heavy shake and place aside for 24-48 hours. After 1-2 days have passed, return to remove the stuffed animal and shake off the baking soda.

4 Fabric Softener Sheets

This is a quick solution to freshening any small-medium sized stuffed animal.  Place 2-4 fabric softening sheets within the dryer along with a musty smelling stuffed animal.  Close the door and run the dryer on a delicate setting for 15-30 minutes before removing the stuffed animal for a smell test.  If the smell persists, place the stuffed animal back within the dryer and run for another 15-30 minutes.

5 Febreze

If the odor within the stuff animal is mild, using Febreze can be an effective solution.  Heavily spray down the stuffed animal and provide 3-4 hours for the moisture to air dry.  Once dry, return the freshened stuffed animal back within your child’s hands.


Photo credit: Pete Toscano

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How to Get Smell Out of Ferret

Though ferrets make for wonderful companions, they can carry a foul smell when they are not properly cared for. The funk can cover them from head to toe, and distribute a pungent fume throughout the household.



By taking simple actions, you can eliminate ferret odor and ensure that it does not create an unwanted stench within the household.  The following tips will help in freshening the ferret and meeting the objective of an odor-free home.
ferret

Ferret Deodorizing Solutions

 

1 Neuter Your Ferret

Desexing a ferret with a simple operation at your neighborhood veterinarian can help in removing much of the smell that a ferret produces.  The odor causing hormones that ferrets emit are heavily reduced after they have had this simple operation.

 

2 De-scent Your Ferret

Having your ferret de-scented means having the ferret’s anal glands surgically removed at your local veterinarian.  The glands have a way of leaking out smell residues throughout the home, within their bedding and around their cage.  Without these glands, much of their odor producing capabilities will be minimized.

 

3 Keep Indoors

Odors from your ferret often depend upon whether it’s an indoor or outdoor ferret.  If the ferret is kept indoors, there remain less potential for them to develop smelly outdoor residues that may accumulate within their fur.

 

4 Change & Wash Bedding

Change & Wash Bedding Be sure that you change and wash the ferrets bedding.  By doing this twice a week, you can prevent your ferrets natural residues from building and becoming stagnant.  In short, washing twice a week will help avoid a smelly ferret situation.

 

5 Change Litter Box

Change the litter box every 24-48 hours to remove the any unwanted ferret dropping smells.  As an added measure, you can use a natural enzyme cleaning solution to spray down the empty litter box before refilling with new ferret litter.  Doing these actions will help in controlling the smells that develop within this box.

 

6 They Are What They Eat

Ferrets are what they eat.  Be sure to feed them ferret specific natural foods.  Resist the urge to feed them fish or food that is made for cats.  Proper diet will help in balanced and effective approach to have them smelling fresh again.

 

7 Don’t Bathe Often

Resist the urge to bathe the ferrets too often.  Bathing a ferret can have the unwanted effect of turning their glands into overdrive to compensate for loosing their scent.  If they are bathed too often, they will smell rather unpleasant shortly after being shampooed.  Should you need to bath your ferret be sure that they are washed with ferret specific shampoo to minimize unwanted effects.

 

8 Female Over Males

Males are known to smell more than female ferrets.  If you are in the market for purchasing a ferret, you may want to consider selecting a less odorous female ferret.



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How to Get Urine Smell Out of Concrete

When nighttime activities take a turn for the worse, public urination is almost always part of the activities. A night of carefree marksmanship can be fun, even though the reality of deodorizing urine from a concrete driveway is nowhere as enjoyable.



Fortunately, there are several functions that can be performed to remove the urine stench from a concrete slab. By following the below tips, you can be sure that your concrete will be smelling fresh and free of unwelcome urine aromas.

Concrete Smell Removal Solutions

1 White Vinegar

The acid within white vinegar helps to neutralize the ammonia base within urine. Pour a puddle of white vinegar over the origins of the urine spill.  While pouring ensure that all affected areas of concrete are covered by the chemical solution.  Initially, the concrete will smell sharply of vinegar, and will eventually become odorless as the moisture evaporates.

2 Kitty Litter

This substance is highly effective at absorbing a variety of urine odors.  Simply sprinkle heavy quantities over the affected concrete and provide 24-48 hours for the cat litter to absorb the unwanted smell.  Once 1-2 days have passed, return to sweep up the cat litter from the freshened concrete.

3 Hydrogen Peroxide

This chemical helps to cut through urine odors and provides an added benefit of removing stains from concrete flooring.  Pour a puddle of hydrogen peroxide over the affected area of the concrete.  Provide 24-48 hour for the substance to freshen the concrete and evaporate away.

4 Baking Soda

This household substance works wonders at absorbing unwanted odors. Pour heavy amounts of baking soda on top of the location of the spill.  Ensure that you provide a minimum of 24 hours before returning to sweep it off the concrete.

5 Enzyme Cleaner

This formula is fantastic at cutting through urine organics within concrete to remove odor. The active enzymes eat at the odor producing urine resides and leave the concrete smelling fresh.  Pour the enzyme cleaner on top of the location of the urine spill and allow the moisture to air dry away.  This cleaner can be purchased at pet stores and most super markets.

6 Concrete Sealer

When nothing is working to remove the odor, you can seal it within the concrete.  Doing this will also have the benefit of preventing the build of of odors within the future.


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How to Get Sweat Smell Out of Bra

During the warmer months of the year, sweat can build within women’s chests and odor can develop within bras. This is an inconvenient truth, and often requires additional steps to deodorize the undergarments.



Fortunately, there exist a range of solutions for removing the the odor while at home or within the work place. By following the below solutions, you can rest assured that the unpleasant odors will be resolved and prevented within the future.

Bra Smell Solutions

1 Warm Water

Check your bras tag, and wash the bra within the highest limitation of heat. Washing with hot water will help with opening up the fabric stitching to provide easier access for the laundry detergent.  The more access the detergent has, the more impact the cleaning solution can have on the sweat odor within the bra’s fabric fiber.

2 White Vinegar

This household ingredient can help in giving a freshening boost while laundering a bras.   Create a solution of one part white vinegar and three parts water within the sink.  Allow bras to soak in formula for 10 minutes before transitioning them within the washing machine for a normal detergent wash.  Adding the additional step of soaking the bra within vinegar is often enough to eliminate any sweat related odor.

3 Baking Soda

This substance has great powers for absorption of household odors.  Within a normal detergent wash, measure a cup of baking soda and add within the wash cycle.  This additional substance can help in neutralizing any remaining sweat smell within bras.

Bra Product Solutions

1 Febreze Laundry Odor Eliminator

This new product works well in treating and eliminating body odors within a variety of clothing.  It can be used alone or applied in tandem with normal laundry detergent in deodorizing sweat smells within bras.  Though it is often difficult to obtain, people who have used it swear by it’s effectiveness to eliminate sweat related odors.

2 Oxiclean

This product also works well at eliminating odors within a bra fabrics.  Develop a solution within the kitchen sink and soak bras within the substance for a minimum of 30 minutes before placing within a normal detergent wash.

Bra Odor Prevention

1 Antiperspirant

Several women have found that they can prevent sweat smell from developing by applying the inside of their bras with a light coat of antiperspirant.  Similar to it’s effect within armpits, this deodorant will work to ensure that smell does not develop within the breasts and bra.

2 Baby Powder

As a preventative step, applying baby powder within the inside of bras before wearing them will help in the absorption of sweet throughout the day.  This gentile powder will ensure that excessive moisture does not accumulate and bodily odors do not develop.


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How to Get Smell Out of Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bags are a essential part of the camping experience. When they smell bad, they can put a damper on your backpacking trip and cause great discomfort during sleep.



There are a variety of smells that can develop within a bag and often require different treatments. Fortunately, there exist several solutions that can be used to neutralize the funk within your camp sack, and have it smelling fresh again.

Deodorizing Solutions for Sleeping Bag

1 Inside Out & Hang in Sun

The combination of fresh air and UV rays can go a long ways to neutralizing odor within a sleeping bag. Make sure that you flip bag inside out if the smells origins are coming from the interior of the bag. Next, find a nice spot in direct sunlight to hang the bag and allow for it to aerate. Allow the bag to hang for a minimum of 8 hours to allow the odors to naturally be carried away.

2 Grass & Sun

For an additional boost, you can lay the sleeping bag across the lawn. The chlorophyl within the grass will work to neutralize the odor in combination the the sun’s UV rays.  Place the sleeping bag in direct sunlight for a minimum of 8 hours.  Within the middle of the day, it’s advisable to flip the sleeping bag so the the underside can receive some UV rays.

3 White Vinegar Spray & Hang

This compound is highly effective and is used across a wide range of odor issues within a household.  Flip the bag so that the affect areas are exposed and spray down the affected areas of the sleeping bag with a formula on water and white vinegar in equal proportions.  Hang sleeping bag out side to allow the combination of white vinegar and open space lift the unwanted odor from the fabric.

4 Baking Soda

This solution is a great formula for odor absorption.  Flip bag so that the odor affecting the bag is located on the inside of the sack.  Measure a 1-2 cups of baking soda and pour within the sleeping bag.  Close the sack and shake the bag to allow for the powder to cover the entire interior of the sack.  Roll bag up and allow for it to sit for 48-72 hours before returning to open the bag and sake the powder free of the bag.

5 Vodka Spray & Hang

This party drink works wonders doubling as a deodorizer.  The alcohol within vodka neutralizes a wide range of smells and dries away odorless. Pour vodka within a spray bottle and mist down the entire affected area of the bag.  Hang the bag outside for 1-2 hours to allow for the alcohol to quickly evaporate off.

6 Activated Charcoal

If you have the time, this solution be highly effective at absorbing an unwanted odor within your sleeping bag.  Place several activated charcoal briquettes within used nylon leggings and put them within the sleeping bag.  Roll sleeping bag up and put aside for 5-7 days.  After a week has passed, simply remove the nylon enclosed charcoal briquettes and enjoy the freshened sleeping bag.

7 Dry Cleaners

If you are tight on time and don’t mind paying for to have the bag treated, you can take your sleeping bag to the dry cleaners to have the odor removed.  You can rest assured that the funk will be removed and that the bag will be returned to normal.


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How to Get Smell Out of Dog

Even the cutest dog is unpleasant to be around when they are not smelling good.  Several dogs develop district odors take hold of a house and car and leave them smelling of musty dog dander.



Fortunately, there exists a range of things that can be done to remove the doggy odor.  The following tips can help in adding freshness back within you canine and making sure an odor never returns.
dog

Smell Removal Solutions

1 Take Dog to Veterinarian

 When a dog is smelly, it is often a sign that it is experiencing a health problem.  Before taking preventable action to cover the smell, it is important to bring your canine companion to the veterinarian to get a check up.  A dog should get checked up on annually, so you may consider alining this with your next visit.

 

2 Shampoo Monthly

A dog should be shampooed at least once a month to ensure that unwanted dander does not build up.  If the residues and dander are not able to build up, it will help in reducing a smell from developing within the dog.  To ensure that no odor develops, wet the dog down from head to toe and apply a gentle dog shampoo over the entire dog. Take precaution while shampooing your dog’s head as they do not appreciate when it gets within their eyes.

 

3 Clean Dog’s Ears

Be sure to check the dog’s ears.  Make sure the fur is not abnormal or a strange color as this can be indicative of an ear infection.  Be sure that the ears are regularly cleaned with the dogs normal shampoo.

 

4 Brush Dog’s Teeth

Similar to people, dogs can develop gum disease and bad breathe when they do not take proper steps to maintaining good oral health.  Using dog toothpaste, make sure that you brush your dog’s teeth once a week to ward off any oral issue that might develop.  You can further supplement this regimen by giving your dog daily doggy mints.

 

5 Doggy Cologne

Dog cologne may seem a bit outlandish, however several manufacturers already exist who produce it within a wide range of scents.  If you would like to freshen your pooch with a customized scent you can do so on a daily basis with a specialized scent.



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How to Get Smell Out of Old Books

Old books have load of character and can tell a story in more way than one.  Often, the older the book is, the more that becomes sought after.  Despite their appeal, many old books do carry an unfortunate musty stench.



 

This mildew odor can often be unpleasant and distract the reader from the content being read. By following the  below tips, you can rest assured that the odor will be wiped away and will not return anytime soon.

 
old-books
 

Smell Removal Solutions

 

1 Cat Litter

Cat litter has more than one use, and can work wonders as an odor absorbant for musty booksPlace cat liter within a large ziplock bag and add a full cup of cat litter before sealing it.  Provide a minimum of 48-72 hours before returning to remove the freshened book from the the bag

 

2 Microwave It

This may sound like a strange solution for removing musty odors from an old book, but it remains highly effective.  The microwaves cut through the microorganisms producing the odor and work to kill them off.  Place the book within the microwave at 20 second intervals taking breaks to smell to book to ensure that the odor has been zapped away.  As a note of caution, be sure that the books do not contain any form of metal as this can lead to destruction and fire hazard within the microwave.

 

3 Fabric Softener Sheets

Fabric softener sheets work well as bringing fresh to clothing, and have a similar result when applied to old books.  Place five dryer sheet strategically throughout the pages of a the old book and place book within a enclosed ziplock bag.  Allow the book to sit for 5-7 days before removing the book and taking the freshened dryer sheets out.

 

4 Baking Soda

This household substance is highly effective in absorbing unwanted odors within books.  Place a the old book and a cup of baking soda within an a enclosed ziplock bag and place for a few days.  After 48-72 hours have passed, return to remove the freshened book and brush off remaining baking soda over the sink.

 

5 Sunlight

The power of UV rays and open space can do wonders at eliminating musty old smells within books.  On a sunny day, take book outside and place within sun ensuring to weigh the book open so that all the pages can freely receive air.  Make adjustments if the pages are weak, as this can lead to tearing and being carried away with wind.  As a note of precaution, if the book is of great value prolonged UV rays can lead to harmful deterioration of the book.

 

6 Bleach

Bleach is a strong compound for disinfecting surfaces and removing odors.  Mix a small solution of one part bleach and three parts water and moisten a paper towel within the mixture.  Lightly apply the formula to the surface, binding and corners of the book.  Allow 20-30 minutes for book to air dry before putting into use.  Avoid this technique if the book is of value, as it could lead to minor lightening or deterioration of cover.

 

7 Freezer

Similar to the microwave, the freezer deprives the microorganisms of a hospitable environment to live.  The cold temperature of the freezer slowly kills the mold spore and eventually leave the book smelling fresh.  Place the old book within a ziplock bag and place within the freezer for an entire week. After 5-7 days, return to remove the freshened book and put into use.

 

8 Citronella Essential Oil  or Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Both of these oils work well at masking the musty smell of old books.  Damped a cloth and apply a teaspoon of either of these formulas.  Using the cloth, wipe down the cover, corners, and along the ends of the pages.  Allow 30 minutes to dry before putting into use.


 
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How to Get Fish Smell Out of Microwave

Microwaves have been a revolutionary item of modern living.  However, when people try their luck at heating fish it often ends in disaster.  The stench of fish odor left behind can be very potent and is not easily removed.



Fortunately, there do exist household solutions for neutralizing odor and adding a bit of freshness within the microwave oven.  By following the below odor removal tips you can increase your odds of eliminating this fishy funk.

Smell Removal Solutions

1 Baking Soda

This substance is known for it ability to add freshness and absorb household odors.  Mix a solution of one part baking soda and three parts water within a bowl and place within the microwave.  Heat bowl for several minutes and allow for it to steam within the confined space.  Finish by returning two hours later to wipe down the walls of the microwave.

2 White Vinegar

This compound works fantastic at cleaning and neutralizing fish odors.  Create a formula of one part white vinegar and three parts water and pour within a microwave safe bowl.  Place bowl within the microwave and run for several minutes until the mixture within the bowl has covered the walls of the microwave.  Allow for the residue to set in for an hour before returning to wipe down the inside of the microwave.

3 Lemon Juice

The citric acid within lemons is highly effective at cutting through unwanted fish odors and freshening up a microwave.  Mix a solution of lemon juice and water in equal part within a microwave safe bowl.  Run microwave until the walls have been covered in moisture, and allow a minimum of an hour for the lemon juice to work it’s magic.  After this time has passed, return to wipe down the microwave with a dish towel.

4 Real Vanilla Extract

This extract is very potent and can cover a fish odor with a pleasant aroma.  Mix a solution of one part vanilla extract with five part water within a microwave safe bowl.  Place bowl within the microwave and run for 3-4 minutes until the walls of the microwave have been covered with moisture.  After an hour has passed, return to wipe remaining moisture from the interior.

5 Brewed Coffee

This household brew can double as an excellent solution for removing fish odor.  Brew two cups of coffee and heat further within the microwave to cover walls with warm coffee moisture.  Finally, return after an hour and wipe down the walls with a dish towel.

6 Dish Towel & Dish Detergent

Hot water and dish detergent can be a simple solution for removing odor from the inside of a microwave.  Dampen a dish towel and infuse the towel with two teaspoons of dish detergent.  Place wet towel within the microwave and run for 3-4 minutes until the interior walls are covered with moisture.  Return within 30 minutes to wipe down remaining moisture.

7 Bleach

This chemical has the ability to cut through odors and sterilize surfaces.  Mix a small solution of one part bleach and four parts hot water.  Using a rag, wipe down all of the surfaces within the microwave ensuring that no area is left untouched.


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