How to Get Musty Smell Out of Basement

When items sit in storage for many years, a musty odor is likely to develop.  Similarly, basements soon develop a smell of cobwebs and mothballs when used to store things.   As the items continue to age and deteriorate within the confines of this underground space, the aroma often heightens and becomes increasingly off-putting.


 

As people seek to restore their basement, they are faced with the dilemma of how they are to move this aged odor out .  By utilizing many of the provided tips within this guide, you will be able to identify specific problems and take needed action in eliminating this uninvited odor.

 

Basement Odor Suggestions

These following tips will help remove the musty smells from your basement.

 

1 Check for Puddles and Leaks

Musty odors within basements are often caused by stagnant puddles or pipe leaks.  Be sure to survey the basement to ensure that water does not exist within this space.  When a moist environment is joined with stale air and no sunlight musty odors are sure to follow.

 
 

2 Open Windows

Providing a fresh stream of air within a basement freshens the air and removes stagnant mold spore from the air.  Leave the window for 2-3 days in a row for the items within the space to properly aerate from the space.

 
 

3 Run a Dehumidifier

A sure fire way to eliminate the presence of musty odors is to evaporate all of the moisture from the basement.  By regularly running a dehumidifier within the basement, the mold spore that create the musty smell will not have a chance to take hold of the space.

 

4 White Vinegar

Undoubted, white vinegar is the best household solution for removing musty odors from a basement.  The chemical compound work to first kill the mold spore and then neutralize the odor.  If there is a minor odor, mix a solution of one part white vinegar and three part water and pour within a spray bottle.  Spray down the entire space including items in storage, flooring, walls and ceiling.  Finally open window to allow for evaporation.  If you are dealing with a stronger odor, use this solution to scrub down the flooring, walls and ceiling to ensure that it does not return.

 

5 Sprinkle Baking Soda

This is another household ingredient that can be very helpful in absorbing unwanted musty odors.  Sprinkle baking soda across flooring and contents of basement and allow to site for 24-48 hours.  After this time has passed, return to vacuum this powder up.

 

6 Spray Febreze

As a quick solution Febreze can be effective at freshening items within the basement which have grown a musty odor.  Heavily spray item down from all angles and provide 15-30 minutes for the the item to air dry.


 
[contact]

How to Get Squid Smell Off Hands

While fishing and cooking squid, touching this sea dwelling creature is unavoidable. After handling it, the squid residue will often be very challenging to remove from one’s hands.


Fortunately, there exist several home remedies for the removal of squid odors from one’s hands.  The below tips while help increase your odds of returning your hands smell back to normal.

Fishy Odor Removal Tips

These tips will bring you closer to removing squid funk from your fingers.

1 Antibacterial Soap

This solution is not the most effective home remedy for removing smells, however it is great for getting squid grim out of nails and off hands.  While lathering up be sure to target all crevasses in and around fingernails.

2 Wash Again

If one soapy wash is not effective, wash your hands a second or even third time.  Every time you wash your hands, more slimy grim is striped from your hands, providing a fresher smell.

3 Citrus Fruit

These fruit have wonderful natural properties at eliminating unwanted odors.  The citric acid within lemon, oranges and limes works to eat through odor causing properties of squid residue.  To apply, cut open the fruit and squeeze juice within palms.  Continue by running moisture through knuckles, fingers and nails.

4 Baking Soda

This household substance is highly effective at absorbing odors and freshen hands.  Pour a small portion of baking soda within palms, and place hands under running water until baking soda becomes moist.  Rub moist baking soda through hands and under fingernails.

5 Vodka

This party beverage has more than one use around the household.  The alcohol within vodka works to neutralize much of the squid smell, and dries away odorless.  Splash hands from the bottle and rub through hands and under fingernails.

6 White Vinegar

This household ingredient combats a variety of organic odors like squid.  Splash hands with white vinegar and 2-3 times before washing the substance off under the faucet.  In-between splashes make sure to rub the liquid through hands and into areas under fingernails.


[contact]

How to Get Fart Smell Out of Chair

After so many farts, any chair will develop a long lasting odor.  Rather than fix your intestinal problem at it’s source, there are things that can be done to remove the odor from the chair and ensure that it never returns.


 

No one wants there chair to smell up their home or office.  By following the below tips, you can be assured that your chair will be smelling fresh in no time.

 

Odor Removal Toots

The following household tips provide a range of formulas for eliminating fart odors within a chair’s upholstery.

 

1 Baking Soda

This household substance is fantastic at drawing out the long-lasting effects left from farting within your seat.  Sprinkle high qualities of this powder over your seat at the end of the day and allow for it to set in over night.  When you return in the morning, simply brush the powder off and enjoy a freshened seat.  If it is not effective after one night, repeat the process the following night.

 

2 White Vinegar

This household cleaning formula that works wonders at getting deep within chair upholstery and breaking down odors.  Mix a solution of one part white vinegar and three parts water.  Heavily spray down the entire seat during the end of the day and allow the night for the formula to air dry.

 

3 Vodka

This party drink can double as a household deodorant.  After pouring the vodka within a spray bottle, mist down the upholstery within the chair to neutralize unwanted fart aromas.  Due to the alcohol content, this liquid will quickly evaporate and leave the chair smelling fresh.

 

4 Lemon Juice

The citric acid within lemon juice can help in removing musty fart odors from upholstry.  Measure one part lemon juice with two parts water and pour within a spray bottle.  Spray down the entire chair, ensuring that the formula sinks deep within the fiber to eat through any unwanted smells.  After spraying down, allow an entire night to air dry.

 

5 Eucalyptus  Oil

This oil is quite effective at masking and eliminating fart-based odors.  Mix a solution of one part eucalyptus oil and three parts water and pour within a spray bottle.  Heavily spray down the upholstery of chair and provide a the night to air dry.

 
 

6 Tea Tree Oil

This homeopathic oil works well at breaking down unpleasant upholstery odors.  Mix one part tea tree oil with three parts water and pour within a spray bottle.  Mist heavy quantities of this mixture on the upholstery, and allow the moisture to air dry over night.


 
[contact]

How to Get Vagina Smell Off Fingers

So… your fingers smell like vagina?  There are several ways this can happen, though none will be reviewed within this instructional guide.  Rather, several solutions will be provided to eliminating the funky vaginal odors found within your fingers.


 

Several men and even females have trouble removing vaginal odors from their hands.  Fortunately, there exist several household solutions for adding freshness back within your finger tips.

 

Bulletproof Odor Removal Tips

These household solutions offer a range of odor reduction formulas within your hands.

 

1 Anti-Bacterial Soap

Using anti-bacterial soap is the most logical solution, and is often all that is required for removing this variety of bodily odors from fingers.  For added measure, work soap within hands and under finger nails.

 
 

2 Vodka

This party drink can be used as a fast solution for wiping out vaginal odors from hands.  Simply pour a small amount of vodka within hands and rub throughout the finger tips.

 
 

3 Rubbing Alcohol

Similar to vodka, the alcohol within this substance works to eat through residues and carry odors off.  Pour a small portion of rubbing alcohol within palms and rub it thoroughly through fingers and nails.

 
 

4 Lemon Juice

The citric acid breaks through organic substances and leaves a fresh lemon scent behind.  Squeeze half a lemon within your palms and rub the moisture through your hands and under your fingernails.

 
 

5 White Vinegar

This household ingredient can be very effective at cutting through odors.  Just splash hands with this substance and rub in-between fingers and under finger nails.

 
 
 

6 Baking Soda

This is a kitchen ingredient that has a great capacity for absorbing odors.  Pour some baking soda within palms and place hands under the facet.  As the powder gets wet rub within hands and in-between fingers to remove the unwanted smell.

 
 

7 Toothpaste

Squeeze toothpaste into palms and work into hands as you would with antibacterial soap.  Though this is an unlikely ingredient, it can be very effective at removing organic residues like this.


 
[contact]

How to Get Burnt Smell Out of House

We’ve all lost track of time before, and have been jolted by the piecing sound of a smoke alarm.  Upon entering the kitchen we find our charcoal caked creation spewing smoke from the oven. After opening doors and windows to clear the air, a musty burnt odor is often left behind within the living space.


 

This is often a tricky odor to remove as smoke has a way of entering cracks and fibers.  Fortunately, there do exist several household solutions for removing this odor on short notice.  By following the bellow tips, you will increase your odds of eliminating this unwelcome aroma.

 
burnt-toast
 

General Household Solutions

The below tips apply to nearly any burnt smell that develops within a home.

1 Remove Burnt Items

All burnt items must be placed outdoors within the trash.  The longer that burnt items remain within the house, the more challenging the smoke odor will be to remove.

 

2 Open Windows

Open all of the windows within your home.  Doing this will ventilate the house and allow for a fresh stream of air to sweep through and carry much of the burnt odors away.  In many cases, leaving the windows open will be enough to completely neutralize the burnt smell.

 

3 Boil Vinegar

White vinegar can work miracles at eliminating odors within the household.  Create a mixture of one part vinegar with three parts water within a pot and begin heating on the burner.  If the burnt smell is central to the kitchen, you can continue to heat the mixture long after it has come to a boil.  Doing so will ensure that the steam will cover all of the kitchen surface to wipe out any burnt stench.  Likewise, if the burnt smell is experienced in other areas outside of the kitchen, the boiling mixture can be poured within boils and moved to those areas

 

4 Boil Lemon Juice

The citric acid within lemon is arguably the most effective natural substance in combating smoke based odors.  Squeeze one part lemon juice with two parts water within a heated pot.  Once the solution reaches a boil move pot to the area of the house experience a burnt odor.  As the pot steams out, it will naturally cover the interior of the room and neutralize the odor.

 

5 Vodka

This party drink has been used for generations as a household deodorizer.  Mix vodka and water in equal parts and spray down the interior of the affected room.  Be sure to lightly spray all surface areas of the room, leaving no areas untouched.

 

6 Baking Soda

If the rooms affected by the burnt smell contain carpeting or fabric of some variety, baking soda can be used to absorb the odor.  Lightly sprinkle baking soda over the carpeting or rugs within the room and allow for the powder to set in over the course of 24 hours.  After a day has passed, return to vacuum the substance and leave freshened flooring behind.


 
[contact]

How to Get Cat Urine Smell Out of Wood

If you take look around, you’ll suddenly realize that many of the materials within your house are made of wood.  Whether your little feline friend has acknowledged this or not, they may have unfortunately made a urine deposit within your wooden decor.


 

Removing the sour urine smell from wood can be challenging, however there do exist several solutions for cleaning up these types of accidents.  By utilizing the below tips, you will undoubtedly become closer to removing the odor and adding freshness back into the natural grain fiber.

 
cat-wood
 

Smell Removal Solutions

 

1 White Vinegar

The chemical compound within white vinegar works to directly combat the odorous ammonia within cat urine.  Create a mixture of one part white vinegar and two parts water and pour on the location of the spill.  Allow the vinegar to set in for 24 hours before returning to wipe it off.

 

2 Enzyme Cleaner

Try using a veterinarian approved enzyme cleaning solution almost always eradicates unwanted urine based odors.  The activated enzymes within this cleaner eat though the urine residue and render it odorless.  Apply a heavy amount of this substance to the wooden surface and leave it to air dry.  If the substance remains after 24 hours, blot dry the moisture from the wooden surface.

 

3 Hydrogen Peroxide

The chemical properties in hydrogen peroxide work well in fighting the odorous effects of cat urine.  It usually has the effects of breaking down the organics and lightening darken stains.  Measure one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water and pour on the location of the spill.  After 24 hours, return and blot dry the remaining moisture.

 

4 Baking Soda

As a household substance, baking soda is frequently used in the fight against odor.  Baking soda works to absorb much of urine odor and freshen the wooden grain where it is applied.  Mix one part baking soda with three parts water and pour on the location of the urine spill.  After 24 hours has passed, return to blot dry and wipe up any remaining substance.

 

5 Kitty Litter

Kitty litter has wonderful range of odor absorption.  When your kitten piddles on wood, just pour cat litter over the location and allow for it to sit for 24 hours.  After a day has passed, sweep it up and enjoy freshened wood.

 
 

6 Murphy’s Oil Soap

This product works wonders in getting deep down into grain to clean wood and lift out any residual odors.  Pour oil soap on the wood’s surface and work within the grain.  Allow the product to sit on the wood for a minimum of 24 hours before wiping up any remaining residue.

 

7 Seal Odor with Varnish

If cleaning methods are not effective, vanish can be applied to the wood’s surface to seal the odor within the fiber.  Placing two coats of vanish will help to ensure that the odor does not return.


 
[contact]

How to Get Smell Out of Leather Jacket

Leather jackets are a great accessory for modern living and provide exceptional protection for motorcycle activities. However, once smell develops within the material, leather jackets are often very challenging to clean and deodorize.


 

Sweat and skin particles can often build up and produce an unwanted musty stink. Likewise, other external smells from vomit, gasoline, perfume and beverages can present there own difficulties.

 
leather-jacket
 

Smell Removal Solutions

 

1 Fresh Air

A steady breeze and open space can do much to remove smell from a leather jacket.  Place the jacket on a clothes lines and allow for it to hang for at least 24 hours.  As a note of precaution, check the daily weather report to ensure that you wont be leaving your jacket out in harsh conditions.

 

2 Sun

Providing the jacket direct sunlight can help in neutralizing external surface odors.  Place the jacket in the sun for a minimum of 8 hours to allow the UV rays work to wipe out odor causing residue.  After a day in the sun, much of the odor will be lifted off.

 

3 White Vinegar

The chemical properties within white vinegar can help in cutting through odors within a leather jacket.  Mix a solution of one part white vinegar with five parts water, and pour within a spray bottle. Spray down the entire leather jacket ensuring that all affected areas are moist.  The leather jacket can quickly air dry by hanging it our doors for the day.

 

4 Vodka

This party drink can work wonders in eliminating odors within leather jackets.  The alcohol within the drink help to neutralize smell on the spot.  Spray leather jacket down, ensuring that all of the affected portions of the jacket have been misted by the substance.  Hang jacket and allow to air dry as the alcohol quickly evaporates off.

 

5 Baking Soda

This household ingredient has a great capacity for absorbing odors.  Place the jacket in a remote corner of a room and sprinkle heavy quantities of baking soda on top of the jacket.  Allow the baking soda to absorb the unwanted smell over the course of 5-7 days.  After a week has passed, return to take the jacket out side and shake the powder of the jacket.

 

6 Activated Charcoal

This substance can take time to remove odors, however with sufficient time it can be a very effective solution.  Put several activated charcoal briquettes within a pair of old nylon stockings.  Place nylon enclosed activated charcoal and leather jacket within an enclosed cardboard box for 5-7 days.  After a week has passed, return to remove freshened jacket.

 

7 Borax

This substance works similar to activated charcoal.  Pour borax within an open brown bag and place with leather jacket within and enclosed cardboard box.  After 5-7 days have passed, return to remove the odor-free jacket.


 
[contact]

How to Get Cat Urine Smell Out of Hardwood Floors

With the amount of time we find our cats spending on furniture, it is surprising to find a kitty urine deposit spread across our hardwood flooring.  The quality of our hardwood floor is a valuable thing, and many people don’t know how to remove the residual odor during a post kitty urine clean-up.


 

Fortunately, there do exist several solutions for cleaning and neutralizing urine odor after it has seeped within the grain fiber.  By following the tips below, you increase your odds of wiping out this unwelcome aroma, and restore freshness to your hardwood flooring.

 
cat-hardwood-floor
 

Cat Urine Smell Removal Solutions

 

1 White Vinegar

This solution is one of the most effective solutions for neutralizing urine odors within hard wood flooring.  The chemical properties directly combats the ammonia within urine and renders the urine odorless. Mix a formula of one part white vinegar with two parts water and pour on the hardwood flooring.  After 24 hours wipe the vinegar up and enjoy the freshened flooring.

 

2 Baking Soda

This household substance works for a variety of odor problems.  It effectively absorbs the odors from the wooden fiber and leaves hardwood flooring smelling fresh.  Create a mixture of one part baking soda with three part baking soda, and pour on the hardwood flooring.  Return in 24 hours to wipe up any remaining powder.

 

3 Hydrogen Peroxide

This chemical helps in breaking down odor creating organics within hardwood flooring.  The solution works by wiping out the odor and carries that added benefit of removing darken stains within the wood fiber.

 
 

4 Cat Litter

Similar the kitty litter box, this substance can come in handy in other areas of the house for removing urine based odors. Simply pour clean cat litter on on the locations of urine spill and provide 24-48 hours for the material to absorbe the unwelcome smell.

 

5 Enzyme Cleaner

Enzyme cleaners and deodorizers work fantastic at removing urine odors and usually come with a veterinary seal of approval.  The activated enzymes within the material eat through the urine organics and render the flooring odor-free.

 
 

6 Murphy’s Oil Soap

This product works wonders as cleaning and removing odor from wood.  Work the oil soap within the wood fiber and allow for the solution to sit for 24 hours.  If any remains after a day, return to wipe the product up.

 
 

7 Seal With Floor Finish

The flooring can be sealed with wood varnish when all else in ineffective.  Adding two coats of varnish will usually be effective at neutralizing the urine odor.


 
[contact]

How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Towels

Towels are always at their best when they are dry, clean and fluffy.  They are there to dry your body and leave you fresh to begin your day.  However, when they develop a mildew smell and begin to wreak moldy cheese and mildew, they are anything but ideal.  After you’ve showered the last thing you want is for this funk to rub off!



 

There are several preventative tips and solutions for after your towel has developed this stink.  In following a series of tips, you can prevent the development of such an odor for future use.

 
musty-towel
 

Preventative Solutions

Towels often build a mildew odor while they are on a rack and the following solutions can help in preventing an odor from developing.

 

1 Wash Weekly

When towels are used repeatedly, they can develop a mildew smell as dead skin particles build within the fabric fiber.  If a towel is not wash at least once a week, the odor can build and become a feeding ground for mildew as it feeds from the organic matter.

 

2 Alternate Towels

If your towel is unable to completely dry within a 24 hour period, it is important that you begin alternating towels.  When a towel receives continued use it is likely for mildew to develop, as it will never gain the opportunity to completely dry.  Alternating towels provides a window for them to dry and prevents the odor from developing.

 

Washing Odor Solutions

Once a mildew odor finds it’s way within a towel, it can be very challenging the remove.  It is important to add some additional functions within the washing process to ensure that all remaining mildew residue is removed.

 

1 Hot Water

Setting the washing machine to the hottest setting will help in removing odors from clothing.  The hot water helps in opening the fibers and allowing detergent to penetrate the fabric and remove the mildew odor.

 
 

2 Wash Again

If the first wash is not successful at removing all of the mildew residue, simply wash it again.  As simplistic as it sound, washing the clothing a second time is often effective at removing any residue odors.

 
 

3 White Vinegar

This household substance works wonders in cutting through mildew odors, and returning towels to normal.  Measure a full cup of white vinegar and pour within a normal detergent wash.

 
 

4 Baking Soda

This powder works fantastic at absorbing unwanted smell and rendering it odorless. Pour a half cup of baking soda within a normal detergent wash.  In addition to working to remove the mildew odor, the baking soda will also make the whites whiter.

 

5 Bleach

If towels are white, bleach can be utilized to help remove mildew odor.  Measure a half cup of bleach and pour within a normal detergent wash.  The bleach will help in neutralizing the smell, and render the white towels odorless.


 
[contact]

How to Get Cat Smell Out of House

We love our feline companions, but often their dander build-up can be quite overwhelming.  Upon entering the house, kitty odor can deliver a strong punch that can send some visitors reeling.  To avoid being considered a crazy old cat lady amongst your peers, a speedy odor solution is needed to minimize this pungent odor.


 

In this guide, there are a range of solutions provided for cutting down kitty on the accumulation of this odor.  By following the below tips, you can increase your odds of eliminating this smell and make sure that it never rears its head again.

 
cat-out-of-house
 

Cat Household Solutions

The below solutions will help in eliminating cat related odors once they have developed within the household.

 

1 Open Windows

As a first step, opening the windows will allow for fresh air to circulate and work to carry away some of the unwanted odor.  This can also be beneficial later, as it will also allow you to better detect the source of an odor.

 
 

2 Wash Linens

If your cat commonly frequents you bed or other furniture with washable linens, be sure to run them through a detergent wash cycle.   This includes everything from bed sheets, pillow cases, couch cushion cases and any other linen which is safe to launder.

 

3 Clean Cat’s Favorite Furniture

On furniture that cats frequent, it is not unusually for a dander and smelly residue to accumulate.  In order to neutralize the odor within the furniture, you can use a formula of white vinegar.  Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and spray down all of the fabric upholstery.  The vinegar will get deep within the fiber and work by cutting through the odorous residue.  Be sure to open windows within the room as the will speed the rate of evaporation.

 

4 Sprinkle Carpeting with Baking Soda

Cats spend countless hours on the ground, and during this time much of their hairs and dander can build within the carpeting.  When this happens baking soda can help in getting within the carpet fibers and absorbing the unwanted odors.  Lightly sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface area of the carpeting, and allow for it to set in for 24 hours.  After a day has passed, return to vacuum the powder up, leaving freshened carpeting behind.

 

5 Spray Vodka

This party drink can work wonders at freshening cat odors around the house.  Pour vodka within a spray bottle and mist down any locations where an odor is especially strong.  the alcohol immediately neutralizes most odors and quickly evaporates away.

 
 

Preventative Cat Odor Solutions

There are several functions that can be perform to ensure that cat odors do not develop within the home.  The following suggestions will prevent much of the need for cleaning odors from your cat.

 

1 Keep Cat Clean

If your cat develops odor or grim within it’s fur, it is important to wash your feline friend shortly after.  As much as they may resent you for a shampoo rinse, it will be better for your home in the long run.

 
 

2 Cover Cat’s Favorite Furniture

If your cat’s favorite spot is the couch, be certain that you’ve placed a fabric cover over this piece of furniture.  Doing this will dramatically cut down on the amount of hair and dander that can get within the upholstery.

 
 

3 Keep Cat Litter Cat Accessible & Distant

The cat litter box play a crucial role in keeping your house smelling fresh.  If it is too difficult to get to, cat are likely to urinate in areas you would not like them to.  Likewise, if it is too central within your home, the smell from the box can drift like a cloud throughout the entire house.  Ideally, place your kitty litter box in a side mud room which is central within your home but receives little foot traffic.

 

4 Black Light

As a final preventative function prior to visiting your local veterinarian, you can scan the carpeting for cat urine with a black light.  Be sure that all the blind have been shut and mark the urine spray with baking soda so they can be found once the blinds are opened.  If accidents are found, it is best to use enzyme carpet cleaner which works by eating through the organic residue causing odor.  For more information visit our article on cat urine within carpeting, here.


 
[contact]