Do you ever wonder if the products you use to cover up odours your home are harmful? Many families have stopped buying commercial odour-eliminating products, both for safety and environmental reasons. These products often have overpowering scents that may contain chemicals that could be harmful to children and pets. Don't worry, though! Here are some natural options for your family that are also inexpensive: 
Baking SodaMost people are familiar with the natural odour eliminating properties of baking soda. It isn’t uncommon to see an open box in the fridge. However, it can be used for so much more! Sprinkling baking soda on a particularly dirty area of carpet or upholstery before vacuuming is an effective method for removing odours. It can also freshen up an old stuffed animal that isn’t machine washable. Try putting the toy in a bag with some baking soda, closing the bag, giving it a shake, and letting it sit for about 30 minutes. |
White VinegarWhite vinegar is an inexpensive, natural odour eliminator. Did your puppy have an accident on the carpet? Remove what you can, and then pour some full strength white vinegar onto the area and let it sit overnight, then rinse and blot it dry the next day. Also, placing small “smell bowls” around the house filled with white vinegar can help eliminate the smell of hockey gear or a fresh paint job. | 
ChalkChalk is very porous, allowing it to absorb odours and moisture. Try taking 5 or 6 pieces of chalk and tying them together with a piece of string, and then hanging the string by a coat hanger in a cupboard or closet. This technique can serve to soak up moisture, reduce mold, and eliminate musty smells. | 
Activated CharcoalActivated charcoal is steam-heated charcoal with millions of microscopic holes, allowing it to absorb huge amounts of odours. Many air filters use activated charcoal, but it can also be purchased inexpensively from local drug, health food, and pet supply stores. Try tying some cheese cloth around a few pieces to make an odour-eliminating bag which can be placed anywhere in the house. |
Built-in Corner BookshelvesLooking for a place to put those extra books or display pieces? Have some unutilized space under a staircase or in the corner of your living room? A built-in corner bookshelf is a great way to create shelf space and make the most of corners and crannies. Check out this website for a great DIY!
"Spring delivers greater balance to Greater Vancouver housing market" - according to the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board. While the number of sales remains below average, properties that are priced right are selling and we're seeing greater balance between buyer demand and the number of homes listed for sale. This is having a steadying influence on home prices in the region. For more information from the Real Estate Board, click here. |
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