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Home Fragrance, Smells, and Odors

By
Real Estate Sales Representative with Royal LePage Dynamic RE / Pro Ledger Bookkeeping Software

Some homes can sit on the market for extended periods of time. It's not because they aren't priced well, or other factors you might suspect. It's simply because buyers are turned off by details that are often overlooked.

One of those details that carry a lot of weight is the way a home smells.

I thought I'd share some tips with you and hope you'll find it as helpful as I do.

TIPS: on Smells, and Odors 

Nothing smells better than clean!

The source of the most common problem odors: pets, smoking, cooking, and mold or mildew.

A zippered pillowcase filled with cedar chips, placed under a pet's pillow bed, will absorb most of the unpleasant odors.

Boiling an apple, a teaspoon of cinnamon, and a few drops of vanilla on the stove will remove burnt smells in the kitchen. Add orange peels to make a simmering potpourri.

Sprinkle baking soda directly onto carpets, rugs, and sofas to eliminate odors-then let it sit for at least 30 minutes before vacuuming.

A bowl of vinegar placed in a room for a day or two will help neutralize smoke odors.

Small cotton balls with a few drops of your favorite perfume or cologne, tucked discreetly around the home, can freshen a room.

Candles, plug-ins, and home fragrance sprays can work wonders when the scent is well chosen, and not overdone.

Posted by Steve Penner - Royal LePage Dynamic - 1450 Corydon Ave Winnipeg, MB  - 204-989-5000 - www.stevepenner.ca - www.Winnipeg-HouseValues.ca - www.Winnipeg-JustListed.ca

Not In Real Estate Any Longer
Autaugaville, AL

Hi Steve,

I'm soooo happy about how you've addressed odours with remedies that didn't include spraying chemicals into the air and all over the furniture! Kudos!

May 30, 2010 04:13 AM
Wallace S. Gibson, CPM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA
LandlordWhisperer

I ordered a case of Citrus Magic from Amazon earlier this month and put them in my vacant rental properties * closets and kitchen cabinets to absorb smells * outgassing in NEW properties is especially onerous!

May 30, 2010 11:29 PM
Steve Penner
Royal LePage Dynamic RE / Pro Ledger Bookkeeping Software - Winnipeg, MB
REALTOR® / Pro Ledger Online (owner)

Yes, no need to be spending a lot of money on remedies to odors when a natural product that you often have around the house can do the job!

May 31, 2010 05:01 AM
Steve Penner
Royal LePage Dynamic RE / Pro Ledger Bookkeeping Software - Winnipeg, MB
REALTOR® / Pro Ledger Online (owner)

Thanks for the tip on outgassing... it can be an odor that is difficult to deal with.

May 31, 2010 05:02 AM