Moms with many small children...How do you keep your home smelling fresh?

Question

I have 3 under 5 and am pregnant with my 4th and it just seems like my house can go from sparkling clean to funky and filthy in one day. I bleach/baking soda/keep diapers in the garage and I swear its like while I sleep the house gets dirty again. It is soo frustrating. Yesterday I cleaned my bathrooms with bleach and water/comet and my kitchen was clean/with the disposal ran and clean. And today my kids and I were outside for a while and when I walked in my house just ....had a funk to it. I want one of those houses that you walk in and say"ohhh your house smells sooo good" Are there any smell good keep fresh secrets that I haven't been told about? What do you all do to keep your house smelling great...NOT candles! I have climbers and don't trust myself.

Answer 1

Also, essence oils will keep a constant good smell going, and can be kept high out of the reach of your children.  

For a quick refresh, Febreeze!

Answer 2

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A few of these little beads are potpourri for your home, car, travel bag, and more.

These long-lasting Fragrance Beads are easily portable and more convenient than sprays, oils, or candles. You’ll find dozens of uses for them throughout your home and office and in your car.

Put these beads anywhere you want to add freshness and fragrance. Place some in a decorative bowl or add them to botanical potpourri. Drop some into your vacuum cleaner bag or canister to diffuse the aroma of Pure Orange throughout the room every time you vacuum. Or create a sachet by adding Fragrance Beads to a small breathable bag. Then, toss it into a drawer, closet, gym/travel bag, purse, or even your car to enjoy the long-lasting aroma of sweet oranges and muguet (lilies-of-the-valley). Other products in the Pure Orange Home Trend Collection include: L.O.C.® Plus Kitchen Cleaner, Dish Drops® Dish Soap, a Liquid Hand Soap & Lotion Set, and a Hand Soap Refill.

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Answer 3

Do you have a furnace filter?  If so it may need to be changed.  I know when my house starts to smell "funky" that is usually the problem.  Also if you keep your ceiling fans on low it keeps the air circulating.

Answer 4

I have 7 kids so I know what you mean.

I open windows whenever possible to let fresh air in and the "funky" air out!

I try to use natural products to clean whenever possible...Ive got asthma and so do some of my kids. Its easier on our lungs, and the natural products leave a fresh smell behind.

You can also try putting a Bounce sheet(or whatever brand) into the toilet paper roll when you change the roll. Then everytime someone uses it the smell gets released. Better than normal bathroom smells!!

Answer 5

I had six in nine years and I don't remember small kids smelling bad, but the house probably did!  I would do all the things the other answers suggested and also, go around and wash all of the light bulbs in your house.  When they get dusty and you turn them on, the dust burns and smells bad.  Also, if you can get under the stove top, that might need cleaning.  It can smell really funky under there.  I use to put pinesol in the bottom of my waste basket in the kitchen, but that was before plastic liners.  I would wash it out after each emptying and then add more.  There are really good candles out there.  Salt City candles can really smell up your whole house and you would only need to burn it for a little while after the kids go to bed or before they get up in the morning.  Try cleaning the blinds too.  They can smell dirty if they are dusty.  I put a cotton ball with cologne on it on top of my vaccuum filter and I sometimes use that carpet soda smelly stuff on the carpets.  They sell those plug in things but that can get pricey after a while.  I sometimes put a little vanilla on my stove burners and turn them on for a few seconds.  I also save all of my orange, apple, lemon etc. peelings and put them in a sauce pan with cloves, cinnamon and ginger and let it steep.  This is a good trick to do to get rid of cooking smells.  The next time you come in from outside and smell that smell, stop and really think about what it might be.  I know that it is probably a combination of things, but you might be able to come close to one source.  My big thing was to wrap all used diapers in plastic grocery bags and have one of the older kids be the "runner" to take it out to the trash or at the very least, to a can in the garage.  Those things have a way of getting away from you sometimes....and remember, you have the very best job in the world and this time will pass very quickly, so when all else fails, just dab a little perfume under your nose and keep on keepin on!  Good Luck and Bless you!!!

Answer 6

Make sure you keep your carpet/floor clean,  you might need to have your carpet cleaned.

Make sure your sheets and comforters are clean.

Check your mattresses, with little ones, that might be a source of odor.

Make sure your laundry is caught up.

Open windows to allow fresh air in your house.

You could use the reed diffusers, they scent your house without worrying about the kids getting burned.

Answer 7

I have 4 children too, and smelly diapers are the worst, I agree.  I have to tell you though, I almost think it's worse to try to cover up an already existing smell :(    You can still smell the stinky smell with perfume along with it...YUCK.  SO...I've always tried to avoid the smell in the first place, which is what it sounds like you do.  I've never had a funky smell in my house, other than when the disposal wasn't completely clean.  I read an article somewhere a while back about using orange and lemon peels in there to clean the blades, and leaves a very fresh smell.  Also, remove the rubber stopper, and clean underneath it, it can get really gross.  I never let my kids eat, or drink on carpet....NEVER.  They have always known  the rules......only eat and drink on the kitchen table or counter.  Food spilled on carpet can really smell bad.  If you do have a spill on the carpet..use only vinegar.  Vinegar is the best, cleans great, leaves no residue, or smell.  Soap products on carpet dries and the adheres dirt.  I hope this helps.  Take care, and enjoy being a Mommy!

Answer 8

The scent of a home can appeal to your heart. Scents, like homemade apple pie, cherry flavored pipe tobacco, fresh Christmas tree pine or lemon grass tea can evoke pleasant memories and moods.

Step1

Buy flowers. A bouquet of flowers can create a sophisticated look and are an easy way to scent a home. Lillies, long-stemmed roses and amaryllis exude a powerful, lasting scent.

Step2

Place the flowers in a central location so that the scent can radiate through the home. A dramatic single-stem flower such as a tuberose or a huge vase of eucalyptus can make an entire home smell amazing.

Step3

Combine scented candles of various fragrances to create ambiance. Orange and lime can create an oasis of calm. For dinner parties, amber and coffee scented candles are perfect; grapefruit scents clear away food smells.

Step4

Scent fabrics. Lime-scented linen spray on laundered linens, clothing and towels not only keeps them smelling fresh but also scents their storage spaces. Lavender-fragrance linen sprays give bed linens a laundered-in-fresh-air scent and encourage peaceful slumber.

Step5

Fill decorative bowls with hot water and add scented bath oil. The fragrance will linger as the water cools.

Step6

Fill drawstring bags with fresh lavender, rosemary and tiny eucalyptus leaves and place them behind cushions on the furniture. As someone sits, the bag will be crushed and the scent released. The same mixture can be used in bowls as a potpourri.

Step7

Welcome guests with chunky potpourri in open bowls in your hallway or foyer. Revive the scent regularly by placing the potpourri in a plastic bag, adding a few drops of fresher oil and leaving it overnight.

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Tips :

Spicy, warm potpourri is great during colder weather, while citrus and floral are perfect for spring and summer.

Answer 9

I use the new clorox safe on anything all purpose cleaner.

I think the smell is safe for littleones .

As long as you clean your house on a regular bases it will smell fresh just maybe not to you but to others...

I sometimes use the yankee candle burners I put the burner on my stove in the back. I dont light a candle to burn it i just have my stove on the wormer only....

Hey did you have your baby yet? Dont go crazzy with all the smells its not safe for your unborn child....

Try to go NATURAL.....

Be safe its not worth it.

Christina