Keeping House Fresh

[mamamanda]

How do you keep your home /daycare area smelling fresh? We eat a lot of steamed broccoli and the house always stinks afterwards. Also we have a dog & cat so I worry about people being able to smell them even though I clean like crazy. All my plug ins are down low so I worry about using a scented plug in with the kids.

[childcaremom]

I have cats and teenage boys. I keep the windows open. A lot.

[midaycare]

2 big dogs, 2 cats, 6 fish, 1 boy, 6 daycare kids, and lots of smelly cooking here.

I use air fresheners, candles, open windows whenever possible, and clean. With pets it's important to vacuum a lot.

[daycarediva]

At arrival and departure times I put my oven on it's lowest setting, pour a tiny bit of imitation vanilla in an old cracked coffee cup and pop it in the oven for 15-20 minutes (you can get any scented oil, I love orange, too!) The entire house smells AMAZING.

My issue with odor is mainly one daycare child who has terrible BO.

[Thriftylady]

My issue is my cats. I have one who is fixed, but still sprays and it is horrible to keep up with. Even on my best day I think my house still has the odor. I have thought of getting rid of the cat, but he is my baby other than that issue. I wish I had an answer, my windows are always open it seems, I shampoo carpets often, etc. If you find an answer I would love to hear it.

[AuntTami]

I have a rather expensive air purifier that does an AMAZING job at keeping the smells out of my house. I have 2 large dogs, and a husband who does manual labor so he comes home smelling ripe... It was necessary. Even with all the windows closed, it takes out all the odors from the air. It's also a purifier so it ****s up the germs in the air. I could go on and on. I love it. Other than that, lots of open windows. I keep at least 2 cracked at all times.

[MissAnn]

Essential oils in a diffuser. Cuts down on germs too.

[jenboo]

Essential oils in a diffuser. Cuts down on germs too.

This. I love diffusing purify.

[Rockgirl]

I agree with lots of vacuuming. Also, I have 2 scentsy warmers...I buy the $2 scents at Walmart ten at a time, and refill daily (2 squares in each warmer).

[mamamanda]

I have a rather expensive air purifier that does an AMAZING job at keeping the smells out of my house. I have 2 large dogs, and a husband who does manual labor so he comes home smelling ripe... It was necessary. Even with all the windows closed, it takes out all the odors from the air. It's also a purifier so it ****s up the germs in the air. I could go on and on. I love it. Other than that, lots of open windows. I keep at least 2 cracked at all times.

What kind of purifier do you use? I've thought of buying one, but wasn't sure if they actually work.

[Leigh]

My issue is my cats. I have one who is fixed, but still sprays and it is horrible to keep up with. Even on my best day I think my house still has the odor. I have thought of getting rid of the cat, but he is my baby other than that issue. I wish I had an answer, my windows are always open it seems, I shampoo carpets often, etc. If you find an answer I would love to hear it.

Have you tried Prozac for the cat? Seriously, it works better than yelling and praying! Just wanted you to know it's an option.

[Controlled Chaos]

I have a scented candle (fresh linen, lavender or vanilla are my favs) and I burn it for about an hour at drop off and after nap through drop off. I got through one giant candle every two weeks or so. I also try to open windows at night when its cool to get some fresh air in

Oh and get dishes rinsed off quick, lemon in the disposal and take out trash often.

[Thriftylady]

Have you tried Prozac for the cat? Seriously, it works better than yelling and praying! Just wanted you to know it's an option.

No I hadn't. I had thought of it for me over the issue though.

[sahm1225]

My issue is my cats. I have one who is fixed, but still sprays and it is horrible to keep up with. Even on my best day I think my house still has the odor. I have thought of getting rid of the cat, but he is my baby other than that issue. I wish I had an answer, my windows are always open it seems, I shampoo carpets often, etc. If you find an answer I would love to hear it.

Or try odoban. My cat wont got near it after I spray it.. She is a sprayer when she is mad at me so she will often find another spot to go to though

I'm curious about the Prozac and might ask my vet about it. They keep telling us to treat her for utis but it's never ending. I swear she only does it when something Is bugging her (like God forbid I fed the dog before her!)

[Leigh]

No I hadn't. I had thought of it for me over the issue though.

:::: It COULD help. There's something else called Clomicalm or something like that, too. I've heard good things about Prozac, though.