Life's daily stresses can affect more than just our schedule or nerves, it can affect our homes too! So you forgot to take the trash out the other day, maybe laundry is a little backed up, maybe you made a new fish recipe for dinner, or maybe, all of the above. Our house can build up odor from almost anything, and sometimes those unwelcome stenches are hard to get rid of! Here are 5 tried-and-true things you need in your home to combat odor naturally, and relieve some stress, too.

1. Lavender

2. Eucalyptus

The scent of fresh eucalyptus is a strong one, to be sure. Many people even use it as a natural decongestant as it provides quick, easy, and natural sinus relief. However, its energizing smell can be used for other purposes as well! For example, some places in the home might need more attention in the controlling-odor department (cough, cough...the bathroom). Eucalyptus’s natural fragrance is perfect for refreshing any bathroom. Not only does hanging a eucalyptus plant make your home smell peaceful and relaxing, but it also provides comfort as an aesthetic decoration.

3. Vinegar

Vinegar is known for its usefulness as a gentle and natural cleaner. This can be a helpful method of deodorizing inside the home: all you need is a bowl and vinegar! Fill the bowl with ½ inch of white vinegar and place it in whatever room you’d like to air out. This will help keep the airflow in your home crisp and fresh.

4. Vodka

Everyone knows vodka for its… strength. While some may enjoy it for cooking (or recreation), vodka’s neutralizing characteristics are perfect for cleaning! Spritzing some diluted vodka on clothes or furniture will help remove mustiness and disinfect surfaces. As it evaporates into oblivion, so will all that odor! If you’re weary of any residual alcohol smells, adding a few drops of your favorite essential oils will leave your house smelling natural and restored. 

5. Lemons

Just like adding a fresh lemon wedge to a drink for a refreshing little kick, this bright and fragrant fruit can revitalize the smell in your home, too! Cooking with lemons will not only produce the most citrusy-sweet fragrance, but it will also add some colorful fun to family meals! You can also boil sliced lemons, as well as other ingredients like cinnamon, mint, rosemary, or oranges. This DIY potpourri creates a clean and natural scent in your home. 

We hope that you find these tips useful and can incorporate these natural odor eliminators into your home!