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Home Scents

12.Source: http://msms.essortment.com/homescents_rvfr.htm
You want your home to smell great. You want people to walk in and feel welcomed by sweet aromas, but you don't want to spray an aerosol can every 10 minutes.
Below are a few simple tips that you can try until you find a favorite. You'll probably continue to use all of them.
1: Pick up a few favorite essential oils. They can be found in many floral shops or even craft and department stores. Depending upon the scent you want, choose an oil and place a few drops of it on a cottonball then stash the cottonball somewhere in the room you wish to scent, preferably on a small dish.
2: Add drops of spicy oil or even fresh ground spices to a pot of simmering water. This will also help humidify the house as well as make it seem fresher.
3: Take a fresh orange, and using a toothpick poke holes through the rind. Stuff whole cloves through the holes. This makes a wonderful scent and lasts a while. You can even wrap a 1/4" - 1/2" wide ribbon around the orange so it can hang.
4: You can also make spicy air fresheners using applesauce and cinnamon as well as spices. You'll need 1 cup of chilled applesauce, 1/2 cup of ground cloves, 1/2 cup of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of nutmeg. Mix all ingredients together and it will form a dough. Roll dough out until 1/4" thick and cut into any shape you wish, with a cookie cutter or free hand. Using a straw poke a hole in the top of the shapes for hanging. Lay out shapes on wax paper until they are comletely dry, which can take 24-48 hours. Insert ribbon or string through hole and hang as desired. These natural spice air fresheners also make excellent Christmas ornaments and gifts.
Now that you can try a few of these simple ideas, get ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy the sweet aroma.

13.Source: http://ksks.essortment.com/skunkodorremed_rwlg.htm
It's really not necessary to burn your clothes if they get "skunked," or sprayed with the horrific smelling chemicals a skunk uses as self-defense. If you have hydrogen peroxide, baking soda (not powder), and dish soap handy, you can mix up a bath that neutralizes the smell. An easy to remember recipe of one pint of hydrogen peroxide, one small box of baking soda, and a couple of squirts of any dish washing liquid mixed in a gallon of water makes an effective, scientifically based antidote. Those ingredients, in their separate packages, are easy to store in a plastic bucket with camping equipment or on the back porch to be handy when they're needed. The recipe must be mixed up and used quickly; it loses its effectiveness within about an hour, and it will explode if it's kept in a covered container. CAUTION: hydrogen peroxide can blind your pet if it gets into their eyes.
All these ingredients are safe to use around pets, animals or humans; the "explosive" effect when the mixed solution is covered comes from a release of oxygen. There is the possibility that it will bleach what it touches through oxidation, so it might turn a black dog brown or grey until the natural color of hair grows back out.
If the skunk's victim is a pet, work the solution into the coat thoroughly, let it sit about five minutes, then rinse it out. The skunk smell will be gone!
The solution also works as an effective rinse for clothing.
Tomato juice, the stand-by of folklore, doesn't work. Because it does have some oil in it, it might break up the structure of the sulfur-based make-up of the skunk spray and make it easier to wash out. It's gotten a reputation for killing skunk odor because, after the sulfuric compound in skunk spray has assaulted human noses and created olfactory fatigue, the pungency of tomato can be detected as "stronger" than skunk. So, it doesn't kill the odor, but it does make it less noticeable.
Chlorine bleach also oxidizes, and therefore, neutralizes, skunk odor, and is satisfactory to use on wood, cars, clothing, bricks and other surfaces where a permanent color change would not be a problem.
14.Source: http://tx.essortment.com/dustremoval_raju.htm
Night after night your child has trouble breathing. After you’ve tucked her into bed, she sits up and complains of a stuffy nose. You realize that this has been going on for a number of nights with none of the usual cold symptoms developing. A trip to the doctor confirms that your child is suffering from a common allergy to dust.
People who are diagnosed with dust allergies are actually allergic to the waste of the dust mite. Invisible to the naked eye, these tiny creatures that resemble insects when viewed under a microscope, feed off of dried flakes of human skin. They are most commonly found in bedrooms, particularly bedding, which provide the perfect warm breeding ground in which to reproduce.
While your doctor may prescribe an over the counter decongestant, there are several things you can do at home to keep your child’s bedroom dust free.
1. Clean the bedroom thoroughly. Wipe down walls and shampoo the rug if you can. In extreme cases, it is suggested that carpeting be removed altogether. Dust all surfaces with a damp cloth (this is the most effective way of removing dust) paying special attention to doorframes and other areas that are easily overlooked. Don’t forget to give the closet a good cleaning, too.
2. Get into the habit of vacuuming and dusting the room daily, at least until your child’s symptoms subside, then vacuum every two to three days.
3. Wash all bedding, including sheets, comforters, pillows and mattress pads every two weeks.
4. While bedding is in the wash, vacuum both the mattress and box spring thoroughly, wipe down the bed frame and head board with a damp cloth.
5. Try to avoid venetian blinds at all costs. Not only are they difficult to remove the dust from, but they also act as magnets, attracting dust from all sources. Their light color also make it very difficult to tell how dusty the blinds really are. Invest in a pull-down shade instead. These are usually made of vinyl and are easily cleaned with a damp cloth.
6. Wash curtains every two weeks or take them down for the first while.
7. Stuffed animals are a haven for dust, especially those precious teddy bears that belonged to mommy or daddy when they were little. Explain to your child that they must be put away for a while, seal them in plastic bags and keep them out of reach. If the sight of disappearing friends brings on a barrage of tears, let your child pick one and vacuum it thoroughly or put it in the dryer for a few minutes. Explain that the toy must be kept on a shelf, not in the bed for the time being.
Keeping dust mites at bay is a task that you must work at constantly but brings great results. It is hard work at first, but before long, you will notice signs of improvement and your child will be breathing easier. It is well worth it.
15.Source: http://de.essortment.com/personalaircon_rawo.htm
There are four main kinds of air conditioners that I will be talking about in this article. They are: air conditioners for automobiles, central air conditioners, combination room and central air conditioners, and room air conditioners.
In automobiles, the unit of refrigeration can be found under the hood near the engine. The engine will drive the unit of refrigeration by a belt which is connected to the
engine. Air pipes put the conditioned air into the car.
Buses, however, usually have a separate motor to drive the unit of refrigeration. This unit can be found in either one of two places, in the rear of the bus or under one side
near the luggage area. The air conditioner can be found in the roof of the bus. It gives air to the seats through pipes that run along the roof.
In a railroad passenger car, there is either an electric motor or gasoline engine that will drive the unit of refrigeration. This unit can be found under the car. The air conditioner can be found over the entrance at one end of the car. The fans in the air conditioner blow the air through pipes that lead to outlets that are in the car.
Airplanes on the other hand need a special air-conditioning unit. A lot of these units are made of aluminum because it helps save weight. The refrigeration and air conditioning units in large planes can be found in the wings. In small planes, they can be found in the body of the plane. Air turbines are what drive the unit of refrigeration. Air
pipes put the conditioned air to different parts of the airplane.
Ships have refrigeration units that are installed in either the engine room or in a mechanical equipment room. The air conditioning units can be found throughout the ship. The air conditioning equipment used for ships has to be really strong to be able to hold up to the rolling and sloping motion that comes from the water. There are special
metals that are used to help prevent corrosion from the sea water.
Central air conditioners use either gas or electricity. They can give conditioned air to lots of rooms or to a whole building from one source. Fans will blow the
conditioned air through air pipes in the air conditioners then to the rooms.
Central air conditioners have some advantages over others. Everything that is needed to condition a room can be found in one place. This is good cause it helps to cut down on the cost of cleaning and repairing it. They can also give air of varying temperatures to different parts of a building.
Combination room and central air conditioners are used in large buildings. They are a combination of the advantages of both types. One of these kinds of air conditioners
has a central air conditioner that conditions the air outside. It will then circulate the conditioned air to a unit in each room. This unit will control the temperature and the amount of moisture in the air.
Another kind of combination air conditioner provides either cold water or a refrigerant that comes from a central refrigeration machine then to an air conditioner in
each room. Every air conditioner in each room has a fan, filter, and cooling coils that condition and circulate the air.
There is yet another kind of combination air conditioner that conditions a mixture of the air inside and outside. This air conditioner provides each room with cool,
conditioned air that comes through one pipe, and warm, conditioned air that goes through another pipe. In order to get the right temperature, there is something called a mixing box unit found in every room that mixes the two air streams. These conditioners allow you to change the temperature to whatever you want it to be.
Room air conditioners run on either electricity or gas. They can be found partly in the room that is being cooled. They are enclosed in a single cabinet. They blow the
conditioned air right into a room and they do not have any air pipes leading to and from them. The three main kinds are: console, self-contained, and window air conditioners.
Consoles are larger than window air conditioners and you can stand them on the floor. You have to put them near a window or a wall opening so they can get air from the
outside.
Self-contained air conditioners are the largest of all the room air conditioners.
They can be as big as seven feet tall, and they can cool a whole large room.
Window air conditioners are found in the lower part of a window. They can also be moved from window to window.
16.Source: http://tntn.essortment.com/scentshome_rylk.htm
While I just love the way my home smells in the summer time, with the windows wide open and the fresh air breezing through. But in the winter, your home can get that closed up stale smell. I love homemade potpourris and purchased scented candles and tarts to add wonderful smells to my home. In this article I will give you some ideas to make your own potpourri’s and also the names and contact information to several of my favorite commercial candle and tart companies.
Some scents for your home can be as easy as boiling a few cinnamon sticks along with some cloves and other spices in a small pan on your stove top or wood burning stove. How about studding some citrus fruits with cloves and sitting them in an attractive bowl on your kitchen counter? All of these small things will help the get rid of stale odors in your home. But I like to take these things just a step further.
Lets start with homemade potpourris. While purchased potpourris may be convenient, they can be rather boring looking and similar in scents. If you make your own potpourris you can actually scent them in anyway you wish and also co-ordinate them to match the decor of a room. They can be placed in a variety of containers, I love using antique bowls, crocks and baskets in which to display my potpourris. I have included the instructions on making some of my favorites, but just mix and match to suit your own wants, or availabilities to different ingredients.
CHUNKY COUNTRY POTPOURRI
dried apple slices
dried orange slices
dried sunflowers
pinecones
dried pomegranates
dried artichokes
dried pods- gathered from fields and woods
To dry your apples, slice in 1/8 inch thick slices into a bowl of water to which you have added a few teaspoons of lemon juice. To remove most of the liquid from the apple slices, place the slices on a paper towel in your microwave. Using the high setting microwave for 45 seconds. Now place your slices on a cookie sheet and put in a warm 150 degree oven for about 1 ½ hours, turning once. Finish drying by stringing slices and hanging.
Combine your dried apple slices with orange slices and artichokes that have been dried in a food dehydrator. Air dried sunflowers, seed pods that you have gathered along roads or in fields, pomegranates and pinecones. To air dry pomegranates, poke several holes in each, using a pin or tooth pick, and just set out to dry.
If you wish you can add a few drops of your favorite scented oil to the mixture. When the scent starts to fade, just refreshen with some more oil.
APPLE POTPOURRI
1/3 cup of a type of natural fixative such as cellulose or orrisroot
5 to 10 drops of red dye
1/4 ounce of apple scented oil
10 drops of cinnamon scented oil
resealable plastic bag
large airtight container
½ cup dried lemon verbena, lemon balm, lemon mint or lemongrass (or you can use a combination of these)
1 cup dried apple slices, stud some of these with whole cloves
½ cup of dried red rose petals, rosebuds, rose hips or red strawflowers (or any combination of these)
1/4 cup of 2 inch long cinnamon sticks
Combine the fixative, dye and the oils in a resealable bag. Let the scents blend for at least 2 weeks, shaking often to mix the ingredients.
Transfer the mixture to the large airtight container and add the remaining ingredients. Close tightly and let the potpourri blend for at least another 2 weeks. If you need to refresh the potpourri, just re-scent the cinnamon sticks with oils and return the potpourri mixture to the airtight container for several days.
SPICY PUMPKIN POTPOURRI
1 small pumpkin
food slicer with a ripple or waffle blade
food dehydrator
1 cup of hydrangea blossoms
2 cups orange and yellow strawflowers (shred 1 cup and leave the 2nd cup whole)
2 cups of dried yarrow
1 cup dried grape hyacinth seedpods
½ cup money plant seedpods
½ cup dried marigold petals
½ cup bittersweet
1 cup dried orange globe amaranth
1/4 cup beechnut pods
1 cup dried orange peel
12 bay leaves
12 miniature pumpkins
1/3 cup allspice berries
1/4 cup whole cloves
6 cinnamon sticks
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 star anise
10 drops of cinnamon scented oil
20 drops of spice essential oil
Using half of the small pumpkin, make waffle slices using the ripple blade of your food slicer. Chop the remaining pumpkin into chunks. Dry the slices and chunks in a food dehydrator or in your oven.
Mix all ingredients in an airtight container and allow to cure for at least 6 weeks.
ROSE POTPOURRI
1 ½ quarts of dried petals or tiny rose buds
1 cup dried lemon verbena, lemon scented geranium or lemon balm
1 cup dried rose leaves
1 cup lavender
1/3 cup dried orrisroot
several drops of rose scented oil
Mix together your dried florals. Add the oil and gently mix together. Seal in an airtight container and let cure for at least 2 weeks.
These potpourri recipes should give you an idea of what items to use and how to use them. Any of these potpourri's can also be enclosed in a small square of tulle or netting and tied with an attractive bow to make a scented sachet for a drawer or closet. Just don't let the sachet touch your clothing since the oils could leave a mark.
I also love insence. I generally purchase mine at flea markets for pennies each. You must have some type of insense holder to contain the sticks and the ash. Mine were very inexpensive and are a long strip of wood with a hole in one end, which is used to insert the wooden end of the insense stick. Insense comes in a wide variety of scents also, and leaves a wonderful, musky, smokey smell behind.
Now onto commercial scented candles and tarts. I have several favorite companies which seem to carry a wide variety of scents and unusual looking candles. While I generally purchase tarts, since I have a small child and I dislike leaving a burning candle anywhere that she could accidently knock it over. Tart are actually scented wax, that is heated in an electric tart burner. The tart burner melts the wax and releases the scents. These are not a dangerous as burning a candle, since there is no open flame. I do recommend using a quality tart burner, or small electric potpourri burner with the tarts. And do be careful since the wax is still hot.
The Yankee Candle Company is probably the best known candle company in the world. These tarts and candles come in approximately 75 different scents in the following categories Florals, Spices, Classics and many more. These candles come in several different size jar candles, samplers, floaters, pillars and tapers. All their scents also come in tarts. They have many other wonderful items available such as jar toppers, Car Jars (air fresheners for your car), candle holders, tart burners and other tools for candles. New items are being added continuously.
While the Yankee Candle Company has thousands of retailers world wide, I live in a small rural area, and many of the new fragrances are not available here, as well as the decorative items. You can contact them at Yankee Candle Catalog Sales, PO Box 110, South Deerfield, MA 01373.
Another of my favorite places in which to purchase candles is Heartland Candles, in Holmes County, Ohio. They have over 100 fragrances including a very unusual Pink Grapefruit scented candle which smells wonderful. They also carry a selection of “Frosted Muffin Candles” in over 30 scents. These candles are the size of a large muffin and have a wax “frosting”. My favorite scent in these is the Mint Chocolate, they smell and look good enough to eat. They can be reached at Heartland Candles, 5566 N. Market Street, Berlin, Ohio 44610 or by calling (330) 893-8400, from 10 AM to 5 PM, Monday thru Saturday.
One last favorite place is a web site called Huckleberry Cove Wicks n’ Pickn, owned by a lady named Rose Simmons. She makes triple scented grubby candles in a variety of scents and shapes. I personally have several of her candles sitting on my desk and they smell wonderful even without lighting them. There are also many accessories to choose from, as well as seasonal and unusual scents.
I hope this gives you some ideas on some new and unusual scents for your home. Remember though, please use extreme caution in burning candles, they should never be left unattended, particularly around small children or pets.
17.Source: http://wawa.essortment.com/homesairfilter_rkgn.htm
Indoor air quality has become one of the major concerns of the Environmental Protection Agency. They say that the air inside homes and offices is more toxic than the worst outdoor air pollution, possibly two to five times worse, especially in newer, energy efficient houses. With insulating properties designed to keep winter's cold air out and summer's air conditioning in, the traditional exchange of indoor/outdoor air doesn't happen often enough in today's houses to keep interior air safe to breathe.
The result is lower utility bills and higher health costs. Allergies are on the rise. One study determined that 54% of our body's energy comes from the oxygen we breathe, so stale air indoors -- where most of us spend 90% of our time -- depletes our physical resources on every level while it attacks our immune systems with an overload of used air, resident dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and bacteria.
The traditional solution of "opening a window" isn't always possible (as in office buildings with stationary windows) or wise (for allergy sufferers in high-pollen seasons or on days of heavy smog).
More and more of us depend upon air filtration and purification systems to correct the problem. We can choose from a mind-boggling assortment of options in a wide price range to improve the quality of the air we breathe. No one filter or purification system can meet all needs, so it's important to know what your specific needs are before you go shopping for an air cleaning system for your home or office.
PERMANENT INSTALLATION
A filtration system installed on the furnace and/or central air conditioning system reaches most areas in most homes. The filters must be changed frequently, and if a combination humidifier/filter, the homeowner must pay special attention to cleaning the water supply so that mold does not grow and end up being disbursed throughout the house.
When considering an investment in a whole-house air cleaning system, shop carefully. Some are not as effective as some of the portable units, and, depending on the size of your house and the needs of your family, cost isn't always a reliable guideline.
PORTABLE UNITS
Portable systems meet the needs of renters and travelers. They are rated according to the amount of space they affect. When choosing a portable unit, remember that it will only clean air that actually passes through it. In order to be truly helpful, they should create enough air flow to exchange the air in that space five or six times an hour.
DIFFERENT PROCESSES
The type of filtration or purification process should be chosen based upon the kind of contaminants in the specific home. In wet climates, select a system that will destroy mold spores. For a home with children, a method of purification that kills most bacteria or viruses would be a wise choice. Allergy sufferers need to focus on a unit that will collect or destroy pet dander, pollen, dust mites, mold spores, mildew, tobacco smoke, or whatever triggers their specific reactions.
Persons with breathing problems from a lung deficiency will want to avoid adding anything to the air (fragrances or ozone gas) that would increase their health problems.
Fumes and virus microns are too small to be captured by any filtration device; ozone and negative ions have some effect on them. They are destroyed by ultraviolet light.
PROS AND CONS
• Ionizers: This is a process used in conjunction with other kinds of filters. It emits a small electric charge to the air stream which draws air through it; this creates a magnetic-like attraction for pollution particles and causes them to adhere to the filter.
• Electrostatic precipitators: Filters the air by creating opposite charges on metal wires or plates; this attracts and holds dust, pollen, smoke and other particles as small as .0001 microns on a metal, glass or fiberglass assembly that can be washed and re-used.
• Ultraviolet light purification: Passes the air through a UV system that destroys bacteria, viruses, and dust mites of any size.
• Ozone releasing: Destroys all bacteria that comes in contact with the ozone, and leaves a "fresh" smell in the air. We associate this with the clean smell following rain, because some ozone, carried from the outer atmosphere where it protects us from harmful sun rays, remains in the lower atmosphere after a storm.
The safety of ozone gas in interiors, however, is questionable; it can irritate the lining of lungs and exacerbate breathing problems. The US federal government has set standards depending on the rate of filtration and room size recommendations. The Canadian government has banned the sale of ozone releasing air purification systems.
• High efficiency particulate air (hepa) cleaners capture airborne pollutants .3 microns or larger; this includes some tobacco smoke, household dust, and pollens. The are designed to remove 99.97% of the particulates that pass through the filters, which cannot be cleaned and re-used; they must be replaced. They have no effect on fumes, viruses, bacteria, smaller mold spores, and some tobacco particulates.
• Ultra hepa: A more efficient version of the hepa, the makers of these filters claim that they remove out 99.999% of the particulates that pass through them.
COST
The initial cost of an air cleaner should not be the only budget criteria. While some systems carry a high purchase price, they may use less electricity to operate, and they may have a washable mechanism or use inexpensive replaceable filters. Some hepa products require filters that cost upwards of $100 each, and which must be replaced two to three times a year.
CERTIFICATION
Although it's far from universal use, the AHAM has established a rating for Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) whereby, after extensive independent testing, it certifies the performance of air cleaners according to efficiency and recommended room size.
The Federal Trade Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency have reviewed the testing process and agree that it provides a reasonable basis for judging performance. If a unit has been tested and rated by the AHAM, its test results and recommendations will be on the packaging.
FINAL NOTE
Nature is an age-old self-cleaning process. Whenever possible, open a window in a room being cleaned to air it out. Keep a fan going, pull back window coverings, and allow an ample exchange between the indoors and the outdoors.
Letting interior air out will take with it lots of the airborne pollutants from inside the house.
Allowing outdoor air to come in -- when it's crisp and fresh and not heavily laden with smog or pollen -- will refresh the quality of interior air more effectively than any air cleaning system. Instead of cleaning and recycling used interior air, outdoor breezes replace it with a new supply.
18.Source: http://nyny.essortment.com/odorcontrol_rdjx.htm
Most basement odors are caused by uncontrolled humidity levels and neglect. Face it, when was cleaning the basement a regular part of your household duties? Due to their location and lack of use, many basement areas go months (and even years) with little or no attention. The first step in treating and eliminating offensive odors from below is to give your cellar area a little time and attention.
DRY OUT FIRST
Before any cleaning or odor control takes place, you'll need to get the moisture level under control, dry the area out completely, and provide an exchange of air. This can be accomplished easily by opening all windows and doors, when weather permits. Dehumidifiers will also absorb moisture, as will wet-vacs, and other appliances. Use fans near large windows to help blow offensive odors out and clean air in.
CLEAN
Since most troublesome basement odors come from excessive moisture buildup, a thorough cleaning is necessary. You may eliminate the odor during the course of cleaning or help pinpoint exactly where it's coming from. By using natural based cleansers, you'll avoid covering the smell temporally. A homemade disinfectant can be made from 1/2 cup bleach and a gallon of hot water. Apply disinfectant liberally with sponge and wipe clean. This solution works well on cement walls, floors, and in bathroom and laundry areas.
WALLS can be cleaned with a solution of 1/2 cup bleach and one gallon of water. Apply with sponge or rag and rinse thoroughly.
CEMENT FLOORS can be cleaned with 1 cup borax and one gallon of water. Apply with clean sponge head and rinse thoroughly.
CARPETING can be freshened with homemade cleansers. Mix 1 cup cornmeal with 1 cup baking soda. Shake onto carpeting and allow to penetrate for one hour. Sweep rug with a broom. Allow to sit an additional hour. Vacuum thoroughly.
MILDEW is a fungus that invades warm, humid areas. Mildew on walls and floors should be cleaned thoroughly. Mix 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups hot, steaming water, 1/2 cup salt, and 2 cups borax in a large pail. Apply solution to areas of buildup. Allow to sit for 30-minutes. Re-apply, scrubbing with a soft bristled brush, if necessary. Rinse thoroughly.
FINDING THE SOURCE
After the basement area has been cleaned and disinfected, you should be able to pinpoint the source of the odor. Once you've located where the odor is coming from, you'll need to identify what type of odor problem you have.
MUSTY odors generally indicate an overgrowth of mildew. Mildew commonly occurs in carpeting, on walls, around doors and windows, and in bathroom and laundry areas.
STALE basement air often eminates from neglected refrigerators and freezers, old boxes, stored clothing and lack of proper air exchange.
ABSORBING THE SMELL
If there is an offensive odor remaining after cleaning, absorbing the smell (rather than covering it up with chemicals) will help eliminate the problem for good. Try these age-old remedies for stubborn odors:
USE AN ONION. Cut an onion in half and place it on a plate on the basement floor. Onions work great at absorbing mold and mildew smells.
TRY SOME BREAD. Two slices of bread placed on a dish in the basement overnight will absorb smoke smells, mildew, stale air and animal odor. (Note: they may also give you a new problem. Mice!)
CHARCOAL. Activated charcoal (such as that used in fish aquariums) is a great way to absorb and remove almost any offensive odor. Place a dish of it on the floor or hang it from a bag year round to help keep your lower level odor-free.
BAKING SODA. Millions swear by the power of common household baking soda. Simply open container and place out of sight in the basement for up to three months at a time. Baking soda can also be applied directly to stubborn smells and problem areas.
PROBLEM AREAS
CARPET TROUBLE
Once odor has seeped into carpeting, it is difficult to remove. If carpets have been severely damaged , it's best replaced. For more minor carpet odors, regular cleaning and humidity control will go a long way in treating the problem and preventing its recurrence. Once a month, sprinkle 1-cup baking soda on carpeting to help absorb stubborn odors. Allow to sit one hour, then vacuum.
CEMENT WALLS naturally sweat, creating a buildup of moisture. Control the humidity in cellars by using a dehumidifier to help reduce the amount of moisture in the air. Concrete walls and floors can also be sealed to prevent them from sweating.
INDOOR WOOD PANELLING
Wash down walls with a solution of 1/2 cup laundry detergent (or all-purpose cleaner), 2 tablespoons bleach, and 3 quarts hot water. Use a soft brush to clean and rinse well.
WOOD FURNITURE
Dry, wood furniture that is not properly finished can cause moisture to accumulate within the grain of the wood. Clean mildew from woods by wiping the surface gently with all-purpose cleaners (or a solution of 4 drops liquid hand soap to 1 quart warm water.) Dry thoroughly.
UPHOLSTERY
Furniture upholstery, mattresses and loose rugs are a hotbed for mold and mildew. To clean, brush off molds and mildews outdoors, then vacuum the area thoroughly. Using a sponge, and a solution of dish soap and hot water, wipe cloth clean. Using a small amount of bleach in the water will also remove mildew, but may stain some fabrics.
STAY THAT WAY!
Now that the offensive odor is gone, stay that way. Always:
1. Make sure there's adequate ventilation in all areas of the basement.
2. Control the humidity. Humidifiers and electric heaters work great!
3. Repair foundation and wall damage immediately to prevent water from leaking into the basement area. Also, make sure gutters and downspouts are pointed away from the house.
4. Vent dryer air outside the house.
5. Buy synthetic. Rugs and carpeting made from synthetic fibers won't grow mold or mildew.
6. Keep things clean. Regularly wash down areas where mildew frequently grows. This includes cement walls and floors, bathrooms and around washers and dryers.
7. Paint basement walls with mildew resistant paint or add mildew-resistant paneling. Latex paints are also mildew resistant.
8. Seal basement wood floors and furniture to prevent mildew growth. Sealers such as varnish and polyurethane prevent moisture from seeping into wood.
9. Reorganize storage areas. Remove old clothing from closets and boxes, wash and repack elsewhere.