Removing Burnt Smells

Burnt the kids toast, again? Forgot the much anticipated bag of popcorn in the microwave while setting up the DVD player?? Your hamper full of last nights campfire clothes not quite as fresh as yesterday?? Burnt smells in the house can linger if not taken care of. Here are a few tips to not only mask the odors, but actually help clear the room of its smoky aroma.

• Burnt smells: First and foremost, remove the offenders from the house and open a window….on either side of the room if possible to promote cross ventilation. Then try pouring ½ cup white vinegar into several small bowls and place in each corner of the room. Vinegar absorbs burnt smells wonderfully!
• You can also try boiling 2 cups of vinegar on the stovetop for 15 minutes, or try fill a bowl with ½ cup lemon juice and ½ cup vinegar and place around the room to absorb and freshen with a citrus scent.
• Cleaning a “burnt popcorn” microwave: Cut 2 lemons into thick slices and place in a ¼ cup of water in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 3 minutes, allow the scent to fill the air with the door open afterwards.
• Carpets: If the smell reached the carpets, congrats, you REALLY burn stuff well! Sprinkle baking soda onto the carpet and leave overnight, vaccum in the morning. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can also be placed in bowls around the room to neutralize smells.
We all want our home to smell pleasant. Burning candles and spraying air fresheners can be a great cover up, but to truly rid the house of the smell long term you need to focus on the cause and treat it properly. Smoke is a much more enjoyable smell if it involves eating smores, not billowing out of the toaster!