Identifying and Rectifying Unpleasant Odors in Your Home
In the world of scent perception, a phenomenon known as olfactory blindness occurs when we become accustomed to certain odours in our environment, making them harder to detect. This is a common occurrence in households, where the constant presence of certain smells can make them unnoticeable.
Pamela Dalton, an experimental psychologist who has been studying olfactory blindness for 20 years, explains that this phenomenon can be compared to how our ears adapt to background noise. In the same vein, our noses can become less sensitive to familiar scents over time.
To help combat this issue, Dalton suggests a multi-step approach to improving your ability to detect and eliminate odors in your home.
**Step 1: Identify the Source of Odors**
The first step is to locate where odors originate. Common sources include soft furnishings (couches, carpets), moisture-prone areas (attics, basements), pets, or smoking residues. Inspect areas prone to moisture or mold and check furniture for embedded smells.
**Step 2: Deep Cleaning and Ventilation**
Thoroughly vacuum your furniture, removing cushions and using vacuum attachments to reach cracks and crevices where food particles or pet hair may linger, fueling odors. Improve ventilation by using dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers, especially in humid or enclosed spaces. In attics or humid areas, old or moist insulation can trap odors and should be inspected and replaced if necessary.
**Step 3: Odor Neutralizing Treatments**
Baking soda is a useful tool for absorbing odors. Sprinkle it on upholstery or carpets, let it sit, then vacuum. For lingering smells, consider using air freshener sprays made from distilled water, baking soda, essential oils, and optionally rubbing alcohol. Plant-based, non-toxic sprays and gels are also effective options, safe around children and pets.
For severe or persistent odors, such as cigarette smoke, ozone machines can be used. These devices oxidize odor molecules at the source, reaching all surfaces including walls and vents. However, ozone treatment should be done carefully, as ozone has a reactive nature.
**Step 4: Ongoing Maintenance**
Regular cleaning, prompt removal of spills, controlling humidity, and using air purifiers with charcoal filters can prevent odors from becoming entrenched.
By combining these techniques—source detection, deep cleaning, moisture control, and use of targeted odor neutralizers—you can significantly enhance your home’s freshness and eliminate unwanted odors effectively.
Dalton suggests that sometimes, we may be in our own olfactory blind spot, failing to notice the smells in our homes that others might find unpleasant. So, the next time you return from a vacation and comment on the mustiness of your home, remember that it may not be a sudden change but a familiar smell that you've grown accustomed to.
[1] https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a29621977/how-to-get-rid-of-odors-in-your-home/ [2] https://www.thespruce.com/eliminate-odors-in-your-home-3439685 [3] https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/101239896/list/5-ways-to-get-rid-of-odors-in-your-home [4] https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-get-rid-of-odors_n_5863303 [5] https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-29379/how-to-get-rid-of-odors-in-your-home-naturally.html
In the world of home-improvement, Pamela Dalton, an experimental psychologist, suggests a four-step approach to combat olfactory blindness and improve odor detection in home-and-garden spaces. This method includes identifying the source of odors, deep cleaning and ventilation, odor neutralizing treatments, and ongoing maintenance for preventing unwanted smells from becoming entrenched.
