1. If you have plastic bowls or dishes that smell simply
make a paste of baking soda and water and rub all over the surface. Let
set overnight then rinse well.
2. If the sink in your kitchen or bathroom smells, give
this a try: put in 1/2 cup baking soda and then follow with 1 cup of
cheap household vinegar. Let it foam and bubble, then follow by running
cold water for at least 30 seconds or longer. If there is a sink that is
seldom used, pour in some plain old vinegar to kill the bacteria that
causes the bad smell.
3. If your cutting board smells from onions, garlic or
even fish, pour on a little vinegar, let it set a minute or two, wipe,
rinse, and the odor should be gone. If your hands have also absorbed the
odor, rub them together with vinegar and rinse. You can also use
mouthwash or toothpaste as deodorizer.
4. Don't waste your money on commercial potpourri!
Here's the Heloise formula to cook up your very own refreshing and
cleansing citrus deodorizer. Fill a large pot with water and simply add
any citrus (lemon is wonderful as are orange and grapefruit) rind or
even slices or leftover wedges. Put in some cinnamon sticks (or a dash
of cinnamon) and then simmer on low heat. You can spice this up by
adding apple peels or slices, other spices such as nutmeg or allspice,
and even a peppermint stick or candy.
CAUTION: Do not leave this on the stove
unattended and don't let it boil dry.
5. Lemon and orange extract are just the thing to
freshen up any room! You can dab some on a cotton ball, place in a bowl
or small jar with lid (punch holes in it to let the fragrance out) and
place around a room, closet or even in your automobile.
CAUTION: Extracts are concentrates that have a
very high alcohol content and should not be used around small children
or where pets may ingest them. Do not let the extract come in direct
contact with any wood, painted surface, marble or granite.