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    Tips to Nix the 6 Most Unpleasant Household Odors

    By | Work + Money – Wed, Jun 22, 2011 5:36 PM EDT

    Your home has it's surprises, and unfortunately the occasional bad smell is one of them. Here are 6 offenders and tips to get rid of them.













    1. That New Paint Smell

    Hate the smell of fresh latex paint? You can cut down on the odor by mixing a tablespoon of vanilla extract or a drop of lemon extract into every gallon.

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    2. Disgusting Disposer

    A stinky garbage disposer probably has build-up of grease and ground food on the underside of the rubber splash baffle that covers the drain opening. Clean with a scrubby sponge and dish detergent. Then run a lemon through it for a fresh scent.

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    3. Go Away Gas!

    A closed-up kitchen with gas flowing from an open unlit burner can create a combustible atmosphere in as little as 10 seconds. So if you smell gas-we mean really smell gas-do not turn on the lights or use a telephone, cell phone, flashlight, or computer, all of which could create a spark, blowing the place sky high. Instead, haul everybody out of there and call the gas utility or the fire department immediately.

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    4. Funky Fido

    Pet odors got you down? Clean up the affected areas with vinegar or a urine neutralizer, available at pet stores or from veterinarians. If the smell lingers, in drywall, plaster, woodwork, etc., cover the area with a fast-drying sealer (available at home improvement stores), which should encapsulate the smell and keep odors from spreading.

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    5. Smoker Stench

    It can help to change carpet and drapes, which hold the smell of smoke, along with any porous surface. Repainting, recarpeting and reupholstering go a long way toward eliminating the odor.

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    6. Funky Food

    A good ventilation system can do wonders for odors in the kitchen, not to mention steam, smoke and grease. Choose from a variety of kinds, from ceiling-and wall-mounted versions, to downdraft units, which are generally incorporated into the range.



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    Got tips of your own for controlling household odors? Share them in the comments section below!