17 Insanely Easy Hacks For Working Moms To Have A Better Smelling Home

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Imagine finally:

  • Walking in after work and noticing clean air instead of hidden odor
  • Fewer last minute sprays means less wasted money
  • Simple daily resets stop smells before they become a bigger problem

Here’s how you start…

1. Empty Kitchen Trash Every Night Before Bed

Food scraps sitting overnight are one of the biggest smell triggers in a busy house.

Start Small With This: Tie up the kitchen trash every single night, even if the bag is not full.

It will be so convenient if you use heavy duty trash bags to prevent leaks and keep smells contained.

2. Open Two Windows For 5 Minutes When Getting Home

Stale air builds up during the day while everyone is out.

Here’s What To Do: Open two windows on opposite sides of the house for 5 minutes to create a quick breeze.

3. Simmer Lemon And Cinnamon On The Stove After Dinner

Cooking smells linger long after the meal is done.

Try This Way: Add lemon slices and a cinnamon stick to a small pot of water and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

It will feel so simple if you try a stainless steel sauce pot that heats evenly and cleans quickly.

4. Toss Couch Throw Blankets In The Dryer For 10 Minutes

Soft fabrics hold onto food and pet smells fast.

Consider This: Put throw blankets in the dryer for 10 minutes with heat to freshen them up.

This gets easier if you use dryer balls to help fluff and air out fabric quickly.

5. Sprinkle Baking Soda On Carpets And Vacuum Before Guests Arrive

Carpet fibers trap everyday smells deep down.

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Begin With This: Lightly sprinkle baking soda, wait 15 minutes, then vacuum slowly.

This takes less time if you use a high suction vacuum cleaner that lifts powder and trapped odor fast.

6. Wash Bathroom Towels Every 3 Days

Damp towels in a shared bathroom get musty quickly.

Use This Simple Trick: Toss bathroom towels in a hot wash every 3 days instead of once a week.

7. Wipe Down The Inside Of The Trash Can Lid

Sticky splashes hide under the lid edge.

Give This A Try: Spray and wipe the lid top and underside once a week.

This gets easier if you use disinfecting wipes for quick daily touchups.

8. Run The Garbage Disposal With Ice And Citrus Peels

Food under the blades causes sour kitchen smells.

Start This Way: Drop in ice cubes and citrus peels, then run the disposal for 30 seconds.

This is faster when you use a sink disposal splash guard to stop mess from flying back up.

9. Vacuum Under Couch Cushions Once A Week

Crumbs and dust collect where nobody looks.

One Thing That Helps Is: Lift each cushion and vacuum underneath and along the seams.

This feels easier if you use a vacuum with a crevice attachment that reaches tight spots.

10. Keep Dirty Shoes In A Closed Storage Bin

Shoes carry outside smells into your entryway.

The Less Stressful Way Is: Place all shoes in a closed bin instead of leaving them by the door.

This gets easier if you use a lidded shoe storage box to contain odor.

11. Run The Dishwasher Empty With A Cup Of Vinegar

Grease and food bits hide along the door seal.

If You Want To Keep It Easy: Place a cup of vinegar on the top rack and run a hot empty cycle.

This is less annoying when you use white cleaning vinegar to break down buildup fast.

12. Light A Candle Only After Cleaning The Room

Covering smells without cleaning first just mixes odors.

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Start By Doing This Instead: Wipe surfaces and remove trash before lighting anything scented.

It will be way faster if you use a soy wax candle that burns clean after the room is fresh.

13. Store Leftovers In Airtight Containers Right Away

Open containers let fridge smells spread.

The Easy First Step Is: Move leftovers into airtight containers before putting them in the fridge.

This gets easier if you use airtight food storage containers that seal tightly.

14. Wash Pet Beds In Hot Water Once A Week

Pet fur and oils build up quickly.

If You’re Not Sure Where To Start: Toss pet beds into a hot cycle every week and dry fully.

15. Replace The Air Filter In The HVAC System Every 60 Days

Dirty filters push dusty air through every room.

Here’s The Shortcut Version: Set a reminder to swap the filter every 60 days.

It will be so much easier if you use HVAC air filters that trap dust and pet dander.

16. Place Open Baking Soda In The Fridge And Pantry

Small closed spaces trap food smells fast.

To Make This Feel More Doable: Put open baking soda boxes on shelves and replace monthly.

17. Rinse The Kitchen Sink With Hot Water After Cooking

Grease sitting in the drain creates strong smells.

The Easier Approach Is: Run hot water for 2 minutes after washing dishes so food residue moves through the pipes.


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Lily Thompson

Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: making life easier and sharing what works. I created ''Like Mom Said'' after one too many moments of realizing: "My mom was right about this." Turns out, a lot of that old-school wisdom still holds up... it just needs a modern spin. Think of me as your friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand.)