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The 10 easiest ways to get rid of pet odours

<div class="slide-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div> <h4>How do I get rid of pet odours in my house?</h4> <p>As much as we love our four-legged friends, if you’re a pet owner, you are likely no stranger to the smells that come with having a furry roommate. It may be dander, vomit, urine or faeces, but regardless of where the smell originates, you definitely don’t want any sort of smells lingering in your home. Whether it’s dog odour or cat wee, we have a few tips about the art of pet odour removal.</p> <p><strong>How to clean cat vomit</strong></p> <p>It’s not pleasant, but it’s a good thing if you discover cat puke right away. Dry puke can be cleaned too, but since any cat vomit has a tendency to stain, the faster you act, the better. Remove as much vomit as you can with a dry paper towel, spoon or knife, being careful not to press the vomit further into the carpet. Spray the area with water and blot using a dry paper towel. Rotate the towel so you’re always using a dry spot – you will need to use a few to get the job done. Spray an enzyme-based cleaner on the spot to break down the proteins that cause permanent damage, always following the product’s instructions.</p> <p><strong>How to clean dry dog wee</strong></p> <p>Wondering how to get rid of that dog wee smell is an age-old question. A wet vac is an inexpensive and essential tool that will come in handy for many pet removal odours. For dried dog wee, Michelle Schenker, founder of CanineJournal.com, says to saturate the stain with a wet vac and suck up the dirty water. Next, apply a pet odour neutraliser and follow the instructions on the bottle. If your efforts don’t do the trick, try an advanced stain remover. But whatever you do, don’t use vinegar or ammonia for pet odour removal. While vinegar boosts natural cleaning abilities, the Humane Society says using vinegar and ammonia may entice your pet to mark the area.</p> <p><strong>How to clean wet dog wee</strong></p> <p>According to Schenker, wet and dry dog wee are two different beasts that require two different removal techniques. (This method works for cat wee too, and is Humane Society-approved!) Place paper towels over the urine to soak it up, then cover the paper towels with a clean towel. If it’s a rug, place a towel under the urine spot too. Press firmly into the spot with an old rag or something you don’t mind getting urine on to absorb as much liquid as possible. If the paper towels and towels are soaked, repeat the process. Once the urine has been soaked up, rinse with cool water and soak up the area again with towels or a wet vac. When the spot is dry, vacuum. Sprinkle on bi-carb soda and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes for added freshness, then vacuum again.</p> <p><strong>How to remove the smell of cat wee</strong></p> <p>Dry cat wee is super stinky because it’s concentrated. “Cats are very good at conserving water, so they don’t always drink a lot, and they often eat dry food, so they don’t get a lot of moisture through the food,” says vet Mariah Covey. Male cats that aren’t neutered also have strong smelling urine, Dr Covey says. To remove the smell, try an enzymatic solution, and follow the instructions on the bottle. For older spots, you may want to hire a professional carpet cleaner for this stubborn pet odour removal. “Urine is acidic, but it becomes alkaline and ammonium salts form in the residue it creates,” says Jeremy Strickland, general manager of Randy’s Carpet Care. “Urine spots are like icebergs – what you see on the surface may only be minor, but the urine probably saturated the padding and possibly the subfloor.” Therefore, the longer it sits, the stinkier it gets.</p> <p><strong>How to remove the smell of a kitty litter box</strong></p> <p>Whether you have a regular or self-cleaning litter box, the easiest solution is to scoop the poop and wee immediately, but unless you plan on standing guard over the litter box, that’s not likely to happen. To help minimise odours, sprinkle bi-carb soda over the litter instead of buying scented litter, as highly scented litter can be off-putting to cats, according to the Humane Society. Cats generally prefer a fine-grain litter, as it feels softer on their paws. Once a month, toss the litter and wipe down the litter box with an enzyme pet odour eliminator. Refrain from using bleach, as cats are highly sensitive to the strong odour and may refuse to use the litter box. Keep things smelling fresh continuously with an air purifier.</p> <p><strong>How to clean the pet bed</strong></p> <p>Unless you have a non-shedding pet, fur is probably covering most of the dog bed, and that’s one of the culprits for the stink. When your cat or dog perspires, the scent is emitted through their fur, so it’s essential to vacuum it up before laundering. (Animal hair sticks to wet clothing and the inside of your washing machine.) The Humane Society recommends adding half a kilo of bi-carb soda to your regular detergent for pet odour removal. Air dry if possible to avoid shrinkage. If the bed still smells, wash it again with an enzymatic cleaner to break down pet-waste odours.</p> <p><strong>How to get dog smell out of the sofa</strong></p> <p>Those snuggle times on the sofa with your fur baby are the highlight of your day, but every so often that funky smell is too strong to dismiss. Like with pet bed clean-up, you’ll need to vacuum the furniture first. Next, sprinkle the area with bi-carb soda. Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes, then vacuum again.</p> <p><strong>How to get the smell out of the travel crate</strong></p> <p>Whether it’s mesh or plastic, your pet’s crate can develop a pungent odour. Sometimes the culprit is a dirty liner that needs a scrub down, but it could also stem from a nervous car ride to the vet. Even if your dog or cat doesn’t puke, when they’re nervous, they can release the contents from their anal sacs. Panting and sweating also contribute to odour built up in a small space like a carrier. To clean, toss any liners and blankets in the wash. Wipe down plastic carriers with an enzyme cleaner. Place soft carriers in the bathtub with warm water and the recommended amount of enzyme all-purpose cleaner, then air dry.</p> <p><strong>How to use home-made cleaning spray</strong></p> <p>This recipe for pet cleaner is easy to make with ingredients you probably have in your cupboard. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt in 2 cups of warm water. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of detergent, and 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol, then mix well and funnel into a spray bottle.</p> <p>Always remove as much of the stain as possible first, then spray with water and blot with a dry paper towel. Next, saturate the stain with the cleaner. Sprinkle with bi-carb soda, and vacuum when the spot is dry. Since this formula has vinegar in it, it is a pet-odour removal more suited for messes not containing urine.</p> <p><strong>How to remove the pet smell from the air</strong></p> <p>So you’ve cleaned all the pet odours and used all the pet odour eliminators, but there’s still a hint of eau de pooch? What’s left in the pet odour removal arsenal? Try an ozone generator to neutralise the odours. “An air purifier uses fans to pull air into it and runs it through a filter to ‘scrub’ it before sending it back out,” Strickland says. “But an ozone generator uses an internal fan to push air out. The air coming out of it contains an extra oxygen molecule, creating O3, or ozone, which neutralises the air on soft surfaces.”</p> <p>This takes care of the surfaces you can’t easily clean, like blinds, curtains and upholstery. And, unlike with an air purifier, you only have to run it for a few hours, intermittently.</p> <p>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/pets/the-10-easiest-ways-to-get-rid-of-pet-odours" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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The 10 easiest ways to get rid of pet odours

<p>As much as we love our four-legged friends, if you’re a pet owner, you are likely no stranger to the smells that come with having a furry roommate. It may be dander, vomit, urine or faeces, but regardless of where the smell originates, you definitely don’t want any sort of smells lingering in your home.</p> <p>Whether it’s dog odour or cat wee, we have a few tips about the art of pet odour removal.</p> <p><strong>How to clean cat vomit</strong></p> <p>It’s not pleasant, but it’s a good thing if you discover cat puke right away. Dry puke can be cleaned too, but since any cat vomit has a tendency to stain, the faster you act, the better. Remove as much vomit as you can with a dry paper towel, spoon or knife, being careful not to press the vomit further into the carpet. Spray the area with water and blot using a dry paper towel.</p> <p>Rotate the towel so you’re always using a dry spot – you will need to use a few to get the job done. Spray an enzyme-based cleaner on the spot to break down the proteins that cause permanent damage, always following the product’s instructions.</p> <p><strong>How to clean dried dog wee</strong></p> <p>Wondering how to get rid of that dog wee smell is an age-old question. A wet vac is an inexpensive and essential tool that will come in handy for many pet removal odours. For dried dog wee, Michelle Schenker, founder of CanineJournal.com, says to saturate the stain with a wet vac and suck up the dirty water. Next, apply a pet odour neutraliser and follow the instructions on the bottle. </p> <p>If your efforts don’t do the trick, try an advanced stain remover. But whatever you do, don’t use vinegar or ammonia for pet odour removal. While vinegar boosts natural cleaning abilities, the Humane Society says using vinegar and ammonia may entice your pet to mark the area.</p> <p><strong>How to clean wet dog wee</strong></p> <p>According to Schenker, wet and dry dog wee are two different beasts that require two different removal techniques. (This method works for cat wee too, and is Humane Society-approved!) Place paper towels over the urine to soak it up, then cover the paper towels with a clean towel. If it’s a rug, place a towel under the urine spot too. Press firmly into the spot with an old rag or something you don’t mind getting urine on to absorb as much liquid as possible.</p> <p>If the paper towels and towels are soaked, repeat the process. Once the urine has been soaked up, rinse with cool water and soak up the area again with towels or a wet vac. When the spot is dry, vacuum. Sprinkle on bi-carb soda and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes for added freshness, then vacuum again.</p> <p><strong>How to remove the smell of cat wee</strong></p> <p>Dry cat wee is super stinky because it’s concentrated. “Cats are very good at conserving water, so they don’t always drink a lot, and they often eat dry food, so they don’t get a lot of moisture through the food,” says vet Mariah Covey. Male cats that aren’t neutered also have strong smelling urine, Dr Covey says. To remove the smell, try an enzymatic solution, and follow the instructions on the bottle. For older spots, you may want to hire a professional carpet cleaner for this stubborn pet odour removal.</p> <p>“Urine is acidic, but it becomes alkaline and ammonium salts form in the residue it creates,” says Jeremy Strickland, general manager of Randy’s Carpet Care. “Urine spots are like icebergs – what you see on the surface may only be minor, but the urine probably saturated the padding and possibly the subfloor.” Therefore, the longer it sits, the stinkier it gets.</p> <p><strong>How to remove the smell of a kitty litter box</strong></p> <p>Whether you have a regular or self-cleaning litter box, the easiest solution is to scoop the poop and wee immediately, but unless you plan on standing guard over the litter box, that’s not likely to happen. To help minimise odours, sprinkle bi-carb soda over the litter instead of buying scented litter, as highly scented litter can be off-putting to cats, according to the Humane Society.</p> <p>Cats generally prefer a fine-grain litter, as it feels softer on their paws. Once a month, toss the litter and wipe down the litter box with an enzyme pet odour eliminator. Refrain from using bleach, as cats are highly sensitive to the strong odour and may refuse to use the litter box. Keep things smelling fresh continuously with an air purifier.</p> <p><strong>How to clean the pet bed</strong></p> <p>Unless you have a non-shedding pet, fur is probably covering most of the dog bed, and that’s one of the culprits for the stink. When your cat or dog perspires, the scent is emitted through their fur, so it’s essential to vacuum it up before laundering. (Animal hair sticks to wet clothing and the inside of your washing machine.)</p> <p>The Humane Society recommends adding half a kilo of bi-carb soda to your regular detergent for pet odour removal. Air dry if possible to avoid shrinkage. If the bed still smells, wash it again with an enzymatic cleaner to break down pet-waste odours.</p> <p><strong>How to get the dog smell out of the sofa</strong></p> <p>Those snuggle times on the sofa with your fur baby are the highlight of your day, but every so often that funky smell is too strong to dismiss. Like with pet bed clean-up, you’ll need to vacuum the furniture first. Next, sprinkle the area with bi-carb soda. Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes, then vacuum again.</p> <p><strong>How to get the smell out of the travel crate</strong></p> <p>Whether it’s mesh or plastic, your pet’s crate can develop a pungent odour. Sometimes the culprit is a dirty liner that needs a scrub down, but it could also stem from a nervous car ride to the vet. Even if your dog or cat doesn’t puke, when they’re nervous, they can release the contents from their anal sacs. Panting and sweating also contribute to odour built up in a small space like a carrier.</p> <p>To clean, toss any liners and blankets in the wash. Wipe down plastic carriers with an enzyme cleaner. Place soft carriers in the bathtub with warm water and the recommended amount of enzyme all-purpose cleaner, then air dry.</p> <p><strong>How to use homemade cleaning spray</strong></p> <p>This recipe for pet cleaner is easy to make with ingredients you probably have in your cupboard. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt in 2 cups of warm water. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of detergent, and 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol, then mix well and funnel into a spray bottle.</p> <p>Always remove as much of the stain as possible first, then spray with water and blot with a dry paper towel. Next, saturate the stain with the cleaner. Sprinkle with bi-carb soda, and vacuum when the spot is dry. Since this formula has vinegar in it, it is a pet-odour removal more suited for messes not containing urine.</p> <p><strong>How to remove the pet smell in the air</strong></p> <p>So you’ve cleaned all the pet odours and used all the pet odour eliminators, but there’s still a hint of eau de pooch? What’s left in the pet odour removal arsenal? Try an ozone generator to neutralise the odours. “An air purifier uses fans to pull air into it and runs it through a filter to ‘scrub’ it before sending it back out,” Strickland says. “But an ozone generator uses an internal fan to push air out. The air coming out of it contains an extra oxygen molecule, creating O3, or ozone, which neutralises the air on soft surfaces.”</p> <p>This takes care of the surfaces you can’t easily clean, like blinds, curtains and upholstery. And, unlike with an air purifier, you only have to run it for a few hours, intermittently.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/pets/the-10-easiest-ways-to-get-rid-of-pet-odours?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Home & Garden

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Family booted off plane due to offensive body odour

<p>Jennie and Yossi Adler, as well as their 19-month-old daughter were escorted from their flight from Miami to Detroit after fellow passengers made complaints about their body odour.</p> <p>Yossi explained to <a href="https://www.local10.com/news/local/miami/family-kicked-off-american-airlines-flight-in-miami-after-passengers-complain-about-body-odor"><em>Local 10 News Miami­</em></a><em>:</em></p> <p>"All of a sudden, as soon as they took us off, they closed the gate and then they said, 'Sorry, sir, some people complained you had body odour and we're not letting you back on’."</p> <p>Despite claims from airline staff, the family were left without their possessions that were already on the flight. Jennie said:</p> <p>"They have our car seat, stroller, everything,".</p> <p>The airline carrier, American Airlines, were quick to address the issue, with a statement to <em>Local 10 News Miami</em>, saying:</p> <p>"Mr. Adler and his wife were removed from the flight when several passengers complained about their body odour," the statement said.</p> <p>"They have been booked into a hotel for the night and given meal vouchers. They have been rebooked on a flight Thursday."</p> <p>Despite the family getting home safe on a later date, they’re still unhappy with the explanation from the airline.</p> <p>"We stopped several people in the airport and, it's embarrassing, but we asked them, 'Do you think we smell? Because we just got kicked off a plane for smelling’," said Jennie.</p> <p>“I want them to own up to what really happened and to tell me the truth,” said Yossi. “What was it?”</p> <p>Have you seen something like this on your flight? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

Travel Trouble

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Cabin crew hospitalised after “mystery odour” on flight

<p>Five airline crew have been hospitalised as a precaution due to noticing a mysterious odour whilst departing from Philadelphia to Fort Lauderdale in Florida.</p> <p>After the plane landed in Florida at around 11am PST, American Airlines confirmed to Fox News about the incident.</p> <p>“Shortly before landing, crew members complained of an odour on board,” a spokeswoman for the carrier told <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/travel/american-airlines-staffers-florida-airport-odor">Fox News</a>.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">Breaking: Five passengers transported to Broward health after reporting feeling sick on a plane at <a href="https://twitter.com/FLLFlyer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLLFlyer</a>. No word on the cause. <a href="https://twitter.com/WPLGLocal10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPLGLocal10</a> <a href="https://t.co/lumRGSdjYb">pic.twitter.com/lumRGSdjYb</a></p> — Ian Margol (@IanMargolWPLG) <a href="https://twitter.com/IanMargolWPLG/status/1083414718818250752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">10 January 2019</a></blockquote> <p>“The aircraft, an Airbus 320 with 137 passengers and a crew of five, landed safely and taxied to the gate. Two pilots and three flight attendants asked to be taken to the hospital as a precaution.</p> <p>“No passengers requested medical attention. The aircraft is being evaluated by our maintenance team.”</p> <p>No word has been received as to whether or not the crew members are in good health.</p> <p>According to a witness, they wouldn’t let anyone else board the plane.</p> <p>"I heard one of the security guys walk by, and he's like, 'I need four wheelchairs. We need one ASAP," passenger Andrew O'Donnell told ABC 10, according to <a href="https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/1070769/florida-flights-american-airlines-plane-pilot-cabin-crew-sick">express.co.uk</a>.</p> <p>"They just sort of wheeled everybody off and they said they smelled an odour on the plane.</p> <p>“And when that happened, they said that they obviously weren't going to let anybody else on."</p> <p>Have you ever noticed anything unusual on one of your flights? Let us know in the comments.</p>

Travel Trouble

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Carrie Bickmore called out for body odour after lending “smelly dress” to guest host

<p>The Project host Carrie Bickmore may be going by the name of "Carrie Stinkmore" from now on after her bad body odour was discussed on the national show last Thursday night.</p> <p>After an ad break, Carrie and guest host Rachel Corbett were seen laughing hysterically.</p> <p>Not wanting to leave the audience out of the joke, Carrie shared the story: "Okay, we have to explain. Rachel's borrowing one of my dresses tonight."</p> <p>Carrie continued: "I didn't realise she was borrowing one of my dresses and she just turned to me and said, 'I think there's residual smell in this dress from the last person that wore it 'cause I'm really smelling tonight. I said, 'it was me.'''</p> <p><img width="507" height="322" src="https://s.yimg.com/iu/api/res/1.2/DhenJgJR5BsZbxJp9X_HAQ--~D/cm90YXRlPWF1dG87dz05NjA7YXBwaWQ9eXZpZGVv/https://s.yimg.com/iu/api/res/1.2/M_pnE5Hmtaevr4YxeJKpCQ--~D/cm90YXRlPWF1dG87dz0xMjAwO2FwcGlkPXl2aWRlbw--/https://s.yimg.com/ea/img/-/171124/5a176906b914b_laughing_5a1768e2d4e09.jpg" class="article-figure-image" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>"Old Carrie Stinkmore strikes again," other panellist Tommy Little jokingly interjected. </p> <p>While the whole panel were in fits of laughter, Carrie tried to salvage her reputation and demanded to spell her co-host's armpit to get proof of how bad the odour was.</p> <p><img width="500" height="288" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7264972/1_500x288.jpg" alt="1 (5)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>"If you're going to accuse me on national television of smelling, put your arm up," Carrie said.</p> <p> </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheProjectTV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheProjectTV</a> smell-o-vision, coming soon! 😂 <a href="https://t.co/M36L83gtaB">pic.twitter.com/M36L83gtaB</a></p> — The Project (@theprojecttv) <a href="https://twitter.com/theprojecttv/status/933602447645274112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>Fellow host Waleed Aly then pointed out that it was, in fact, Carrie who brought up the hilarious story.</p> <p><img width="505" height="320" src="https://s.yimg.com/iu/api/res/1.2/ge7ZKkkt4CSGCYjgeEwUpg--~D/cm90YXRlPWF1dG87dz05NjA7YXBwaWQ9eXZpZGVv/https://s.yimg.com/iu/api/res/1.2/C5bgQjl8tpEYvNbyBRLkng--~D/cm90YXRlPWF1dG87dz0xMjAwO2FwcGlkPXl2aWRlbw--/https://s.yimg.com/ea/img/-/171124/5a176906ea3d6_waleed_5a1768e31c873.jpg" class="article-figure-image" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Let's just hope the name "Stinkmore" doesn't stick!</p>

Body

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What causes body odour

<p>Body odour. No matter what the time of the year, it just plagues some people.</p> <p>When you smell somebody's B.O., it's easy to assume they have just been exercising, have poor hygiene or simply don't use deodorant.</p> <p>Lots of other factors can influence the way you smell, however. Body odour, also known as bromhidrosis, osmidrosis or ozochrotia, is a smell we think of as offensive and occurs when the bacteria that lives on the skin breaks down sweat into acids.</p> <p>Sweat itself is odourless; it's simply the bacteria breaking down the protein in it that causes the bad smell. Two different acids usually cause this smell: propionic acid and isovaleric acid.</p> <p>Propionic acid is what breaks down from propionibacteria, which lives in the sebaceous gland ducts. It has a particularly vinegary smell. Sovaleric acid, on the other hand, results from the bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis, and has a pungent, cheesy smell.</p> <p>We humans have two types of glands, eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands are those responsible for regulating our body temperatures; they're all over your skin. The sweat produced from these glands is salty and harder for bacteria to break down the protein in them.</p> <p>Apocrine glands around found in your armpits, genitals, breasts, eyelids, and ears. The sweat from these glands is much more easily broken down into protein by bacteria, which quickly multiplies and causes the majority of body odour.</p> <p>There are several factors that can influence how much you smell (and how offensive that smell is) when those apocrine glands are working their way into bacterial overload.</p> <p>Genetics, like with many bodily functions, are a core influencer of one's B.O. The gene ABCC11 is responsible for axillary body odour and the more functional this gene is, the more encouraging it will be for bacterial growth from your apocrine glands.</p> <p>This is also determined by your heritage: around 80-95 per cent of people with East Asian backgrounds (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) have a non-functioning ABCC11 allele, meaning lower likelihood of producing body odour. Most other ethnic groups only have 0-3 per cent have this non-functioning allele, so the large majority of those groups are prone to axillary odour.</p> <p>A genetic condition called trimethylaminuria, which is colloquially known as "fish odour syndrome", may also be the culprit. Although rare, this metabolic disorder hinders your body's ability to break down trimethtylamine (found in choline-rich foods like eggs, certain fish, and some legumes). When trimethtylamine builds up in the body, it creates a fishy stink.</p> <p>A dietary imbalance of magnesium or zinc can contribute to offensive body odour as well. One of the main things zinc does is processes carbohydrates into waste, but if you don't have enough of it, this clearing process is hindered and odours can ensue. Low magnesium, additionally, causes slower emptying of the bowel and this can also have an effect on your body odour.</p> <p>Then there's certain foods that can contribute to negative odour. Red meat, garlic, onions, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and strong spices such as curry powder can also encourage negative odours, as can alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.</p> <p><strong>What can you do about offensive body odour?</strong></p> <p>Frequent showering is the obvious one, but for those that struggle this simply isn't enough. One solution can be to reapply deodorant multiple times a day. Clinical strength antiperspirant deodorants may prove helpful but prescription versions from a GP may also be more helpful than over-the-counter products.</p> <p>Body odour also clings to material, so fresh clothing and natural fabrics that breathe (e.g. cotton rather than synthetic blends) can mitigate odours and give them less time to permeate. Sweat will also evaporate quicker through natural fabrics. Shaving your armpits, too, gives the odour less to stick to, and don't rule out a midday change to a fresh shirt.</p> <p>There's nothing you can do about your genes, but you can reduce or cut out the aforementioned foods and gauge the change in the way you smell. You may find one of them, all of them, or a combination affect you. </p> <p><em>Written by Lee Suckling. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>.</em></p>

Body

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How to remove odour from smelly towels

<p>It is not uncommon for a towel to take on a stale-like odour over time that won’t disappear even after a wash. This odour can be caused by excessive use, a build-up of fabric softener and a long-term build-up of moisture due to a towel retaining mould when it is kept from drying out. Thankfully, when your <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/bathroom?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-towels&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=over60-shop" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">towel</span></strong></a> takes on this mildew smell there is an easy and practical way to remove the odour, here’s how.</p> <p><strong>Ingredient:</strong></p> <ul> <li>1 cup of distilled white vinegar</li> </ul> <p><strong>Method:</strong></p> <p>1. Turn your washer temperature to high and start your wash without adding laundry detergent.</p> <p>2. Pour the cup of vinegar into the wash.</p> <p>3. Put your towel in the dryer and then the smell should be removed.</p> <p>4. If there is an extreme smell and it hasn’t been removed, do another wash but add one cup of baking soda to the wash and do not add laundry detergent.</p> <p>5. Put the towel in the dryer and then enjoy your fresh-smelling towel. </p> <p>It is important to care for your towels as they play an important role in your daily hygiene upkeep. Invest in <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/towels/products/linen-house-69cm-x-139cm-bath-towel-albany?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-bath-towel-albany&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=bath-towel-albany" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">good-quality cotton towels</span></strong></a> and be careful to not use oxidising/chlorine based bleaching agents and avoid the use of fabric softeners and detergents which contain optical brighteners.</p> <p>How do you get rid of the mildew smell from your towel? Let us know in the comments below.           </p> <p><em><strong>To find your bathroom essentials, including towels, <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/bathroom?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-bathroom&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=over60-shop" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">head to the Over60 Shop</span></a> for high-quality offerings.</strong></em></p>

Home & Garden

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15 ingenious tips to make your house smell delicious

<p class="first-para">Never fear having unexpected guests walk into a smelly living area again! Here are a few simple DIYs to try – from unlit candles and stovetop potpourris to those sweet-smelling sachets you keep in your underwear drawer.</p> <p><strong>1. Tape dryer sheets to your air vents</strong></p> <p>Love the smell of Laundromats? Recreate it at home by taping a dryer sheet to any air vents. Air blowing through will distribute the scent throughout your home.</p> <p><strong>2. Deodorise shoes with teabags</strong></p> <p>Hate smelly shoes in your corridor, cupboards and under your bed? Place dry tea bags in the toes of your tennis shoes to nix any nasty odours and absorb excess moisture. Lavender, mint or apple-scented shoes, anyone?</p> <p><strong>3. Deal with musty tent odours</strong></p> <p>Insert dryer sheets inside empty luggage, camping gear (especially tents and sleeping bags!) and sports equipment before you stash them away in your basement, attic or garage. The sheets stop musty damp smells from permeating.</p> <p><strong>4. Vacuum bag air freshener</strong></p> <p>Soak a cotton ball in cologne and insert it into your vacuum cleaner bag. That way, as you vacuum, the scent will be slowly released into the room.</p> <p><strong>5. Make a stovetop potpourri</strong></p> <p>Lingering smells in your kitchen? Simmer water is a small saucepan, add one sliced lemon, a sprig of rosemary, a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and about two inches of water. Bring to boil and reduce the heat, then continue to simmer on low, topping up with water as the water evaporates. You can use this over several days, adding more water when necessary.</p> <p><strong>6. Burn Le Papier d’Armerie</strong></p> <p>This <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.saison.com.au/papier-d-armenie-incense-original.html" target="_blank">scented paper</a></strong></span> is a staple in almost every French household. Simply tear away a sheet, fold accordion-style, and light one end before blowing. As the paper smoulders, it leaves an incredible floral and sandalwood scent that lasts for days.</p> <p><strong>7. Keep unlit candles in closets</strong></p> <p>Candles don’t have to be lit to work their magic. You can place your scented candles, unlit, in linen closets to have the fabrics absorb the scent.</p> <p><strong>8. Make your own drawer diffusers</strong></p> <p>Get small muslin bags and stuff them with your favourite dried herbs, flowers and spices, then place in your drawers to make your clothes smell lovely, naturally.</p> <p><strong>9. Mix your own vodka room spray</strong></p> <p>Create your own room spray by mixing a cup of water with two tablespoons of vodka and 25 drops of essential oil. Try different combinations based on what room you’re spraying – lavender and vanilla for a relaxing bedroom, peppermint and rosemary to help to stay alert in your study, and cinnamon, clove and tea tree – with their natural antibacterial properties – for the bathroom and kitchen.</p> <p><strong>10. Don’t throw out your citrus rinds</strong></p> <p>Fill your hollowed-out lemon and orange halves with sea salt and leave them to absorb nasty smells in your fridge.</p> <p><strong>11. Make frozen garbage disposal pellets</strong></p> <p>Make ice cubes out of white vinegar and lemon and orange peels. Once they’re frozen, remove from tray and place in a zip-lock bag to keep in the freezer. To use, put the cube down the garbage disposal and run it. Not only will it freshen up – the ice actually helps to sharpen the blades.</p> <p><strong>12. Deodorise dingy carpet</strong></p> <p>Simply sprinkle a box of bicarb soda on your carpet or rug, leave it for 30 minutes, and then vacuum it up (along with the smells).</p> <p><strong>13. Grind coffee beans</strong></p> <p>Buying coffee beans and grinding them at home isn’t just great for your morning brew – it also makes your house smell wonderful. Try hanging clean socks or pantyhose filled with coffee grounds in your musty closet or that stale-smelling freezer – it works wonders, trust us.</p> <p><strong>14. Deodorise your freezer with vanilla</strong></p> <p>After throwing out all the unidentified frozen foods in there, wipe down the sides with a cotton pad dampened with pure vanilla extract.</p> <p><strong>15. Cooking fish? Use preventative measures</strong></p> <p>When cooking fish, especially when frying, set a small bowl of white vinegar next to the stove to absorb and neutralise the smell.  </p> <p>What methods do you use to get rid of bad smells in your house? Share your tips in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Written by </em>Kathleen Lee-Joe<em>. First appeared on</em> <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/" target="_blank"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Domain.</span></em></strong></a></p>

Home & Garden

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How to rid top 3 household odours

<p><em><strong>Craig Connelly, the Odour Dude, has been in the odour removal business since 2002. He is the odour expert behind <a href="http://www.odordude.com/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Odour Dude</span>.</a></strong></em></p> <p>I’ve treated thousands of different pongs over the years but the main three I deal with are as follows:</p> <p><strong>1. Urine odour in the floor of the toilet</strong></p> <p>If you have grandkids, then you may well relate to the fact that the little tinkle sound at night is not always the sound of your bank account gaining interest, but rather the misfire from the grandson as he miscalculates the weight of the gumboots and the head wind in the ablution block.The end result being, your handpicked Italian tiles are soaked with urine with a bouquet of a sniper's armpit the following day.</p> <p>To complicate the situation, some cunning person thought it may be amusing to put grout between tiles just to make life more fun. Untreated grout soaks up urine and other nasties in deep and starts to produce the door one associates with an alley way rather than our beloved “Oval Office”. But never fear dear reader as I have a simple solution for you that is more cunning that the grout guys evil plan.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The solution using a simple household product</span><br /> A simple solution is to grab a bucket and put 3 litres of warm water in it. Add to this one scoop of quality laundry powder and let it sit for five minutes. The laundry powder will start to produce oxygen and you will see bubbles in the mix. (If you don’t see bubbles then your laundry powder has no sodium percarbonate in the ingredients and you may need to consider another plan equally as cunning or buy one with sodium percarbonate in it). Sodium Percarbonate produces oxygen when mixed with warm water which is a brilliant recent urine neutraliser.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method</span>: Pour some of the solution onto the affected area and let it soak in deep. If you have a wet vacuum then tip a bit more on and start to suck it out straight away. Repeat and you will be jim-dandy before you can say “jim-dandy”. If you don’t have a wet vac then use towels to absorb the fluid.</p> <p><strong>2. Dog odour in the house</strong></p> <p>Dog odour is a very common issue and the most interesting thing about dog odour is the owners of the dog can never smell it. They say “Smell, what smell? I can’t smell a thing”. However, for someone walking into the house for the first time, it can be like being hit in the head with a piece of 4 x 2. Not an ideal way to greet your guests and once their nasal passages stop bleeding and the eyes are prised apart, they tend not to stay long even if you have a special pasta sauce recipe passed down from your mum. So in order to keep your guests in the house longer, here are some simple solutions. But first let’s look at the two most common causes of dog odour. Those with a weak stomach should now leave the room!</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">1. Dog bum odour<br /> </span>In most cases of strong dog smell, the odour typically comes from the dog’s rear end rubbing on carpet or furniture. This varies per dog breed (some dog breeds don’t have this issue whereas other are prone to it). So the solution if you have an offending rear end breed, is to spot clean the areas of the carpet that the dog tends to favour as a resting spot, using a good quality wet vac and a reliable carpet cleaner product with a small percentage of alkaline in (always spot test your carpet or furniture first in an inconspicuous area first to avoid colour damage or staining). In each dog owners house, there are normally three to four areas where the dog sits for long periods (near the dinner table or TV are good spots to start with) that should be spot cleaned. After spot cleaning and allowing the carpet to dry dust a bit of fragrant carpet deodoriser on and before long your friends will start to return and smile enthusiastically when they sample your homemade sauce.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2. Dog fur odour</span></p> <p>The other odour from dogs comes from the oils in their fur. Once again this is determined a lot of the time by the breed of dog and the odour always seems to be more prominent in areas where they tend to chill, such as lounge suites, near the TV etc. A similar odour removal approach to dog bum odour is used, where a slightly alkaline based cleaner is required to help break down the oils in conjunction with a good quality wet vac with strong suction to assist in removing the residues. Once again if you do not have a wet vac then a folded towel will suffice.</p> <p><strong>3. Household cooking smells</strong></p> <p>So now we are entering tricky territory as there are many types of cooking smells and many different causes, so I will start with the common one first: fried food.</p> <p>Frying foods produces two elements that odour removers like me despise. The dirty two that we don’t like to mention are steam and oil, which when combined are a formidable force to reckon with, particularly when they build up over many months or years. The steam and oil rise during the cooking process and embed themselves in the paintwork on the ceiling and walls, plus curtains, and carpet. Add to the mix some pungent spices and you have a difficult job on your hands.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Solution: </span><br />1. Buy a small container of Sugar Soap and mix with hot water to the recommended dosage written on the bottle using a 10 litre bucket. Wash the ceiling thoroughly using a soft cloth dipped into the sugar soap and hot water solution. (If the water ain't changing colour then you are doing it wrong). The sugar soap and heat from the hot water should start to break down some of the oil residues and they will transfer to the cloth. For bad cases, you may need to wash the ceiling area two to three times, changing the water each time.</p> <p>2. Remove all curtains and have then dry cleaned. Be sure to tell your dry cleaner you are dealing with cooking odours so they do a good job.</p> <p>3. Have your carpets cleaned professionally using an Alkaline Carpet Cleaner as a pre-spray (helps breaks down the oil). Ensure the carpet cleaner understands you are wanting to remove odours however do not use highly fragranced cleaning products as it will be more difficult to determine if the process has worked.</p> <p>4. Once everything is dry, reassess the odour contamination. It should be considerably better, if not please see below for more options.</p> <p>5. This should only be done if the smell persists. Try Ozone Gas for a minimum of 24 hours and reassess. If smell persists after an Ozone treatment you will need to paint the ceiling and walls using a sealer coat first then a top coat.</p> <p>*Please note: Quite often the sugar soap can change the appearance of the ceiling due to the water being cleaner in certain areas versus an area where you cleaned just before changing the water.</p> <p>Note: Always spot test your cleaning products on all surfaces you are about to treat first in an inconspicuous area. Not all fabrics and substrates react the same and although we use these techniques we take no responsibility for staining or damage to substrates you are treating. Consult an industry professional first if you have any doubts about the quality of your items prior to treating.</p> <p>Here’s to an odour free house!</p> <p><em>For more odour removal tips, visit Craig’s site <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.odordude.com/">The Odour Dude</a>.</strong></span></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/09/how-to-remove-mildew-smell-from-towels/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>How to remove mildew smell from towels</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/07/natural-ways-to-make-your-home-smell-better/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>7 natural ways to make your home smell better</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/06/can-your-house-be-too-clean/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Is it possible for your house to be too clean?</strong></em></span></a></p>

Home & Garden

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5 tips to get rid of kitchen odours

<p>Some kitchen aromas are rather lovely – a roasting leg of lamb or a freshly baked pie. Then there are the other smells that are a bit nasty that can be hard to get rid of. Follow our tips below to get your kitchen smelling great again.</p> <p><strong>1. Keep your fridge clean</strong></p> <p>Ensure your refrigerator is regularly cleaned. Take everything out and make your own cleaning spray by mixing three tablespoons of baking soda into a spray bottle of water. Spray the inside of the fridge, including the shelves, and then wipe it clean with a sponge. Pop a cup of baking soda inside the fridge to absorb some of that “fridge smell” that seems to happen, replacing every three months.</p> <p><strong>2. Clean your drains</strong></p> <p>Drains and garbage disposals can trap bad smells inside. Keep them clear by pouring three tablespoons of baking soda down the drain every month. Leave it for 10 minutes and then pour in half cup white vinegar. It will fizz up and clear out any stuck-on grime. Then rinse with hot water. If you have a garbage disposal, send down a cup of warm water and a chopped up lemon once a week to combat any odours trapped inside.</p> <p><strong>3. Freshen up your bin</strong></p> <p>It makes sense that your bin can be harbouring germs and therefore bad odours. Keep the garbage bin and recycling bin in the kitchen clean by swishing them with either vinegar and water, or a germ-killing disinfectant. If you notice a spill in the bin, take it outside and rinse well with water before leaving it to dry in the sun.</p> <p><strong>4. Make ovens and stovetops shine</strong></p> <p>Grease and food spills on your stovetop or in your oven can become truly smelly areas. If your stovetop needs a scrub, try using half vinegar and half water to cut through grease and grime. For an alternative to the fume-filled oven cleaners, make your own with baking soda mixed with water to make a paste. Wipe onto the oven, allow to dry, and then use a clean damp cloth to wipe it off again.</p> <p><strong>5. Keep sponges fresh</strong></p> <p>Your sponge is a breeding ground for bacteria and therefore odours, so it’s important to keep them in good shape. Germs in the sponge can make your family ill so it’s not just the smell that’s the issue. Choose cellulose sponges and remember to pop them in the dishwasher every few days to keep clean. Another trick is to wet a sponge, squeeze out the excess water, and then microwave them on high for two minutes to remove bacteria.</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/how-to-sharpen-knife-with-mug/">Genius trick to sharpen knives without sharpener</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/how-to-keep-food-for-longer/">15 great kitchen hacks to extend the life of food and save on waste</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/dirty-home-items/">5 surprisingly dirty things in your house</a></em></strong></span></p>

Home & Garden

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How to get rid of pet smells

<p>You know how it goes – you get home and your pet excitedly greets you at the door but then you step in and catch a whiff of something unpleasant… and then you see it. A little puddle of urine or even worse! All pets have bathroom accidents every now and then again but luckily there are ways to remove pet urine and the offending odours without spending a lot of money.</p><p><strong>Why you need to clean the stain AND odour</strong></p><p>Dog or cat’s urine is made up of ammonia, bacteria, hormones, nitrogen and uric acid which creates that potent and lingering scent. It’s crucial that you clean the area and remove all traces of the odour. Animals have a much better sense of smell than us and are highly territorial, so if there is any trace of their scent, they are likely to return to the same spot and do it all again. Your nose may not be a good indicator either, even if you can’t smell anything, your pet probably can.</p><p><strong>Follow these steps to disinfect the area and remove the pet odour.</strong></p><p>1. Use paper towels or other absorbent materials to soak up as much urine as possible.</p><p>2. Soak the spot in water and use a paper towel to blot. Do this until you can’t see urine on the spot or yellow stains on your towel. It’s important to clean up the stain before you attempt to remove the pet odour.</p><p>3. Apply an enzyme-based pet odour remover (found in pet stores) or try these three homemade concoctions to get rid of the smells completely.</p><ul><li>Cover the area in baking soda, which will absorb the smell, let it sit for a few hours or even overnight and then vacuum.</li><li>Combine one part hydrogen peroxide and two parts water. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes before blotting up.</li><li>Mix one part white vinegar to six parts water in a spray bottle. Thoroughly saturate the spot and leave for 10 minutes before soaking it up with a paper towel.</li></ul><p>Depending on how long the urine has been there, you might need to repeat this step to remove all odours.</p><p><strong>What to avoid when cleaning</strong></p><p><strong>Bleach.</strong> If you think bleach is a good idea for cleaning those urine stained concrete floors, think again! Bleach doesn’t kill the scent of animal urine and it’s quite harmful to breathe for you and your pet.</p><p><strong>Ammonia.</strong> As dogs’ and cats’ urine is made up of ammonia, adding ammonia will just make the smell worse.&nbsp;</p>

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