A nicely heated house can be awfully cozy when the weather turns chilly, but the indoor air can easily get stale and stuffy while indoor allergens build up inside. Try these tips to keep your house feeling fresh throughout fall and winter.
* Check your air filters and change them regularly. Old and dirty air filters can push musty-smelling air through your vents and won't filter as many indoor allergens.
* Use the ventilation in your kitchen and bathrooms. The hood fan above your stove isn't just for smoke — it helps keep cooking smells from lingering after the meal is over. Bathroom fans help quickly evaporate any dampness and inhibit odor-causing bacteria.
* Try fresh and subtle fragrances. Essential oil diffusers and simmering aromatics smell great without being overpowering.
* Nurture some air-cleaning plants. Peace lily, spider plant, snake plant, and bamboo all look great and help refresh the air in your home.
* Refresh your carpets. Winter means damp clothes and shoes that drip onto carpets, which soak up musty smells like a sponge. Sprinkle baking soda or another dry carpet deodorizer, let it sit for 15 minutes, and vacuum it up.
* Keep up with the laundry. Rugs, shower curtains, throw blankets and other textiles trap dust and odors. Wash them regularly in hot water.
