It is the season to be happy, spend time with family, and, of course, eat a lot of food!

But once the holiday feasting is over, the smell and the mess can make a home rather unpleasant.

If you wish to know how to renew your house after the Christmas cooking marathon, this guide will help you get rid of the odor and renew your home.

Tackle the Odors First

Identify the Source

It is important, therefore, to know where the smells are coming from before you start the process of cleaning. Some of the causes are food remnants, burnt foods, and even your kitchen equipment.

Clean Out the Fridge

First of all, remove all the food from the tables and countertops and take out the garbage.

It is recommended to ensure that no odor comes out from the trash so make sure that you seal your trash bags tightly.

Do not forget to check on the fridge because it is also known to hold bacteria and food odors, which are unpleasant.

Air It Out

Open Windows and Doors

While it may be a bit chilly out there, you might be inclined to keep all the windows and doors closed but this is not recommended as flow of air is important in getting rid of the odors.

Opening windows and doors and letting circulation of fresh air in is recommended because when closed, rooms are likely to be filled with odors.

Use Fans

If it is too cold to open the windows and let the fresh air in, switch on any ceiling fans that you may have or place any other portable fans throughout the house.

This will ensure that the stale air is circulated out while fresh air is pulled in, and this will make a lot of difference to the smell of the room as well as the feel of the room.

Clean Hard Surfaces

Wipe Down Kitchen Counters

When done cooking, it is very common to find grease and food debris on the countertops.

To clean off the counters, just simply combine warm water and a gentle dish soap to clean the counters.

To make the air even fresher, you can add some lemon juice to the cleaning solution.

Clean Your Appliances

Stovetops, ovens, and microwaves are also not to be forgotten as they tend to keep the odor of food after use.

Baking soda is an excellent solution for eliminating stains and unpleasant smells.

All you have to do is apply it on the affected areas, then after a few minutes, wipe it with a clean cloth that has been dipped in warm water.

Freshen Up Fabrics

Wash Linens and Tablecloths

If you have employed tablecloths, napkins, or any clothes during the meals during the festive season, then it is advisable to wash them.

Choose a laundry soap with a fresh smell to give your clothes that brand-new feel.

Vacuum and Refresh Upholstery

When you have guests over, it is not uncommon for your sofa and other upholstered furniture to get a little worn out.

You should vacuum the cushions, and in order to get rid of the odors, you can use a fabric freshener spray.

Another option is to spread baking soda on the carpets and upholstery, then vacuum it after a few hours.

Utilize Natural Deodorizers

Baking Soda Magic

One of the best ways to get rid of the odor is by using baking soda, as it is an excellent odor absorber.

Set out bowls of baking soda around the house, especially in the kitchen and the dining rooms.

Simmer Spices

Another way to sweeten your home and eliminate bad smells is to burn simmering spices on the stove.

Boiling water with cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange peel will give your house a nice smell that will cover any harmful odor.

Bring in Fresh Scents

Use Essential Oils

Essential oils, when diffused, are a good way of enhancing the smell within a room.

For a fresh and festive atmosphere, you can use oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint.

If you do not have a diffuser, you can put a few drops of oil on cotton balls and place them in different parts of the house.

Scented Candles

Another way of enhancing your home’s fragrance is through lighting scented candles.

Choose the scent according to the season, go for pine, gingerbread, or vanilla with the holidays.

Maintain Air Quality

Change Air Filters

After cooking and entertaining, it is also essential to ensure that your HVAC system is functioning well.

This is why you should change your air filters to enhance the quality of air pumped into the house and remove any odors that may stay in the system.

Use an Air Purifier

If you happen to have an air purifier, then it is advisable to use it at this time.

It can also help in removing smell and other unwanted particles in the air thereby making your house to be fresh and clean.

Organize and Declutter

Put Away Holiday Decorations

Once the celebrations are over, it is advisable to put away any decorations and festive stuff used during the festive season.

This will also help your home to get back to its regular routine and also create more space.

Tidy Up Common Areas

Go through all the rooms of your house and ensure that any area that could have been left messy during the festive season is well-organized.

It is a fact that cleaning and keeping your house in order can make a lot of difference in the same way as opening the windows to let fresh air in.

Tackle Odors with Quick Cleaning After Christmas

With these cleaning up after Christmas tips, refreshing your home and achieving a clean kitchen after festive cooking becomes effortless, eliminating odors and bringing in the fresh air.

It is also essential to deal with the odors at the source, and there are many natural ways to do so. And last but not least, ensure that proper airflow is well maintained.

If you need a house cleaning service, NW Maids will help you achieve that professional touch to make your home clean.

It is therefore advisable to follow the following tips to ensure that your home remains fresh and clean and ready for the following function or to spend time with family.

Happy cleaning!

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