Fighting the Funk
“While the scents of suntan lotion, lemonade, and grilling may trigger sweet nostalgia, the mildewy, wet-basement “summer funk” found around the house after camping, a beach trip, or heavy rains is unforgettable.
For those of you who’ve ever been chided by a parent to “please hang it up,” below are some summer pointers on keeping your home smelling fresh, clean, and mold & mildew free:
· Smelly Sneaks’: To keep shoes from smelling after a hike or boat outing, place untreated charcoal in a plain-woven cotton bag, and then place inside the shoe. The charcoal will absorb the lingering odors. Replace as needed throughout the summer to avoid nature’s cologne!
· Outdoor Odors: For a quick post-camping fix to rid damp sleeping bags, towels, and clothes of their stench, try a cup of white vinegar added to the wash. This will neutralize and deodorize odors and loosen hidden dirt. Throw a sneaker in with items containing down feathers to prevent clumping. Also try SmellyWasher (www.smellywasher.com) is you’re looking to remove slimy, odor-causing buildup of detergents and fabric softeners hidden in your washer.
· Dank Dog-Days: August heat and humidity can worsen mold growth and odors. Sunshine, however, is the enemy of mold and mildew. Allowing damp items and pets to sun-dry will help kill these microorganisms. Try also Febreze Pet Odor Eliminator products, which are approved by the American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – a complete pet-friendly collection for pooches and purrs.
· Storage Stench: Cover outdoor furniture when not in use with weatherproof covers and clean thoroughly before storing. Spray cushions, patio furniture, tents, and outdoor spaces with Moldex Disinfectant, a professional-grade, non-bleach mold and mildew remover. Use Moldex Protectant to form an invisible, mold resistant barrier against mold-spawning moisture (www.moldexbrands.com).
· Post-Beach Funk: Don’t let wet clothes stay wet. Hang towels and bathing suits out to dry and make sure clothes don’t sit in the washing machine — they tend to get moldy faster in the summer. To keep wet bathing suits and towels from smelling sour on the way home from a trip to the beach, place them in a large resealable plastic bag and sprinkle with a bit of baking soda.
· Basement Rank: Use an energy-saving dehumidifier in your basement, especially if it’s below-ground or contains your air-conditioning system which can increase moisture in the area. Energy Star qualified dehumidifiers use 10-20 percent less energy and can save consumers $20 per year – that’s $250 over the life of the unit.” Source: Moldex Brands