Vacuuming the house is rarely a pleasurable task, yet it remains one of the most essential household chores. It swiftly eliminates crumbs, dirt, and hair from carpets and hard floors, leaving them visibly cleaner and more presentable. However, proper maintenance of your vacuum cleaner is crucial to ensure its longevity. If you have noticed an unpleasant odour emanating from your appliance, it does not necessarily mean you need to invest in a new one just yet.
The Simple Solution: Cinnamon
Experts have revealed that a common kitchen staple can work wonders in eliminating nasty smells, and chances are you already have it in your cupboard. The specialists at Homes and Gardens recommend cinnamon as the perfect ingredient for tackling vacuum cleaner odours. Simply sprinkle ground cinnamon into your vacuum's dustbin, or if your model uses bags, place it on the floor and vacuum it up.
If you have pets or need to vacuum frequently, it is advised to do this before every clean. Otherwise, it is worth doing whenever it becomes necessary. Ground cinnamon works most effectively and can be purchased for as little as £1 from Asda or £1.10 from Tesco.
Why It Works
According to scientific journals, cinnamon possesses antibacterial properties that can help neutralise unpleasant smells. IOP Science reports: "Cinnamon bark has been commonly used as a spice and in traditional medicine. It contains several antibacterial compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and cinnamaldehyde. Several studies have been conducted to determine its antibacterial effect on bacteria such as Streptococcus in vitro."
Unlike chemical air fresheners or other shop-bought cleaning products, cinnamon tackles unpleasant odours at the source while leaving a warm, subtle scent behind. However, before trying this method, ensure that nobody in your household has an allergy to cinnamon.
Alternative Methods
If cinnamon is not suitable for your home, you could try placing scented dryer sheets inside the vacuum cleaner or a small piece of cotton wool lightly dabbed with disinfectant. These alternatives can also help absorb and mask odours effectively.
