UK households are being urged to sprinkle cinnamon powder into their vacuum cleaners to help banish musty odours and lingering smells, a tip backed by cleaning experts and science journals.
Adding cinnamon to a hoover could help make a home smell fresh without breaking the bank or the appliance, according to advice reported by the Daily Express.
Why vacuum cleaners start to smell
After years of use, many vacuum cleaners begin to smell tired. Dust, dirt, mud, pet hair, and general grime and gunk are not a recipe for freshness, and sometimes just running the hoover for half an hour can leave a house smelling a bit off.
Vacuum cleaning company Shark has recommended cinnamon as the perfect way to freshen up a hoover. In its advice on "vacuuming hacks", it said: "Add a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to the bag or cylinder of your vacuum cleaner to leave a stunning aroma wherever you clean. If you don’t like cinnamon, vanilla powder works just as well."
Antibacterial properties and expert backing
Science journals have noted that cinnamon is not just good for spreading a nice smell, as it also has antibacterial or antimicrobial properties. IOP Science reports: "Cinnamon bark has been commonly used as a spice and traditional medicine. It contains several antibacterial compounds, including flavonoids, saponins, and cinnamaldehyde. Several studies have been done to determine the antibacterial effect on bacteria such as Streptococcus in vitro."
Karina Toner, professional cleaner and operations manager at Speckless, has also backed the tip. She said: "A small sprinkle – about half a teaspoon to one teaspoon – is more than enough. You don’t need much to freshen the air as you vacuum, and using too much can overwhelm the vacuum’s filters or motor."
How to apply the tip
As reported by Homes and Gardens, the best method is to sprinkle ground cinnamon powder directly into the hoover's dustbin. For an old-school bagged hoover, the advice is to sprinkle it directly onto the floor and then suck it up.
Homes and Gardens adds: "If you're often vacuuming pet hair or cleaning up smelly food crumbs, you might want to do it before each clean. If not, stick to whenever it's really necessary to avoid overfilling your vacuum."
