To remove odors, you should first find the source (such as mold or grease), and keep the environment dry and ventilated after removal. Avoid using strongly scented air fresheners to mask it, as this will only make the odor worse; you should thoroughly clean the contaminated area.
Odor treatment principles
The first step to solving odor is to find the source. Many odors are caused by mold or accumulated dirt. If you only spray deodorizer on the surface, you are treating the symptoms but not the root cause.
When handling moldy materials, you can follow US Environmental Protection Agency's home mold prevention recommendations(opens in a new window)treatment and note the on-site and material restrictions.
- Clean all dead corners where dirt has accumulated.
- Improve the ventilation environment in that area.
- Use suitable cleaning agents for different areas.
Bathroom mold control
Mold grows in damp environments. Handling it requires proper protection and ensuring ventilation.
Before using bleach, please first understand Method for using bleach from the Centre for Health Protection(opens in a new window), and operate according to the product label.
- Diluted bleach: Applicable to hard surfaces, please follow the product instructions for dilution ratio, do not mix with other cleaning agents.
- Ventilation: After cleaning, be sure to make the surface completely dry and keep the air circulating.
- Check if there are mold spots on walls and tile gaps.
- Wash away mold stains with a cleaning agent, then perform professional disinfection.
- Wipe the floor and walls thoroughly dry.
Kitchen and pet environments
Kitchen odors are mostly caused by expired food or grease accumulation. Pet odors require deep cleaning of fiber fabrics.
- Range hood filter: Clean regularly to prevent grease deposition.
- Fabrics: If carpet or sofa odors are severe, check for leftover pet excrement; if such porous materials are severely contaminated, they may need replacement.
- Remove expired food or rotting garbage.
- Regularly replace or clean filters.
- Perform regular deep vacuuming and cleaning on fabrics.
Indicators for professional cleaning intervention
If the following situations occur, please stop DIY and consult 壹家壹清潔專家: the source of the odor is unknown and persists, mold spreads to the inside of the wall, or the environment cannot be kept dry after cleaning.
