What can you do if your home is on the market and scheduled for viewing today but the weather is cold, windy or raining? You want the place to be warm and cosy, so can’t leave windows and doors open to clear out any lingering odours.
Here are some ideas for natural, inoffensive air purifiers that won’t deter potential buyers.
Essential oils. Many essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, lemon or eucalyptus not only smell great but have antibacterial and antifungal properties so they purify the air. Place a few drops onto a cotton bud on a saucer, or into a diffuser. Alternatively, you could bring a pot of water to the boil on the stove, turn it off and add a few drops.
Coffee grounds. Who doesn’t love the smell of coffee? Freshly-ground coffee beans in a saucer or placed in the garbage bin will absorb odours and freshen up the kitchen.
Citrus and spices. Drop some orange rind and cloves into a pan of water on the stove and bring to the boil. This is particularly effective for dispelling odours left after cooking fish and onions.
A word of caution: care and moderation needs to be taken when trying to diffuse the smells in your home. Scented candles have become popular, but some people don’t like them and can be put off if it’s the first thing they notice when they walk into a house. To many buyers, scented candles also suggest a covering up of defects such as mould or must.
