Vacuum Up Some Cleaner Smelling Air

Posted on August 20, 2008 by Allie

We vacuum up a lot of dog hair in this house.  As a result, our vacuum cleaner smells like dog (even with regular filter changes) and running it leaves a distinct odor in the room.  Here’s my new trick for keeping the dog smell to a minimum.

We have two lavender plants in the back yard, and a few weeks ago, I cut all the flowers and hung them upside down in the garage to dry.  Now, before I vacuum, I sprinkle a little dried lavender on the rug before I start.  I like to leave it there for a few minutes so I can kid myself into thinking that it will make the carpet smell better.  When I vacuum it up, the vacuum spreads a lavender scent through the room.  So much better!

I’m thinking of mixing up a concoction of baking soda and lavender to use as carpet/room freshener.

5 Comments +

  1. After Christmas, I always put a new bag in the vacuum before sucking up the needles from the tree. That way the bag smells like Christmas for a very long time. Delightful.

    August 20th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
    Comment by Noelle
  2. Great idea!! I wonder if I put catnip on the floor to vaccuum up, if my cats will get wound up and vaccuum for me??

    August 20th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
    Comment by Kim
  3. Noelle! I love that idea!

    Kim - if you figure out how to get your cats to vacuum, you need to let me know. :)

    August 21st, 2008 at 12:58 pm
    Comment by Allie
  4. I’ve been thinking about doing something like this! We vacuum the upholstery and a couple tiny rugs - otherwise we have hard wood floors - but the cat and dog together do create a bit of animal smell that drives me crazy! I’ll try this - thanks, Allie!

    August 25th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
    Comment by Melinda
  5. During the winter I use baking soda and cinnamon mixed together on my carpet. Now that it’s almost spring I need to mix up some with the dried lavender I have. :)

    March 8th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
    Comment by Lisa

Leave a comment

Tip of the Day

Bring Your Own Utensils

I carry a titanium backpacking spork around in my purse.  I know that sounds kind of weird, but it saves me from using disposable utensils when I eat out, and it’s so light, I never even notice that I’m carrying it.

Before the Industrail Revolution it was common for guests to be expected to bring their own utensils with them when invited to dine, because utensils were expensive, labor intensive items, and most people didn’t own extra sets.  Now, when it’s possible to buy a set of 1,000 plastic utensils for under $20, people don’t even think about bringing their own.

But think of the plastic waste that can be saved by slipping a fork from home in your purse on the way out the door.  You don’t need anything fancy.  Grab one from your kitchen drawer, or if you’re worried about loosing a piece of a set, pick up a few spare utensils the next time you hit a discount store, thrift shop, or yard sale.  It’s simple a simple way to cut down waste, and it’s always nicer to eat with real utensils anyway.

  • Frontier Herbs - All natural, organic, top quality, sustainably harvested

    Alltop, all the cool kids (and me)