I live in a little studio, the baking soda and vinegar tips will help a lot, there are four stray cats that love to spray my screen door and tires, thank you everyone for your information !! Elle,Hayward, CA

By Eleanor on 3/17/2010 1:25:01 AM

Great idea!  Thanks

By Peggy on 3/16/2010 10:10:21 AM

awesome!  I just got a new vacuum and I am definately going to try it out! thanks!

By Victoria on 3/15/2010 8:27:13 PM

I love that idea. Keep em coming!

By Renee on 3/12/2010 1:19:53 PM

Fabric softner......i will ty it.Thank you!

By Tiffany on 3/10/2010 6:25:51 PM

I have a few friends who live alone and are tired of wasting food!! My friend, Chuck will make a HUGE dinner and then freeze the leftovers in ziplock containers. (The disposable microwavable kind) He takes them to work for lunch. He also taught me that I can just portion 2 slices of a lunch meat, or hotdogs or whatever and put them in ziplock baggies in the freezer. If you need to use one right away you just put the bag in warm water and it defrosts in no time!!  I don't like to do this, but he also takes mason jars with lids and freezes milk and tea. The tea I might do, but I don't like defrosted milk!

By Melanie on 3/2/2010 10:47:44 PM

thanks for sharing this tip!

By Gloria on 3/2/2010 6:33:05 PM

I spray my vacumn cleaner container and filter with Febreeze.  It smells really good.

By Cathy on 3/2/2010 3:23:09 PM

For mosquito repellent Avon has the best ,skin so soft, bath produce. Go to my web: youravon.com/essiebell and order some. use code: fsany for free shipment

By Essie on 2/25/2010 12:44:50 PM

My husband didn't even know we had a vacumn filter? What gives, he thought we just changed the bags????

By Wendy on 2/23/2010 10:12:06 PM

i love it!!!!

By Holly on 2/22/2010 10:19:11 PM

thats a kool ideal thanks

By Shirl on 2/4/2010 4:10:42 AM

Try using a cotton ball with vanilla extract.It make the room and the vacuum smell cleaner.I also use crystal potpourri the same way.

By Chris on 1/31/2010 9:05:24 AM

The powders you sprinkle on the carpet create allergy issues for me and for most people with asthma! They can also lead to increased behavorial issues with kids/adults who struggle with ADHD!

By Therese on 1/4/2010 12:58:13 PM

oh.  You're supposed to wash the filters??  I just go outside and bang them against a tree until no more dust comes out.  Oops!

By Tenaya on 12/10/2009 6:47:02 AM

i tried using fabric softner to rinse my vaccum filter it makes a whole lot of difference thanks!

By Rainyday on 12/5/2009 10:07:54 AM

I'm with Vickie........I put a fresh dryer sheet in my floor vents each week.  In the summer the a/c air is light and fresh and in the winter the heat really activates the smell even better and the cost is minimal.  I am gonna try the tip about rinsing my vaccum filter in fabric softener.  You ladies are AWESOME!!

By Terry on 12/2/2009 10:58:57 AM

I do not use the carpet refresher on carpets it tends to leave residue behind and is hard to suck up. Also if you ever used it before and ripped up the carpets to replace it looks like the beach leaving the powder under the carpet.

By Danielle on 11/28/2009 6:31:54 PM

You can also sprinkle carpet powder smelly good stuff (forgive me I can't think of the name LOL) and vacuum it up with the house. I have dropped some Cinnamon candy making flavor in my filter before as well. They

By Danielle on 11/28/2009 6:30:29 PM

Can you wash any vaccum filters?

By Amanda on 11/27/2009 6:07:01 PM

Here's a tip for freshness for your car, In these trying times, it's all about saving money.  Tear out those annoying magazines colgne samples from magazines, and place the perfume sample underneath your car seat, or even in your linen closet will do the trick.  Makes your car smell really nice of your favorite colgne.  Or if you're sending a love letter to someone and want to spruce it up a bit, trying rubbing the colgne sample over the envelpope, the person receiving it is sure to be surprised.

By Karen on 11/25/2009 11:19:39 AM

Some great ideas, I especially like the fabric softner. Will try this. Thanks, Debra

By Debra on 11/24/2009 10:11:14 PM

I never heard of the vinegar spray but I would be game to try it.  I've used many of your ideas in the past.  I do know that the powders on the rugs do eventually clog machines. Keep the great ideas coming.

By Patti on 11/24/2009 5:25:31 PM

I quit buying filters years ago. I just use a dryer sheet for the filter and the whole house smells good!

By Margaret on 11/24/2009 5:11:54 PM

Thanks for the idea of fabric softener. I have a stick vac that came with a Hoover I purchased years ago. Best vac I have ever owned besides my Rainbow. I really appreciate the tip about fabric softener. I will try it the next time I wash the filter. And to the lady that has a rainbow, I agree that it is the best vacuum anyone could ever have. If you can't afford a new one then look on craigslist and buy a used one. You won't regret it. No bags, nothing but exceptionally clean carpet and house period! For the lady that worked for a vacuum cleaner company...If you have a vacuum that makes the air smell like fish spoot then if you vacuum something up to help with the smell and  you eventually destroy your vacuum then at least you home would not stink. I bought a Oreck several years ago. The vacuum made the house stink to high heaven. When I took it in for my yearly checkup the attendant informed me that they had started making a charcoal lined bag to help with the smell - too little too late. The only thing that makes that vacuum remain in our posession is the fact that we paid way too much for it. And, vacuuming bounce sheets or a paper towel with some fragrance on it does help.

By Betti on 11/24/2009 3:20:34 PM

I have been using the carpet powder in my vacuum for a few years now and thank god, vacuum is still working great ...:) Have a great day everyone :)

By Pamela on 11/22/2009 1:09:37 PM

I just add a little carpet fresh powder to to the vacuum and it makes the whole house smell great :)

By Pamela on 11/22/2009 1:06:49 PM

I love the vinegar tip!! THANKS, Vickie! (tip from Vickie on 11/18/2009 @ 1:52:54 AM)

By Rachel on 11/21/2009 7:17:21 PM

BTW...This tip also works great for those of us who have 'washable' a/c filters. I also throw a few fabic softener sheets in the a/c vent for a nice fresh scent.

By Michelle on 11/20/2009 12:20:50 PM

yes this has worked for me for years, then take same sheet and rub on body for mosquito repellent

By Sean on 11/19/2009 8:35:44 PM

What I do: During summer time when Lavender blooms are abudant I buy a whole bunch, in local farmers market. Mixed crushed lavenders with baking soda and lavender scented oil just a few drops.  Sprinkle on the carpets and let it stay for about 15-30 minutes.  Vaccuum as usual, the whole house just smells so good.  This is more environmentally friendly.

By Creim on 11/19/2009 12:48:04 PM

AAAhhh!!! I have a nasty smelling vacuum and this is such a great solution! I am so eager to try this trick out!!!

By Leslie on 11/19/2009 8:31:58 AM

If you buy coffee in the cans save them after they're empty to pour your grease in. You don't have to wait for the grease to cool and you won't have clogged drains or spilled grease in your garbage can.

By SYLVIA on 11/19/2009 3:21:28 AM

Who knew?  Thanks for the tip!

By Lauren on 11/19/2009 12:13:32 AM

Take Kashi oats&nuts ceral,mix with a little p_nutbutter.And you have a healthy snack.BY GALE in S.C.

By Gale on 11/18/2009 8:33:22 PM

GREAT tip!  Thank you so much!  I put my used sheets in the dust container.

By Robbie on 11/18/2009 7:04:13 PM

thats awesome! I'm always scrunching my nose up right after I turn off my hand held vacuum. It never has lost the smell of the first cat litter spill!

By Jennifer on 11/18/2009 6:56:59 PM

What a great idea...baking soda did work to get the dusty vacuum smell...also the pet odor!  thanks!

By Victoria on 11/18/2009 5:52:43 PM

great idea! much more cost effective than vacuum beads!

By Jamie on 11/18/2009 4:55:32 PM

 I sprinkle some drops of fragrance oil on a paper towel, then put it with the filter.  This aroma lasts a long time.

By Kim on 11/18/2009 3:21:44 PM

I have a Kenmore upright vacuum with a hepa disposable filter.  I've been noticing that after I put in a new filter, within the first or second use, the  vacuum emits a nasty doggy smell.  The filters are too expensive to change out until they are full.  I was told by the salesman not to use carpet freshners that you sprinkle on the carpet before vacuuming; it will ruin the sensors and void the warranty.  Any suggestion for my situation?  

By Marcia on 11/18/2009 1:50:12 PM

what a great idea!

By Wylene on 11/18/2009 11:16:44 AM

That is a great idea! Thank you.

By Brandi on 11/18/2009 10:52:47 AM

great tips thanks

By Harriet on 11/18/2009 10:33:15 AM

Thanks for the baking soda in the laundry advice I didn't know that. I'm gonna go get some and start using it when I wash clothes. I dump a bag of air freshener pellets in my sweeper bag and it makes it smell really great while your sweeping.

By Becky on 11/18/2009 10:01:23 AM

Great tip! Thanks!!

By Amanda on 11/18/2009 9:27:40 AM

To:

Ann on 11/17/2009 8:48:53 PM"I used to do that with my Oreck, works great.  Now I own a Dyson and can't seem to ever rid of the smell of dog hair! (Even using carpet fresh)"Dear Ann - I have a Rottweiler and used to experience the same difficulties of 'smelly dog syndrome', using Febreeze on my filters has made all the difference

By Carla on 11/18/2009 8:47:20 AM

After washing and air drying my filters, I spray them with Febreeze fabric refresher-it's absolutely amazing!!! Refreshes the air in every room

By Carla on 11/18/2009 8:42:43 AM

wow I thought I was the only one who did this ....I agree it really keeps your house smelling fresh instead of smelling that usual sweeper smell the fresh breeze of your favorite fabric softner is refreshing!!!!

By sunnydaz on 11/18/2009 8:13:04 AM

What a great tip. Thanks!

By Marilyn on 11/18/2009 7:13:27 AM

I have tried the baking soda tip with great success.

By Esther Marie on 11/18/2009 3:28:37 AM

Ah the good old days.... Get a sprayer bottle. To that bottle add clear vinegar. About an hour before you want to Vacumn your floors, start with the farthest away room and lightly spray the vinegar, using a sweeping motion going back and forth and moving from room to room. After one hour (or less in most cases) the carpet is ready to vacumn and the smells 'evaporate' as the vinegar dries. Begin your Vacumning with in the room that was sprayed first. For your closets, kitchen and laundry room.. spray the corners and baseboards then let it dry. If you use a laundry shoot, baskets that hold laundry, or laundry bags.. Spray those as well. The cost is minimal and best of all IT WORKS.. Vickie

By Vickie on 11/18/2009 1:52:54 AM

Great idea! thanks!

By Megan on 11/18/2009 12:52:21 AM

I used to do that with my Oreck, works great.  Now I own a Dyson and can't seem to ever rid of the smell of dog hair! (Even using carpet fresh)

By Ann on 11/17/2009 8:48:53 PM

put dryer sheets in your vents fresh smell go a long ways.

By Robin on 11/17/2009 7:33:03 PM

Thanks for the tip, another good idea: put one or two fabric softeners in the handle or the little flap if there is one on your plastic storage containers, out of season clothing, etc, keeps away any musty or damp smell that may occur.  I do enjoy your site!!, and A BIG THANKS  for the Pantene coupons, the Pro -X Olay cream is a good product too. Marie Smith  11/16/09 

By Marie on 11/17/2009 6:45:48 PM

Good tip, will try

By Nan on 11/17/2009 3:40:03 PM

These are great tip to keep ur house smelling fresh and clean!

By Casey on 11/17/2009 3:16:00 PM

great tipthanks

By R on 11/17/2009 2:34:00 PM

I did not know you could wet any part of an electric vacuum. The baking soda sounds iffy because it has some drawbacks. I do sprinkle special powder on the carpet before I vacuum but I have to watch out for my cats because they will try-read--taste many things.Thanks for the ideas to eliminate nasty smells though.By Robin on 11/17/2009  2:04 PM

By anonymous on 11/17/2009 2:06:11 PM

That's a great idea!!!  It reminds me of another one...years ago, I saw a package in the check out line at Home Depot.  It was a deodorizer thingy you put on the filter in your furnace.  And it would deodorize the whole house.  You put one in the furnace downstairs and one on the furnace upstairs and your WHOLE house smells SO GOOD!!!  And it would last a couple of months!!!  I guess you could even do the same thing with dryer sheets, too!!!  Yall have just reminded me of this.  I had a brain aneurysm 5 years ago and I had forgotten all this until I read your blog.  I LOVE THIS SITE!!!  Thank you VOCALPOINT!!!   I mean it, THANK YOU!   Kaye/Birmingham

By Kaye on 11/17/2009 1:38:24 PM

Denisa - If you would contact your local Humane Society, they could tell you who has a "scholarship program" - financial aid groups that will help you pay to get old "Tom" fixed.  You want to do that ASAP because  once they start, they don't stop!  Clean where he's sprayed with straight vinegar (I know - but THAT smell goes away) it will neutralize the urine.  NEVER use ammonia - that's what urine is made of - animals will go back to ammonia again and again.  Go to PetSmart, etc - they have products like Nodor, that kill odor really well.  You have to nip it in the bud now, tho.  I speak from experience - I have 7 cats - all are fixed. No problems. Also, he may hate the smell of the kity litter - if it's highly perfumed, change - are you using the scooping kind?  That's the best.  Grandma Kitty

By Jean on 11/17/2009 11:44:34 AM

What a wonderful idea I have washed the filters but never thought about putting fabric softner on them!Maybe, with the precautions mentioned, a dryer sheet might work as well.

By Cynthia on 11/17/2009 10:48:20 AM

I love that idea, I am going to have to try it

By Michelle on 11/17/2009 9:22:57 AM

very V-8 thought..thank you

By Beverly on 11/17/2009 3:52:25 AM

Wow, great tips.  Will definitely try them.

By Sangeetha on 11/16/2009 11:45:26 PM

Great idea!! I will have to try it!

By Kristin on 11/16/2009 8:07:02 PM

sounds like a good idea! i should try it!

By Lyubov on 11/16/2009 3:53:33 PM

I grow a lot of lavender and dry it.  If you sprinkle some lavender flowers on the carpet and then vacuum it up it makes the room smell wonderful.  Every time you vacuum (until you empty it) you will smell lavender.

By Liz on 11/16/2009 3:19:35 PM

I worked for a vaccum co as a customer service rep and all of these ideas are great, except they can ruin your filter and void any warranty on your Vac and the baking soda will clog the vac. Even the powders that say they are for vacs will harm them. Good Luck

By Donna on 11/16/2009 12:19:06 PM

I didn't know I could wash my vacuum filter!

By Kristie on 11/16/2009 11:59:22 AM

Thank you for sharing all these great tips with us. I will be sure to grab an extra box next time I am at the store. I rescued a male cat and right now I cannot afford to get him fixed and he is hitting that spraying stage. I can't stand it. The smell is horrible and I change his liter 3 times a day.

By Denisa on 11/16/2009 10:23:23 AM

oh!!!!  great tips!  i will try the fabric softener and baking soda tips here, can't stand the stink of my awesome dyson (thanks to pets for sure)

By Kim on 11/16/2009 9:30:31 AM

Get a rainbow and you won't have a worry about smelly vacuums.  You will never stop up!!!!

By Jeanette on 11/16/2009 9:05:48 AM

I love the smell of fabric softener so this sounds good to me.  Thanks

By Brenda on 11/16/2009 7:43:55 AM

Adding a cup of baking soda to every wash seems to brightin whites (cheaper than bleach), helps wash those stinkey 10 year old jeans and those jeans your 10 year old wears......acts like a cleaning booster especially on xl loads......also sprinkle on carpet to remove pet odor, dap it on your toothbrush before toothpaste (works great at removing stain from coffee, tea and smoke)..... I could go on and on..... but im hoping you get the point....... a large bag at one of the major warehouse stores is approx. $5...... well worth it for me anyway..... 

By Susan on 11/16/2009 2:05:41 AM

I suck up a little bit of baking soda after each use.  It helps keep that nasty "vacuum smell" away.  Especially if you have pets. 

By Chandra on 11/16/2009 12:27:52 AM