DIY Deodorizer Recipe

To get rid of pet odors in a pinch, you need a spray bottle, lukewarm water, and distilled white vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in your spritzer, give it a quick shake, and spray the solution liberally on any surface that needs freshening up. The solution is safe for pets, but you should allow it to dry completely before letting your dog or cat back onto the furniture.

Love the deodorizing power of vinegar but hate the sharp scent? Don’t worry — the sour odor naturally dissipates within 30 to 60 minutes. But if you want to mask the scent of vinegar with a more pleasant one, you can create a custom fragrance using your favorite herbs and fruits.

Why It Works

Why is vinegar such a powerhouse for eliminating odors? Its high acetic acid content neutralizes odor-causing particles rather than covering them up. The acid binds with the compounds found in pet odor molecules and chemically alters them until the scent vanishes.

The Power of Peels

Warning: This next step is not recommended for pet owners. Citrus peels contain high concentrations of d-limonene, a compound that is toxic to both dogs and cats.

Start by peeling the rind of whatever citrus you have on hand. Lemon is a popular choice, but you can also opt for orange or grapefruit for a sweeter, zestier aroma.

Fill a small saucepan halfway with water, then simmer the rinds of one citrus fruit with a few sprigs of an aromatic herb, such as rosemary, lavender, thyme, sage, or lemon balm, for 15 to 30 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for 24 hours. The next day, fill a spray bottle (preferably glass) halfway with the strained, infused liquid. Then, add an equal amount of distilled white vinegar and shake well to combine. Spritz the upholstery with your DIY deodorizer to eliminate those deep-seated odors.

Ditch the Ironing Board

Instead of wrestling with an ironing board, you can use water and a wrinkle-release spray to achieve the same crispness in 30 seconds or less. It’s best to start with slightly damp fabric — this helps relax the fabric fibers and makes your bottle of wrinkle-release spray go further.

Fill a continuous mist bottle with lukewarm water and mist your bedding evenly until damp (not soaked). A continuous mist bottle works better than a regular spray bottle because it produces a fine, even layer of moisture without leaving behind wet spots. Once the fabric is damp, follow up with a light misting of Downy Wrinkle Releaser or a similar product, then tug the sheets tight from both sides of the bed. Use your hands to smooth out any remaining creases as the fabric settles. You can also use this trick on duvet covers, pillowcases, shams, and bed skirts.

Steam Your Sheets

If you don’t have those two items on hand, you can use your dryer to steam out wrinkles. Add two or three ice cubes to the drum during the last few minutes of a high-heat cycle. The heat of the dryer causes the ice cubes to melt and quickly evaporate, creating a steam effect that relaxes the fabric’s fibers. Remove the sheets from the dryer as soon as the cycle ends, and spread them across the bed while they’re still warm.

A No-Sweat Solution

Creating a homemade cleaning paste is a much safer alternative to the washing machine. To make the solution, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of fine-grain table salt and 1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Combine those ingredients in a small bowl, grab a soft-bristled brush (such as an old toothbrush or a laundry stain brush), and you’re ready to begin.

Before applying the mixture, dip your brush into the paste and test it on an inconspicuous part of the hat. This spot test is essential to ensure the solution won’t damage or discolor the fabric. Wait 20 to 30 minutes, or until the paste is completely dry, to check the results.

Once you know that the paste is fabric-safe, slather it on the inside of the hat, focusing on the sweatband and any other problem areas. Use your soft brush to scrub the paste into the fabric with small, circular motions. Let the paste sit for at least 20 minutes. The hydrogen peroxide acts as a color-safe bleach to remove stains, while the baking soda and salt work together to neutralize odors and scrub away oils.

After 20 minutes, submerge the hat in cool water to rinse away the paste — assuming the material is durable enough. While this method works for sturdier modern hats, be cautious with vintage hats made before the 1980s. These may contain cardboard brims that will lose their shape if soaked. For older hats, carefully wipe the paste away with a damp towel instead.

Molded to Perfection

After removing the paste, let the hat air-dry. To maintain its shape, place the cap on a rounded object that resembles the shape of a human head, such as an upside-down bowl. This helps prevent the hat from flattening, ensuring it’s ready to wear once dry. If any stubborn sweat stains persist, repeat the process until the cap is clean enough for your liking.

Out With the Grime, In With a DIY Cleaner

If you guessed that baking soda is partially responsible for removing those stubborn stains, you’re correct. (Honestly, what can’t baking soda fix?) To get your bathtub sparkling again, all you need is baking soda and 3% hydrogen peroxide.

Mix two parts baking soda with one part 3% hydrogen peroxide to create a thick paste. Apply the mixture to any bathtub stains — whether it’s soap scum or hard water — and let it sit for anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the severity of the discoloration.

After allowing the paste to work its magic, take a nonabrasive sponge and begin scrubbing. Buff the paste into the stains and watch them disappear. Between the gentle abrasiveness of the baking soda and the stain-fighting power of the hydrogen peroxide, bathtub grime doesn’t stand a chance. Just give it a thorough rinse afterward, and your bathtub will be looking brand-new.

Stubborn Stains? No Problem

If you have a stain that just won’t budge, don’t give up yet. You can repeat the process, but instead of waiting only 10 minutes, let the paste sit for the full hour. This allows the ingredients to really sink in before you scrub your way to a stain-free tub.