Pets without Odors

When I invite a friend over, I go into a bit of a cleaning frenzy. I vacuum and dust and clean the bathroom… but I also brush the couches and pick mud out of the door tracks. I fuss over the various spots that various dogs have left on the carpet, hoping to somehow hide them with clever lighting or furniture movements. The only person who’s ever commented on or obsessed over the smell, however, is me. I have two big dogs and I worry that my apartment is stinky because of them. (I have the same worry about my … Continue reading

Diary of a Cat Care B&B: Smelly Cat

If you were a fan of Friends, you may remember Phoebe’s song called “Smelly Cat”. The lyrics went something like this: Smelly cat, smelly cat… what are they feeding you? Smelly cat, smelly ca-at, it’s not your fault! And hoo boy, did we have some smelly cats at the cats-only boarding facility over the Memorial Day weekend! But just like there are lots of different personalities in our guests, there are lots of different smells. Some cats have food that smells awful. We have one guest (who I adore) who eats the grossest-looking and smelling food. I swear, it looks … Continue reading

The War of the Smells

Ah, spring. When a young dog’s fancy turns to the awakening smells of the world around her (or him). I’ve already had to declare war on mud. People warned me when I moved to the Pacific Northwest that it would be rainy and it would be muddy. The rain, I can handle. I’ve got a knee-length waterproof coat with a deep hood and plenty of pockets for poo bags. But Moose, Lally, and I track in lots of mud. These days, the war on mud is mostly under control. I’m now the proud owner of TWO vacuums — one small, … Continue reading

Courtney and Crew Present: The Case of Who Cut the Cheese

In a house full of little stinkers, who do you blame when a bomb explodes? That is the dilemma I found myself in this weekend. Lucky for me I have a bad nose. I don’t always smell the odors Murphy, Mr. Meow, and Tabby (and Wayne) freely share. But Wayne does. The SBD Release It was a peaceful Friday night lounging on the couch watching TV after a nice dinner out. Suddenly, Wayne springs up from his couch with his nose all scrunched up and shouts, “Ewww! Someone stinks. Bad!” He Who Smelt It Dealt It I’d seen the salad … Continue reading

Eliminate Odors In Your Home For Less

Everyone has odors and strange smells floating around their homes from time to time. Everything from diaper pails, to smelly shoes, and bathroom odors to pet odors, they all cause smells that aren’t so pleasant. With all the air fresheners, scented candles, sprays and other products available, a person could go broke trying to reduce or eliminate odors throughout the home. However there are some ways you can use everyday household items and other inexpensive products to reduce or eliminate those odors. It does not have to break the bank. Baking Soda This is the number one product for odor … Continue reading

Favorite Scents for the Home

Do you prefer the crisp scent of fresh linen or the intoxicating fragrance of lavender? Maybe you like berry, rain, potpourri, or vanilla. No matter which fragrance you prefer you can find plenty of choices when it comes to home air fresheners. In most spaces, I prefer clean, crisp, “soap and water” scents to the fruit and floral selections, although I do like some versions of citrus. Citrus scents work great in the kitchen, and they give me a little pick-me-up. To me, the scent of citrus makes it feel like summer any time of year. Maybe it reminds me … Continue reading

Ten MORE Things to do With Essential Oils

1. Make your own potpourri. Gather dried flowers, pinecones, dried leaves, whatever you like! Arrange them in a bowl, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, and stir. You will need to add more oil occasionally to refresh the scent. Try orange and cinnamon for a nice fall scent, or lemon and lavender for spring freshness. 2. Clear kitchen odors easily! If you can boil water, you can fill your home with your favorite scents. Fill a small pot with water and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Heating the water will release the scent to … Continue reading

Cleaning: Removing Pet Stains and Odors

We love our pets, but sometimes they can wreak havoc in our homes, especially if they aren’t fully house trained. No one wants their home to smell like a kennel or a litter box, and everybody is embarrassed by unsightly stains. The most important step in removing pet stains and pet odors is cleaning the area immediately after a mishap. Don’t let stains and odors soak into flooring and fabrics. Remove solid waste and apply paper towels to wet areas. Do not rub the offensive mess into carpet, fabric, or seams in the floor. Blot wet stains and try to … Continue reading