Cleaning experts have shared a simple and cheap solution to make your home smell amazing – and it’s hiding in your spice cupboard. Here’s how it works
With June around the corner and warmer weather upon us, many are tackling their household cleaning. Few tasks are as satisfying as getting the house spotless for the impending summer, and now cleaning experts have shared an unusual hack to eliminate musty smells and lingering odours.
Adding cinnamon to your vacuum cleaner could make your home smell fresh without incurring significant costs or damaging your appliance. After prolonged use, many vacuum cleaners can develop unpleasant odours. Dust, dirt, mud, pet hair and general grime are not conducive to freshness, and even a 30-minute vacuuming session can leave your house smelling off.
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According to Lottomart, sprinkling cinnamon directly inside your vacuum has a dual effect: it disperses a sweet, fresh fragrance throughout the house with each use and, due to its antibacterial properties, eradicates germs dwelling in your carpet.
They stated: “Over time, dust, pet hair, and trapped dirt can create a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odours inside your vac.
“But before you splash out on pricey fresheners or replace parts, there’s a simple, natural, and shockingly cheap solution hiding right in your spice cupboard: cinnamon!
“Cinnamon isn’t just for cooking – it’s a powerful, natural deodoriser with antibacterial properties. If you don’t already have some ground cinnamon at home, a 36g tub from Tesco or Asda costs just £1.”
To make your vacuum cleaner emit a delightful scent, begin by moistening a small napkin or cotton pad with warm water, reports the Express.
Then, distribute approximately 10g, or two teaspoons, of ground cinnamon onto the dampened material, massaging softly to ensure it’s thoroughly imbued.
After preparing the napkin, you simply need to place it inside your vacuum cleaner’s dust bag or chamber. In bagless models, position it in the dirt collection area, taking care to avoid any interference with suction functionality.
Proceed with your usual vacuuming routine, and as you do so, the aroma-infused napkin will disperse throughout the appliance, exuding a cosy, bakery-inspired fragrance and counteracting any disagreeable smells.
A spokesperson for Lottomart commented: “Unlike chemical air fresheners or commercial cleaners, cinnamon neutralises bad smells at the source while leaving behind a warm, subtle fragrance. It’s a far more pleasant, long-lasting scent compared to synthetic alternatives.”
Scientific journals have also noted the potent qualities present in cinnamon. IOP Science declares: “Cinnamon bark has been commonly used as spicy and traditional medicine.
“It contains several antibacterial compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and cinnamaldehyde. Several studies have been done to know the antibacterial effect on bacteria such as Streptococcus in vitro.”
