Regardless of how often we make an effort to clean our homes, from scrubbing the bathrooms, to making sure that the kitchen is clean and pristine, some not-so-pleasant smells have a way of sticking around. But, instead of making a run to the grocery store and buying various pricy odor removal products, you can try these simple odor-banishing hacks instead.

You’ll only need a few basic supplies for these 7 odor-eliminating tricks, so take a deep breath and let’s dive right in.

1. First up, try using a slow-cooker to absorb the odors

While many people are inclined to try and mask odors with products like sprays that have artificial scents, a more effective trick is to absorb them so that they’re gone forever. You’ll just need a slow-cooker, baking soda, and water.

• First, put water in your slow cooker and add 3 tablespoons of baking soda.
• Next, mix the baking soda and water and set the crockpot to the ‘low’ setting.
• Let it simmer without the lid on until all odors are absorbed. But be sure sure to keep an eye on the slow cooker so that the water doesn’t cook off and burn the baking soda.
• If you want a fresh scent, you can add a slice of lemon, a stick of cinnamon, or a few drops of essential oil, too.

2. Make your own plug-in refill

Many people use air fresheners that plug into the wall in order to keep their homes smelling clean and fresh, but buying refills can prove to be expensive over time, so why not make your own instead?

• First use pliers to remove the wick from your plug-in air freshener, and of course, rinse the bulb if necessary.
• Next, fill the bulb halfway up with your favorite essential oil.
• Then fill the rest of it up with water, and be sure to leave enough room to reinsert the wick.
• Lastly reinsert the wick, give the bulb a shake, and plug it back into the wall. All done!

3. DIY pet odor removal spray

If you currently have pets, or have ever owned pets in the past, you probably know how terrible they can smell sometimes. Whether its because they had an accident in the house or perhaps they rolled around in a muddy field, pet odors are rarely pleasant or wanted in the house. This is a super simple solution for this typical problem.

• Stir and mix two parts water and one part mouthwash in a spray bottle (Crafty Little Bee recommends using Listerine since it’s just about the strongest on the market).
• Spray the areas that you’d like to rid of unpleasant pet smells!

4. Leave homemade air fresheners around your home with Downy Unstopables.

This is a great way to make your house smell delicious and create a super cute decoration! This tiny DIY air freshener is great for any area of your house.

• The supplies you need are as follows: a small mason jar, craft paper or a swatch of burlap, needle or toothpick, baking soda, and Downy Unstopables in a scent of your choice.
• First Cut a square of burlap or craft paper that’s about the size of the mason jar lid and set it aside.
• Then fill the jar about a quarter full of baking soda.
• Next, add about a quarter cap full of Downy Unstopables on top of the baking soda.
• If you use craft paper, set the piece of paper inside the outer ring of the mason jar lid. Then use a toothpick/needle to poke holes in the paper, and finally screw the cap on.
• If you use the burlap, place a piece of it over the jar and screw the outer ring onto the jar, voila!
• The full tutorial with photos is at Redefined Mom.

5. Get rid of smelly furniture odors with vinegar and water

Antique, vintage, second-hand and old furniture can come with a gross smell sometimes. Fortunately, there’s a simple way to fix this problem, and with a fairly common household ingredient – vinegar!

• First, stir one part vinegar with one part water into a bowl. White vinegar is the best but apple cider vinegar works too.
• Next, using a soft cloth, spread the solution onto the musty furniture pieces and allow it to air dry.
• An alternative option is to spray the solution onto the furniture using a spritz bottle.

6. Hang teabags to absorb odors

Teabags are a lovely way to make a delicious, hot, cup of tea, but they’re also great at absorbing odors. Try hanging a few of your favorite teabags in your closet or bathroom for a fresh and yummy scent.

7. Make your own fabric spray

Check out one recipe here.

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Sources: Sarah Joy Blog, Redefined Mom, A Year of Slow Cooking, House Cleaning Central, Mom4Real