When the weather is nice, open your window(s) once a day for at least 5 minutes.

Instead of making your bed immediately after getting up, pull the sheets down so that the mattress can air out for at least 30 minutes. Your body releases moisture when you sleep, which can dampen the bedding, making it a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.

Mix 1 cup (240 mL) of water, 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of olive oil. Soak a few dust rags in the solution. Old t-shirts, underwear and socks can gain a second life as star cleaners! Wring out the rags so they are damp-dry, and then place them in a glass jar, layering them with the rind of 1 lemon cut into a few pieces. Close the jar tightly. To make things smell extra nice, dilute a few drops of your favorite essential oil in water. Dampen a rag with the oil solution and use that to wipe down any dusty surfaces.

The HEPA filter helps trap allergens like dirt and dust, preventing them from being released into the air. Vacuum 2 to 3 times a week if possible, and wash out the HEPA filter regularly.

Don’t worry about the smell of the vinegar; it goes away once it dries.

Look for a trash can with a lid that closes. This can help keep any unpleasant odors contained. Avoid throwing away food garbage in your bedroom wastebasket if possible, since food garbage can quickly smell up a room even in a covered container. Carry any food garbage out of your room immediately and dispose of it in the kitchen garbage or an outdoor dumpster.

Mix 1/2 a cup (110 g) of baking soda with 1/2 a cup (100 g) of borax in a plastic bowl, and then add 1 teaspoon (4. 9 mL) of your favorite essential oil (wild orange is a natural flea repellent) or 1 teaspoon (about 2 g) of cinnamon or cloves (the latter deters moths). Stir together until the mixture is free of lumps. Sprinkle the solution onto the carpet and let it sit 15-20 minutes, then vacuum it up. If you’re worried about staining a light-colored carpet, skip the cinnamon or cloves. You can use cinnamon or clove essential oils instead. If you or someone else is sensitive to smells, use plain baking soda instead. Simply sprinkle it on the carpet, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum it up. [9] X Research source

If your pet sleeps in your room, wash its bedding more frequently than you wash your own. Pet beds and blankets can pick up bad smells quickly.

If you have pets or children, make sure that the plant is not poisonous if ingested. Make sure you choose plants that are right for the conditions in your room. Some plants need lots of direct sunlight, while others like shadier spots. Check the plants’ temperature and humidity needs as well–these are often included in a care tag when you buy a plant.

Lavender is known for its calming properties, while citrus scents like lemon, tangerine, wild orange, and grapefruit can be very refreshing. [12] X Research source A variation on this is to add 1 tsp (4 g) of baking soda to the mix. This makes a great deodorizing spray for furniture. [13] X Research source You can use these sprays on your linens, curtains, and rugs.

You can make your own candles at home, too.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can dehydrate apples and oranges in the oven and add them to the mix. Cut the apple and orange into very thin slices, place them on a cookie sheet in a single layer, and bake them in the oven at 250 °F (121 °C) for about 1 1/2 hours, or until they are dry. [16] X Research source