Snips and snails and puppy dog tails may be what little boys are made of, or therefore the nursery rhyme says. But by the smell of things, it might seem that boys — or at least their bedrooms — are made of gym shorts, wearing gear and dirty socks. If this distinctive “boy odor” is taking over, it is time to put some practical ideas to use and freshen the atmosphere.
Wash It Out
Among the worst criminals in a boy’s bedroom is wearing equipment. From well-worn cleats to baseball gloves and football pads, these components and their distinctive locker-room aroma can take over a bedroom very quickly. Create a dedicated space in the garage or mud room where your athlete can drop off his paraphernalia to air outside. Boost the freshening effect by adhering some odor-absorbing shoe inserts to cleats and shoes, or rubbing a scented dryer sheet across football and soccer pads.
Keep It Closed
Smaller hampers hold less laundry than larger ones. Trade in these giant hampers for more compact versions. Less laundry equals less odor by laundering the contents frequently. Bypass mesh and open hampers for a good version with a lid to keep in scents. Toss a couple of scented dryer sheets in the bottom of the hamper or tape them into the inside of the lid to keep the hamper smelling better.
Minimize Soft Surfaces
Rugs, carpets, drapes and upholstery are scent absorbers. Replace the curtains in a boy’s bedroom with blinds or shutters. Trade in carpet for hardwood or tile floors. Bedding can also trap odors. Freshen quilts and bedspreads between cleanings by pitching them in the dryer with a washcloth dampened with fabric softener. Fabric freshening sprays are frequently available and effective at fighting scents trapped in upholstered pieces. Test the spray on an inconspicuous area to ensure it is safe for your upholstery.
Wash It Up
Sensors is public enemy number one when fighting wooded rooms. A comprehensive cleaning of the room rids it of all those missing towels and solitary socks that seem to spawn in a boy’s bedroom. Use an all-purpose disinfecting spray cleaner to eliminate the bacteria and germs as you wipe the dirt. Opt for furniture made from materials such as plastic and acrylic veneers which can be washed well and frequently. Installing hooks for moist towels help keep them from finding their way to the ground, and adopting a firm, “no food in the bedroom” rule helps keep dirty cups and plates from accumulating.