How to Get Rid of Pesticide Odor

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Pesticide odors may linger in your home, your clothing and even furniture if the treatment used sprays, vapor treatments or liquid applications. The majority of commercial treatments use a formaldehyde base and this is what creates the toxic and annoying smells.

Step 1

For lingering smells in clothing, add 1 to 2 cups of clear vinegar to wash load. Add regular detergent as per normal washing instructions. Run clothing through normal cycle and a second rinse. Air dry if possible. You should only have to do this once to remove the pesticide smell, however, if a sent still lingers a second round of washing can be done to increase results.

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Step 2

Next, tackle the smell in your home. For lingering smells in the home, sprinkle a fine dusting of baking soda along baseboards, under kitchen cabinets and likely areas of application of the pesticide.

Step 3

Allow the baking soda to absorb odors for 12 to 24 hours. Then using a mixture of dish detergent and water, wipe up all baking soda residue.

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Step 4

If pesticide odors are particularly strong, you can also take advantage of home air freshener sprays. Choose a spray that is labeled "neutralizing" rather than one that will mask the odor, but not eliminate it.

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