How is everyone keeping their house smelling fresh?

[Danny627]

Coming into the slow season when there is no activity, our place can have a not so pleasant smell when ou first enter. With all windows and doors closed for weeks at a time and out and the cleaning detergents used by the cleaner can be pretty strong at times, this can give guest a false feeling that the place is not clean and not very welcoming. 

I thought of buying a whole house oil diffuser system to install to the HVAC like the hotels but it's expensive and another maintenance item. Was wondering what's everyone's secret?

[Kitty-and-Creek0 · Accepted solution]

@Danny627 

Yes, a situation to deal with. We air the space out with open windows regularly, and unless it is raining, we leave a couple windows cracked. San Jose has lovely weather, you could likely take advantage of that, too.

[Alice1326]

I would ditch the strong smelling cleaners and avoid at all costs any type of air fresheners/diffusers. I have had quite a few private comments from guests saying they appreciate there was no crazy fragrances as that was their experience in other places. It's a mainstream topic at this point on how these fragrances are not good for health reasons. The property I have smells "off" too when it's been closed up. One time after a long stretch of it being closed up and I had almost no time to air it out, I literally baked some of those "break and bake" Tollhouse cookies lol (I was desperate! And they had fresh baked cookies waiting, win win).  But if you're able to, getting in the day before and opening up all windows I think is the best option.