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BEAVER | Thursday, December 29, 2 0 1 6 | 24 Advertorial Keep your home smelling clean to boost first impressions A clean home interior can make a strong first impression on prospective buyers, but only if that home is accom panied by pleasant scents. Unpleasant smells can make a strong impact on buyers' perceptions of a home, includ ing its level of cleanliness and upkeep. Although dirt and other grime can contribute to the smell of a home, addi tional culprits can contribute to foul smells as well. Everything from pets to the foods cooked in the kitchen to the hidden presence of mold can impact air quality and scent inside a home. Fortunately, there are ways to remedy stinky problems and come away with sweet-smelling solutions. It's important for homeowners to realize that foul air inside a home can be the result of poor indoor air quality -- which can be a health hazard. The following can contribute to poor indoor air quality and also to some interior scents: combustion sources; tobacco tions. The association found that the Boston fern, spider plant, Chinese ever green, weeping fig, variegated snake plant and English ivy, among many other plants, were ideal for filtering air and removing harmful contaminants. · Ditch disposal scents. Food can become trapped and decompose in gar bage disposals. Cut citrus fruit into chunks and drop them into a running disposal to remove many smells. · Air out the washer. New washing machines have tight seals and gaskets that do not allow air to penetrate (or water to leak out). Mildew can grow as a result. Leave the washer door open after a round of laundry to let things dry and air out. · Tame the smell of pets. Pets con tribute heavily to the scent in a home. Wet dog smells are prevalent on rainy days, while cat litter boxes can pack a pungent punch. Cleanliness can cut down on smells. Use activated charcoal in litter products to tame smells and empty the litter box frequently. Make sure dogs are dried off thoroughly when coming in from the rain, and use a deodorizing spray on pet fur. Regular grooming can help as well. A foul smell in a home can be embar rassing and set a poor tone when invit ing company over or showcasing a home for prospective buyers. Keep unpleasant smells at bay by identifying the sources of smells and taking action. (MCG) www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE products; building materials and fur nishings; wet or damp carpet; cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products; products for household cleaning and maintenance and even outdoor sources such as radon, pesti cides and outdoor air pollution. air quality and smells inside a home? These tips can improve conditions. · Ensure adequate ventilation. Open windows and doors when weather per mits to eliminate the concentration of pollutants and help air out odours. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and baths to So how does one remedy poor indoor pull indoor air to the outside. · Invest in an air filter. A high-effi ciency particulate air filter will force air through a fine mesh and trap harmful particles, such as pet dander, smoke, pollen and dust mites, which can build up in a home. Remember to change the filter regularly. · Increase the number of plants. Plants can brighten interior spaces, and they're also remarkable at cleaning indoor air. The Clean Air Study con ducted by NASA set out to find out the best way to clean the air in space sta T O O U R L O Y A L F R IE N D S F O R A N O T H E R W O N D ER FU L Y e a r . M a y T h e N Ew Y E A E R R IN G E V E R Y T H I N G Y O U H O P E F O R ! Three sim p le reso lu tio n s to co n sid e r in 2 0 1 7 This year, make a resolution that doesn't focus on achieving something, but rather on changing something about yourself for the better. Many people make resolutions but break them when they find them too unattainable. Here are three ideas to get you going: someone else. Help vulnerable children around the world for instance, by buy ing a UNICEF Survival Gift at shop. unicef.ca. You can choose an item that is meaningful for you -- education sup plies, vaccines, bed nets, or even soccer balls. Start the year off with hope by helping a child have a brighter future. 3. Let go. Make 2017 the year of liv ing well. That means letting go of any grudges that are taking up valuable space in your mind. Focus on you, take good care of yourself, and don't spend any more mental energy on things that aren't lifting you up. (NC) TOP 1% in Canada 2014, 2 0 1 5 ,2 0 1 6 ROYAL Le PAGE ROYAL LePAGE W W W .TH EK EN N ED YSlSTER S.O a 905.845.4267 From Left: Kevin Dennehy, Stephanie Kennedy, Lesley Kennedy and Danielle Marino. Sales Representatives A R O Y A LL e P A G E 1. Get in touch. Haven't talked to your siblings in a while? Haven't called your best friend to see how they're doing? Now is the time to take action. Use 2017 to reconnect with everyone who is, and was, special in your life. 2. Give back. One of the best ways to keep a resolution is by making it about D IA M O N D AWARD "0 1 5