Walking into a stinky classroom can put a damper on anyone’s enthusiasm to learn. Whether the pungent culprit is yesterday’s forgotten lunch, musty upholstery, or the unavoidable odors that come with a room full of busy, active kids, it’s important for both comfort and health to keep the classroom air fresh. Here are five simple tips educators can use to keep their classrooms smelling clean and inviting.
1. Keep It Clean – Regular cleaning is the first step in maintaining a fresh-smelling classroom. Wiping down surfaces with disinfectant wipes, vacuuming or sweeping floors daily, and removing trash can help prevent odor buildup.
2. Circulate Air – Improve air quality and dispel odors by keeping windows open when weather permits for natural ventilation. Use fans to circulate air and consider an air purifier to filter out particles that may cause smells.
3. Use Baking Soda – Baking soda is a safe and natural odor absorber. You can sprinkle it on carpets before vacuuming or place open containers of it around the room to help absorb lingering smells.
4. Incorporate Plants – Some indoor plants can help purify the air and add a breath of freshness to your classroom environment. Spider plants, rubber plants, and peace lilies are great choices that are also easy to maintain.
5. Create DIY Air Fresheners – Avoid the chemicals in commercial air fresheners by creating your own natural versions. Essential oil diffusers or potpourri made with dried herbs and citrus peels can give your room a pleasant fragrance without being overpowering.
Refreshing a stinky classroom doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive; these tips provide straightforward solutions for maintaining a clean and pleasant learning environment for everyone.
