Bad smells—whether they come from toilets, kitchens, garbage areas, or even clothes—are a common nuisance in many homes and communities across Malawi. With the country’s warm and humid climate, smells can quickly become overwhelming if not addressed properly. Fortunately, you don’t need to rely on expensive imported air fresheners or cleaning products to keep your surroundings fresh. Malawi is blessed with natural, local resources that are not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.
Here’s how you can tackle unpleasant odours using what’s already available in your home, backyard, or local market.
1. Use Charcoal as a Natural Deodorizer.
Charcoal (makala) isn’t just for cooking nsima or roasting maize—it’s also an excellent natural deodorizer. It absorbs moisture and neutralizes bad smells, making it perfect for indoor spaces like toilets, wardrobes, and even fridges.
How to use it:
- Crush some charcoal into small pieces and place it in a container or an open cloth bag.
- Put the container in areas with strong odours, such as pit latrines, bathrooms, or under the sink.
- Replace the charcoal every 2–3 weeks.
Bonus: Charcoal can also help keep your shoes smelling fresh!
2. Lemongrass (Tangawizi) and Other Herbs.
Lemongrass, known locally as tangawizi, has a refreshing citrus scent and grows easily in many parts of Malawi. Other aromatic herbs like mint and basil (msuzi) can also be used to mask unpleasant smells.
How to use:
- Crush the leaves and place them in a bowl in your room.
- Boil the herbs in water, let the steam spread through the house to refresh the air.
- Dry the herbs and stuff them in small cloth sachets to place in drawers, shoes, or closets.
These natural air fresheners are not only safe but can also chase away mosquitoes and flies.
3. Lime and Orange Peels.
Instead of throwing away orange or lime peels after eating or juicing, use them as a natural fragrance. Citrus peels are excellent at combating foul odours.
What to do:
- Dry the peels under the sun.
- Burn them in a metal plate or throw them into a fire. The smoke released will give off a pleasant citrus scent.
- Alternatively, boil the peels in water and use the mixture to clean surfaces or mop the floor.
This method works wonders in kitchens, especially when dealing with the smell of fish or spoiled food.
4. Baking Soda Substitute: Ash (Phulusa).
In places where baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is hard to find or expensive, wood ash (phulusa) can be a great alternative. It is alkaline in nature and absorbs odours.
Where and how to use it:
- Sprinkle some dry phulusa at the bottom of your waste bin to neutralize garbage smells.
- Mix phulusa with a bit of water to scrub surfaces in toilets and outdoor kitchens.
- Use it as a laundry booster for smelly clothes—especially damp towels or socks.
Ash is abundant and costs nothing if you use firewood or charcoal for cooking.
5. Homemade Floor and Surface Cleaner.
You can make a DIY all-purpose cleaner using vinegar, lime juice, and herbs. Though white vinegar might not be common in rural markets, lime juice (ndimu) is a great local alternative.
DIY Cleaner Recipe:
- 1 cup of lime juice
- 2 tablespoons of salt
- A handful of crushed mint or lemongrass
- Mix in a container and let sit for a few hours
- Strain and use the liquid to mop floors or clean kitchen counters
This cleaner not only kills germs but also leaves behind a fresh, natural scent.
6. Maize Husk and Banana Leaves for Pit Latrines.
In rural parts of Malawi where pit latrines are common, odour is a big issue. One traditional method is to add dried maize husks (makolo a chimanga) or banana leaves into the latrine regularly.
Benefits:
- They help absorb liquids and reduce the odour.
- They add bulk, which helps with decomposition.
You can also use a mixture of ash and soil to reduce the stench, especially during the hot season.
7. Proper Ventilation and Sunlight.
Bad smells often accumulate in poorly ventilated spaces. Simple adjustments to your home can make a big difference:
- Keep windows open during the day to allow fresh air in.
- Let bedsheets, blankets, and cushions air out in the sun regularly.
- If you have an outdoor bathroom or toilet, consider adding a ventilation pipe to reduce build-up of gases.
Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and helps kill the bacteria that cause bad smells.
8. Keep Garbage Under Control
Garbage management is often overlooked but is a major source of bad smells. Whether you’re in the city or a rural area, be sure to:
- Separate organic and inorganic waste. Compost food scraps instead of dumping them.
- Use covered bins or old buckets to keep flies away.
- Burn non-recyclable, non-harmful trash (like paper or dry leaves) in a safe area.
If you can access plastic containers or empty fertilizer bags, use them to create makeshift bins to keep waste organized and odour-free.
9. Use “Ufa Wosakhala Wabwino” (Spoiled Maize Flour)
Spoiled flour may be useless for cooking but useful for absorbing bad odours. Place a small bowl of spoiled ufa in a smelly room—like a pantry or fridge—and let it soak up the smell.
You can also mix it with ash and use it as a scrubbing agent on concrete or tiled surfaces.
Conclusion
Fighting bad smells doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Malawi is full of natural resources and traditional practices that can help you keep your environment clean and pleasant. From using ash and herbs to taking advantage of citrus peels and good ventilation, there are plenty of local solutions that are both effective and sustainable.
Next time you notice an unpleasant smell, look around your kitchen, backyard, or local market—you might just find the solution growing right next to you.
