There’s nothing quite like walking into a home filled with delightful aromas. Whether it’s the warm scent of vanilla, the calming fragrance of lavender, or the refreshing smell of citrus, a good-smelling home can enhance our mood and create a welcoming environment for our guests.
However, commercial air fresheners are often packed with chemicals that can be harmful to our health. So, how can we keep our homes smelling great naturally? In this blog post, I share 15 ways I make my home smell good naturally.
1. Essential Oils
Essential oils are an excellent way to create a pleasant aroma in your home. Not only do they smell amazing, but they also offer a host of health benefits. You can use a diffuser to disperse the oils into the air, or make your own air freshener by mixing a few drops with water in a spray bottle. For example, lavender essential oil can create a calming environment, while lemon or peppermint essential oil can make your home smell fresh and clean.
There are numerous ways to use essential oils in your home. You can even add a few drops to your laundry detergent or cleaning solutions for a natural, fragrant boost. An interesting fact about essential oils is that they’re extracted from plants, so they’re completely natural and free from harmful chemicals.
2. Simmer Pots
Simmer pots are a classic way to fill your home with natural, inviting scents. All you need to do is fill a pot with water, add your favorite ingredients, and let it gently simmer on the stove. For example, you might use citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise for a spicy, citrusy aroma that’s perfect for the colder months.
Simmer pots are incredibly customizable. You can experiment with different combinations of ingredients to create a scent that’s unique to your home. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover fruit peels and spices. Just remember to keep an eye on the pot and add more water as needed to prevent it from boiling dry.
3. Indoor Plants
Indoor plants not only purify the air in your home, but some can also give off pleasant scents. For example, jasmine plants produce a sweet, calming fragrance, while geraniums offer a variety of scents, including lemon, rose, and even chocolate.
When choosing scented indoor plants, consider the amount of light they need and the temperature of your home. You’ll also want to be mindful of any allergies or sensitivities among family members. Bonus: caring for indoor plants can be a relaxing and rewarding hobby.
4. Homemade Potpourri
Potpourri is a mix of dried flowers, leaves, and spices that can be used to naturally scent your home. You can make your own by collecting and drying your favorite flowers and herbs, and adding some essential oils for extra fragrance.
To make potpourri, simply spread out your chosen materials on a tray, sprinkle with a few drops of essential oil, and leave to dry in a warm, dark place. Once dry, transfer to a decorative bowl or sachets and place around your home. This is a great way to preserve the beauty of summer blooms and enjoy their scent all year round.
5. Natural Wax Candles
Candles can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere and fill your home with beautiful scents. However, many candles are made from paraffin wax, which can release harmful toxins when burned. Instead, opt for candles made from natural waxes like soy or beeswax.
Natural wax candles often come scented with essential oils, providing a double dose of natural fragrance. Plus, they tend to burn slower and cooler than their paraffin counterparts, making them last longer. Just be sure to trim the wick regularly to prevent soot and ensure an even burn.
6. Baking
Baking is a delicious way to make your home smell amazing. Whether it’s a batch of chocolate chip cookies, a loaf of fresh bread, or a cinnamon-spiced cake, the aroma of baking is sure to make your home feel warm and welcoming.
Baking doesn’t just create great smells; it also leads to tasty treats that you and your family can enjoy. Plus, it’s a fun activity that can be shared with children, teaching them valuable skills and creating wonderful memories. So why not whip up your favorite recipe and fill your home with the irresistible scent of home baking?
7. DIY Room Sprays
Room sprays are a quick and easy way to refresh the air in your home. However, many store-bought sprays contain artificial fragrances and other chemicals. Making your own room spray is simple and allows you to control the ingredients.
To make a DIY room spray, combine distilled water, a bit of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol, and your favorite essential oils in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use, and mist around your home as needed. These sprays are perfect for freshening up the living room before guests arrive, or spritzing in the bathroom for a quick refresh.
8. Herbal Wreaths
Herbal wreaths are not only beautiful decorations, but they can also fill your home with natural fragrances. You can make your own by weaving together sprigs of fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, lavender, or sage.
As the herbs dry, they’ll release their fragrant oils, subtly scenting your home. Herbal wreaths make a lovely addition to your kitchen, where the heat and steam can help to release the aromas. Plus, you can use the herbs in your cooking for added flavor.
9. Scented Cleaning Vinegar
White vinegar is a fantastic natural cleaner, but its strong smell can be off-putting. To solve this issue, you can infuse vinegar with citrus peels or herbs to create a scented cleaning vinegar.
Simply fill a jar with white vinegar, add your chosen ingredients, and let it sit for a few weeks. The vinegar will take on the scent of the ingredients, masking its own pungent smell. Use your scented vinegar as you would regular vinegar for cleaning, and enjoy the fresh, natural aroma it leaves behind.
10. Coffee Beans
Coffee beans have a rich, warm aroma that many people find comforting. You can tap into this by displaying a bowl of coffee beans in your kitchen or living room.
Not only will the beans release their own fragrance, but you can also use them as a base for tea lights. As the candle heats up, it will intensify the scent of the coffee beans, creating a cozy, café-like atmosphere in your home.
11. Natural Incense
Incense is a traditional way to scent your home, but many commercial incenses contain synthetic fragrances. Natural incense, on the other hand, is made from resins, woods, and herbs that release their fragrance when burned.
When choosing natural incense, look for brands that disclose their ingredients, and avoid those that use “fragrance” or “perfume”. Some popular natural incense scents include frankincense, sandalwood, and sage.
12. Dried Lavender
Lavender has a calming, soothing scent that’s perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere. You can dry lavender and use it in a variety of ways to scent your home.
For example, you can make lavender sachets to place in your drawers or closets, or create a lavender sleep spray by combining lavender essential oil and water. You can also simply display a bunch of dried lavender in a vase for a rustic, fragrant decoration.
13. DIY Reed Diffusers
Reed diffusers are a stylish and effective way to scent your home. They work by drawing up essential oil through reeds, which then evaporates into the air. Making your own reed diffuser is easy and allows you to customize the scent.
To make a DIY reed diffuser, combine a carrier oil (like almond or safflower oil) with a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a glass jar. Insert some reeds and turn them every few days to refresh the scent. Reed diffusers are perfect for smaller rooms or areas where you don’t want to worry about an open flame.
14. Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers not only add beauty to your home, but they can also provide a natural fragrance. Choose fragrant flowers like roses, lilies, or freesias to add a fresh, floral scent.
When arranging your flowers, trim the stems at an angle to allow them to take up more water, and change the water every few days to keep them fresh. You can also add a few drops of bleach to the water to kill bacteria and extend the life of your flowers.
15. Open Windows
Finally, one of the simplest and most effective ways to make your home smell good naturally is to open your windows. This allows fresh air to circulate, removing stale odors and bringing in the scents of nature.
Depending on where you live, you might enjoy the smell of freshly cut grass, blooming flowers, or crisp autumn leaves. Even in the city, opening windows in the early morning can bring in fresh, cool air. Just be sure to close your windows if you live in a high-pollution area or if there’s a lot of pollen in the air.