We all love stepping into a home that smells fresh and clean. The scent of our home can significantly enhance our mood, provide comfort, and even depict our personality. However, with day-to-day activities, our homes can sometimes acquire unpleasant odors. That’s why I’ve come up with a list of 15 methods that I use to keep my abode smelling fresh.
From natural remedies to store-bought solutions, these tips will help you create a welcoming, fragrant ambiance that you and your guests will love.
1. Regular Cleaning
Cleaning is the most basic step to maintain a fresh-smelling home. A clean house is less likely to harbor unpleasant odors, from the kitchen sink to the bathroom. Be sure to incorporate a cleaning schedule into your routine and stick to it. It doesn’t have to be a deep cleaning session every time; sometimes a quick sweep, vacuum, or wipe down can make a huge difference.
Pay attention to areas that are often overlooked, like the inside of your trash can, under the furniture, and your refrigerator. These spots can harbor odors that may permeate your home over time. Remember, a clean home is the foundation of a fresh smelling home. So, always start with a clean slate.
2. Essential Oils
Essential oils are a fantastic way to introduce lovely scents into your home. Not only do they smell great, but they also come with a host of therapeutic benefits. You can opt for a diffuser, which disperses the oil into the air, creating a pleasant aroma. For a quick solution, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil into a spray bottle filled with water and use it as a room freshener.
Experiment with different scents to find combinations that you love. For example, lavender is renowned for its calming properties, while citrus scents like lemon or grapefruit can uplift your mood. The possibilities are endless, and the best part is, you’re in control of what scents you want in your home. Remember to always use pure, high-quality essential oils for the best results.
3. Indoor Plants
Indoor plants do more than just add aesthetic appeal to your home; they also purify the air. Some plants, like the peace lily or English ivy, are known for their air-purifying abilities. They absorb toxins in the air and release fresh oxygen, naturally improving the smell of your home.
However, it’s not just air-purifying plants that can help. Aromatic plants like lavender, jasmine, or mint can introduce pleasant scents into your home. Just be sure to take proper care of your plants, as a neglected plant can start to emit an unpleasant odor.
4. Ventilation
Good ventilation can do wonders for the smell of your home. It helps circulate air and eliminate odors, keeping your home smelling fresh. Make it a habit to open your windows every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This will let fresh air in while allowing stale, odorous air to escape.
If you live in an area where outdoor air quality is poor or if the weather doesn’t permit, consider an air purifier. Air purifiers can filter out pollutants, allergens, and unpleasant odors, improving the overall air quality in your home.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can neutralize odors. It’s perfect for areas that tend to hold smells, like the fridge, trash cans, or even your shoes. Simply sprinkle some baking soda into the offending area and let it work its magic.
You can also create a homemade air freshener by mixing baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Place this mixture in a small container and put it in areas you’d like to freshen up. The baking soda will absorb odors while the essential oil will leave a fresh scent behind.
6. Scented Candles
Scented candles can add a cozy, inviting aroma to your home. They come in a variety of scents, so you’re sure to find something you love. Remember to burn them safely, never leaving them unattended or within reach of flammable items.
Aside from their lovely scent, candles also add a warm ambiance to your home. The flickering flame can create a relaxing environment, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Plus, many candles come in beautiful containers that can double as decor pieces.
7. Simmer Pots
Simmer pots are a traditional way to fill your home with delightful aromas. Simply fill a pot with water, add your favorite herbs, fruits, and spices, and let it simmer on the stove. The heat will release the fragrant oils, permeating your home with a delightful aroma.
This method is perfect for when you have guests over or just want to envelop your home in a comforting scent. Some popular combinations include cinnamon sticks and apple slices, or lemon slices and rosemary. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to find your perfect blend.
8. Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers not only brighten up a room with their beauty, but they can also make your home smell amazing. Opt for fragrant flowers like roses, lilies, or jasmine. Display them in a vase with some water, and you’ll have a natural air freshener.
Remember to change the water regularly and remove any wilted flowers to prevent an unpleasant smell from developing. And of course, always ensure that the flowers you choose are safe for any pets you may have.
9. DIY Room Sprays
Creating your own room spray is a fun and customizable way to keep your home smelling great. All you need is a spray bottle, some water, a bit of alcohol or witch hazel, and your favorite essential oils.
The alcohol or witch hazel helps the oil and water mix better, while the essential oils provide the scent. You can adjust the amount of essential oils to suit your preference. Some popular choices are lavender for a calming effect, peppermint for a refreshing scent, or a mix of citrus oils for an uplifting aroma.
10. Clean Your Carpets
Carpets can trap odors over time, especially if you have pets or if you’re a smoker. Regular vacuuming can help, but it may not be enough to eliminate deep-seated odors. Consider using a carpet deodorizer or hiring a professional carpet cleaning service every once in a while.
If you opt for a carpet deodorizer, simply sprinkle it onto your carpet, let it sit for the recommended amount of time, and then vacuum it up. This will leave your carpet smelling fresh and clean. However, be sure to spot-test the deodorizer on a small, hidden area first to ensure it won’t discolor your carpet.
11. Use a Dehumidifier
Humidity can cause your home to smell musty. A dehumidifier can help by reducing the moisture in the air, preventing mold and mildew growth. This is especially useful in damp areas like the basement or bathroom.
While a dehumidifier can help eliminate musty smells, remember to clean it regularly. A neglected dehumidifier can harbor mold and bacteria, potentially releasing a foul odor into your home.
12. Regularly Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals can easily become a source of unpleasant smells in your kitchen. To keep it fresh, make sure to regularly clean it. You can use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, or even just some dish soap and warm water.
For a refreshing scent, try grinding up some citrus peels in your garbage disposal. This will not only eliminate any bad smells but also leave your kitchen smelling citrusy fresh.
13. Use Fabric Fresheners
Fabrics can absorb odors, so it’s important to keep them fresh. Fabric fresheners can help, especially for items that can’t be washed regularly like upholstery, curtains, or rugs.
Remember to always test the fabric freshener on a small, hidden area first to ensure it won’t discolor the fabric. And of course, regular washing is still the best way to keep fabrics clean and fresh-smelling.
14. Keep Your Pets Clean
Pets can bring a lot of joy into our lives, but they can also bring some unpleasant smells. Regular grooming is essential to keep your pets and your home smelling fresh.
This includes regular baths, brushing their fur to remove dead hair and skin cells, and cleaning their bedding. Also, be sure to clean up any accidents promptly and thoroughly to prevent odors from setting in.
15. Use Potpourri
Potpourri is a classic way to keep your home smelling fresh. It’s essentially a mix of dried flowers and other natural materials, often scented with essential oils. You can display it in a bowl or a sachet, and it will slowly release its scent over time.
You can buy pre-made potpourri or make your own, allowing you to customize the scent and appearance. This makes potpourri not only a great air freshener but also a lovely decor piece.