Let’s be honest, a house that smells good can drastically improve your mood and overall well-being. A whiff of fresh lavender, a hint of citrus, or the warming scent of vanilla can make your home feel more inviting. But how can you keep your home smelling great all year round?
Well, as someone who takes pride in maintaining a fresh living space, I’m delighted to share 11 of my tried and tested methods that help me keep my home smelling amazing throughout the year. It’s easier than you might think!
1. Regular Cleaning
Let’s start with the basics. Regular cleaning is the first and most effective way to keep your home smelling fresh and appealing. It’s not just about getting rid of visible dirt, but also eliminating hidden sources of bad odors.
For example, make sure you clean places that are often overlooked, like the inside of your garbage disposal, under your fridge, or your bathroom drains. These areas can harbor bacteria and produce unpleasant smells over time. Invest in good quality cleaning products that not only sanitize but also leave a pleasant scent.
2. Essential Oils
Essential oils are a fantastic way to add a pleasant scent to your home. They are natural, and many offer additional benefits such as stress relief or improved sleep.
You can use essential oils in several ways. A popular method is using a diffuser, which disperses the oil into the air. You can also add a few drops to your cleaning solution, or create a DIY room spray. Experiment with different scents to find what you like best. Lavender is calming and perfect for bedrooms, while lemon or peppermint can make your living spaces smell clean and fresh.
3. Indoor Plants
Indoor plants not only purify the air, but some also offer pleasant scents. Plants like jasmine, gardenia, or eucalyptus can make your home smell like a garden.
However, remember that plants require attention and care. If you’re not particularly green-thumbed, opt for low maintenance plants that are hardy and easy to care for. Once you find the perfect plant, place it strategically in your home where you’ll be able to enjoy its scent.
4. Scented Candles
Scented candles are a classic method for making your home smell great. The market is flooded with options, from subtle to bold fragrances, and from budget-friendly to luxury brands.
Remember to burn candles safely. Keep them away from flammable materials, don’t leave them unattended, and trim the wick to prevent soot buildup. Select scents that you love and that match the mood you want to create. For a cozy atmosphere, choose warm scents like vanilla or sandalwood. For a clean, fresh vibe, opt for citrus or linen scents.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural and inexpensive odor absorber. It’s particularly effective for confined spaces like refrigerators or closets.
Simply open a box of baking soda and place it in the area you want to deodorize. It will absorb unpleasant odors, leaving the area smelling fresher. Remember to replace the box every 30-60 days for best results.
6. Simmer Pots
Simmer pots are a traditional and effective way to make your home smell wonderful. They are especially great during colder months when your home is closed up.
Just fill a pot with water and your favorite aromatic ingredients like cinnamon sticks, citrus peels, cloves, or fresh herbs. Let it simmer on the stove, and it will fill your home with a delightful fragrance. Just remember to keep an eye on it to ensure the water doesn’t completely evaporate.
7. Fresh Flowers
There’s nothing like the scent of fresh flowers to make your home smell amazing. Not only do they smell wonderful, but they also add a touch of beauty to your decor.
Choose fragrant flowers like roses, lilies, or jasmine. Change the water regularly and remove wilted flowers to prevent any unpleasant smells and to keep the bouquet fresh for longer.
8. Fragrance Diffusers
Fragrance diffusers are a great option for continuous, low-maintenance home fragrance. They work by soaking reed sticks in scented oil, which then slowly disperses into the air.
Choose a scent that you love, and place the diffuser in a high-traffic area where the fragrance will spread throughout your home. Flip the reeds every few weeks to refresh the scent.
9. Linen Sprays
Linen sprays can make your home smell great, especially your bedroom. A quick spritz on your bed sheets, curtains, or towels can add a subtle fragrance that lasts.
You can buy linen sprays in various scents, or even make your own with water and essential oils. Lavender is a popular choice for bedrooms, as it promotes relaxation and sleep.
10. Fragrance Plug-Ins
Fragrance plug-ins are a convenient way to keep your home smelling great. They continuously release a scent, keeping your home smelling fresh all day.
You can find plug-ins in a wide range of scents. Just remember to replace the fragrance oil regularly, usually every 30 days, to ensure the scent stays fresh and strong.
11. DIY Potpourri
Making your own potpourri is a fun and creative way to add a lovely scent to your home. All you need are some dried flowers, spices, and essential oils.
Choose ingredients that have strong scents, like roses, lavender, cinnamon sticks, or cloves. Mix them together and add a few drops of essential oils. Place the potpourri in a bowl or sachets and distribute them around your home. Not only will your home smell fantastic, but it’s also a beautiful, natural decoration.