We all want our homes to be welcoming spaces, not just for our guests, but for ourselves too. The sensory experience of entering a home can significantly impact our mood, comfort, and overall wellbeing. And while visual aesthetics often take center stage in home décor, the olfactory factor—how our home smells—is just as important. That’s why I’ve decided to share my favorite ways to keep my home smelling great, naturally. No chemicals, no artificial fragrances, just simple, natural methods that you can easily incorporate into your routine.
1. Essential Oils
Essential oils are my go-to for a quick, natural aromatic boost. These concentrated plant extracts carry the distinctive scents of their source, and they can be used in a variety of ways. One of my favorite methods is using an oil diffuser. By adding a few drops of an essential oil to the water in a diffuser, the scent is gradually released into the air, gently perfuming your home. Another great way to use essential oils is to create your own room sprays. In a spray bottle, mix distilled water with a few drops of your favorite essential oil, and voila! You have a custom room spray that’s free from artificial fragrances. Lavender oil is perfect for a soothing bedroom scent, while citrus oils like lemon or grapefruit can give your living room a fresh, invigorating aroma.
2. Simmering Potpourri
Simmering potpourri is a classic and effective way to fill your home with delightful natural scents. The beauty of simmering potpourri is that you can customize it with whatever scents you love. For a cozy, autumnal scent, try simmering apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. For a fresh, spring-like aroma, combine lemon slices, rosemary, and vanilla. To make simmering potpourri, you simply fill a pot with water, add your chosen ingredients, and let it simmer on the stove. As the water heats, it’ll release the scents into the air. Just remember to keep an eye on it and add more water as needed to prevent it from drying out. It’s an easy, natural, and wonderfully aromatic way to perfume your home.
3. Homemade Wax Melts
Wax melts are another fantastic way to use essential oils to scent your home. Making your own wax melts is surprisingly easy, and it allows you to control exactly what goes into them. All you need is beeswax, coconut oil, and your choice of essential oils. To make the wax melts, you simply melt the beeswax and coconut oil together, then stir in the essential oils. Pour the mixture into a silicone mold and let it harden. Once they’re solid, you can use them in a wax warmer, just like store-bought wax melts. The heat from the warmer will melt the wax, releasing the scent of the essential oils into the air.
4. Baking Soda Air Freshener
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber, making it an excellent choice for a homemade air freshener. It’s especially effective for dealing with kitchen odors, pet smells, or any other lingering stenches that might be making your home less than fresh. Making a baking soda air freshener is as simple as filling a jar with baking soda and adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Poke some holes in the lid of the jar, and you’ve got a long-lasting air freshener. To refresh the scent, you can simply add a few more drops of essential oil as needed. It’s a simple, natural, and cost-effective way to keep your home smelling great.
5. Indoor Plants
Indoor plants not only improve the air quality in your home, but some varieties also emit pleasant fragrances. Jasmine, lavender, and eucalyptus are just a few examples of fragrant houseplants that can help your home smell wonderful naturally. In addition to their olfactory benefits, indoor plants also add a touch of nature and beauty to your home décor. They can be a focal point in a room or a subtle addition to a shelf or table. Plus, caring for houseplants can be a rewarding and therapeutic hobby.
6. Natural Fabric Freshener
Fabrics such as curtains, rugs, and upholstery can trap odors over time. A natural fabric freshener can help eliminate these odors and keep your home smelling fresh. Just like the room spray, you can make a fabric freshener using water and essential oils. In a spray bottle, mix one part water with one part vinegar and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. The vinegar helps to deodorize the fabric, while the essential oil adds a pleasant scent. Just be sure to test the spray on a small, hidden area of the fabric first to make sure it doesn’t cause any discoloration.
7. Scented Candles
Scented candles are a classic way to make your home smell good. But instead of reaching for commercially produced candles that might contain artificial fragrances and other chemicals, consider making your own natural scented candles. By using soy wax and natural essential oils, you can create beautiful, fragrant candles that are free from unwanted chemicals. Plus, the process of making candles can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. You can even customize the color and scent of your candles to suit your mood or the season.
8. Incense
Burning incense is a time-honored method for scenting a space. Natural incense is made from a variety of plant materials, including resins, woods, and herbs, which release their aromas when burned. While incense can create a strong scent, it’s important to use it in moderation to avoid overwhelming your space. Choose high-quality, natural incense and burn it in a well-ventilated area. If you’re sensitive to smoke, consider using incense cones or sticks that produce less smoke than traditional incense.
9. DIY Reed Diffusers
Reed diffusers are a popular method for scenting a room, and you can easily make your own using a few simple ingredients. All you need is a glass jar, some reed sticks, a carrier oil like sweet almond or safflower, and essential oils. To make a reed diffuser, fill your jar about three-quarters full with the carrier oil, then add about 20-30 drops of essential oil. Place the reed sticks in the jar, and they’ll gradually absorb the oil and release the scent into the air. You can flip the reeds every few days to refresh the scent.
10. Natural Carpet Deodorizer
Carpets can harbor odors, but a natural carpet deodorizer can help keep them smelling fresh. Baking soda is an effective deodorizer, and when combined with essential oils, it can leave your carpets smelling great. To make a natural carpet deodorizer, simply mix one cup of baking soda with 20-30 drops of essential oil. Sprinkle the mixture over your carpet, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum it up. Your carpets will be left smelling fresh and clean.
11. Fresh Flowers
There’s nothing quite like the scent of fresh flowers in your home. Not only do they smell wonderful, but they also add a touch of beauty and elegance to any room. Choose fragrant flowers like roses, lilies, or jasmine for the most aromatic impact. You can also include fragrant herbs like lavender or rosemary in your arrangements for an added aromatic boost. Just remember to change the water regularly to keep your flowers fresh for as long as possible.
12. Open Windows
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. Opening your windows can do wonders for the scent of your home. Fresh air helps to circulate out any stale or unpleasant smells and brings in the aroma of the outdoors. Of course, this method is dependent on the weather and the quality of outdoor air in your area. But when conditions allow, don’t underestimate the power of fresh air to make your home smell naturally good.
13. DIY Linen Spray
A linen spray is a great way to freshen up your sheets, curtains, and other fabrics in your home. Just like the room and fabric sprays, you can make a linen spray using water, a bit of vodka or witch hazel, and essential oils. In a spray bottle, mix one part vodka or witch hazel with ten parts water, then add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. The vodka or witch hazel helps the water and oil mix together, while the essential oil provides the scent. Just give it a shake before use and lightly mist your linens for a fresh, natural scent.