How to Make Your Home Smell Good | Combat Odors & Create a Signature Scent

If you’re anything like me, you have a lot going on in your house. From messy kids (and spouses, cough cough) to pets to cooking odors to wet bathroom towels, there can be lots of bad smells happening under one roof.

Luckily, you’re here…reading all about how to make your home smell good! And once you see all of the options out there for creating a warm and inviting smell in every room of your home, you’ll never look back.

Understanding Home Odors

Before you can learn how to make your home smell good, you need to pinpoint the source of existing odors in your home. After all, without eliminating those smells, you might only upgrade your home’s smell from mildew to “cinnamon mildew.”

Home odors can be caused by a variety of factors including:

• Food: Spoiled or leftover food can generate a bad smell if not disposed of properly or stored in airtight containers.
• Pets: Your furry companions might unknowingly leave odors behind, especially if they don’t receive regular baths or have accidents indoors.
• Dampness: Excess humidity or water leaks can cause mold and mildew to thrive, resulting in musty-smelling air.
• Insufficient ventilation: Poorly ventilated areas can trap and concentrate odors, making them more noticeable and harder to get rid of.

Once you’ve nailed down the source of your home’s odors, you can take steps to address the problem. Here are some tips for tackling home odors:

• Regularly clean your home, focusing on areas where odor-causing activities occur, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room.
• Pay attention to pets’ hygiene and ensure their living spaces are cleaned thoroughly.
• Keep your home well-ventilated by opening windows, using exhaust fans or air purifiers, and ensuring proper air circulation.

How to Make Your Home Smell Good Using Everyday Items as Natural Odor Eliminators

Now that we’re ready to discuss how to make your home smell good, let’s start with some natural home remedies you likely already have around your house! After all, why spends lots of money making your home smell like citrus or cinnamon if you don’t have to?

Baking soda is a versatile item that can be used to absorb odors in various spaces. Simply place a bowl of baking soda in a room, or sprinkle it on your carpets and furniture before vacuuming.

Lemon and other citrus fruits are known for their fresh, clean scent. Add lemon slices to a bowl of water to create an instant air freshener, or mix in some citrus peels with vinegar to create a homemade cleaning spray.

The warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon can easily mask unpleasant odors around your home. Simmer a cinnamon stick in a pot of water or place a small sachet of ground cinnamon in your drawers and cupboards to release its fragrance.

Herbs such as basil, thyme, and rosemary can help keep your home smelling good while offering a pleasant, natural scent. Place fresh or dried herbs in small bowls, or tie them in a bundle and hang them in your kitchen or bathroom.

Cloves are another great natural odor eliminator due to their warm, spicy scent. To use them, either make a clove pomander by sticking cloves into an orange or simply place a small bowl of whole cloves in the desired area.

Vinegar is a powerful cleaner that can effectively eliminate bad odors. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, then use this solution to clean surfaces around your home, such as countertops, sinks, and floors.

Salt can work as a natural deodorizer, especially for kitchen surfaces. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt on cutting boards and countertops after preparing food to help absorb and remove any lingering smells.

Coffee grounds not only provide a pleasant aroma, but they can also absorb odors. Put some fresh coffee grounds in an open bowl and place it in the room that needs a scent boost.

By incorporating these everyday items into your cleaning routine, you’ll be able to keep your home smelling fresh and inviting in a natural and eco-friendly way.

How to Make Your Home Smell Good Using Essential Oils

Essential oils offer a fantastic way of creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere in your home. In this section, we’ll discuss various methods to utilize essential oils, including diffusing, DIY potpourri, and creating room sprays.

Diffusing Essential Oils

One of the most popular ways to use essential oils for a great-smelling home is through a diffuser.

Diffusers disperse a fine mist of essential oils into the air, which helps to spread the scent throughout your home. Some popular essential oils to use in a diffuser for a pleasant fragrance include lavender, eucalyptus, and lemon.

To use a diffuser, simply add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to the water in the diffuser and turn it on. The diffuser will create a fine mist that carries the scent of the oil into the air, leaving your home smelling fresh and inviting.

Essential Oils Potpourri

If you prefer a more natural approach, creating essential oil-infused potpourri is an excellent option. To make your own potpourri, you will need:

• A variety of dried flowers, herbs, or fruit peels (such as rose petals, lavender buds, or orange peels)
• A few drops of essential oil (such as lavender or eucalyptus)

Simply mix the dried ingredients in a bowl and add a few drops of essential oil. Gently mix the potpourri until the oil is evenly distributed.

Place the potpourri in decorative bowls or sachets and position them around your home. The scent from the essential oils will be released slowly, creating a subtle and natural fragrance.

Creating Room Sprays with Essential Oils

Room sprays are another effective way to make your home smell amazing with essential oils. To create a room spray, you will need:

• A 2-ounce spray bottle
• 1 ounce of distilled water
• 1 ounce of witch hazel
• 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil (lavender, eucalyptus, or another scent you enjoy)

Combine the water, witch hazel, and essential oil in the spray bottle. Shake well to mix the ingredients.

To use your room spray, mist it onto curtains, couches, and linens. Be sure to test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t stain or damage the fabric.

By using these three methods, you can create a fresh and inviting atmosphere in your home with essential oils. Whether you choose to diffuse oils, create potpourri, or make a room spray, your home will smell fantastic and feel welcoming to everyone who enters.

How to Make Your Home Smell Good Using Simmer Pots

Simmer pots are a fantastic and natural way to make your home smell wonderful. By simply combining appealing ingredients in a pot with water and allowing them to simmer, you create an aromatic experience that can lift your mood and impress your guests.

Here are two delicious simmer pot recipes to try:

Hearty Citrus Simmer Pot

A Hearty Citrus Simmer Pot brings together the pleasing scents of various citrus fruits, enchanting herbs, and warm spices. To make this uplifting simmer pot, fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil.

Add the following ingredients:

• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary

Lower the heat to a simmer and keep an eye on the pot every once in a while, making sure to add more water as needed. The zesty aroma of the citrus mingled with the soothing scent of rosemary and the delicate warmth of cinnamon and cloves will create an ah-mazing atmosphere in your home.

Optionally, you can also include herb sachets, such as basil or lime, to enhance the herbal notes.

Sweet and Spicy Simmer Pot

The Sweet and Spicy Simmer Pot offers a mesmerizing blend of fruity and spicy scents, perfect for cozying up on a cool evening. Once again, begin by filling a pot with water and bringing it to a boil.

Then, incorporate the following ingredients:

• 1 apple, cored and sliced
• 1 orange, sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon whole star anise
• 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg

Decrease the heat to a simmer and keep track of the water level, replenishing it as necessary. The comforting sweetness of the apple and orange, complemented by the robust spiciness of the cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and nutmeg, will envelop your home in a pleasant, inviting fragrance.

Remember to keep these simmer pots from boiling dry, and feel free to experiment with your favorite scents to customize your own unique simmer pot blends. The possibilities are endless, and your home (and guests!) will thank you for it.

How to Make Your Home Smell Good Using Scented Items More Creatively

Scented Candles and Their Alternatives

There’s nothing quite like lighting a scented candle to fill your home with a pleasant fragrance. Scented candles come in a variety of aromas, so you can find one that suits your taste.

However, if you’re looking for alternatives to candles, consider using wax melts or electric warmers.

Wax melts release fragrance without an open flame, while electric warmers heat essential oils, releasing their scent into the air. Both options are great for those who want to avoid candles but still enjoy a fragrant home.

Refreshing Linens with Spray and Sachets

Your linens, especially those stored in closets, can sometimes take on a musty smell. To give your sheets, towels, and blankets a refresh, try using a linen spray.

You can either purchase a pre-made spray or create your own by mixing essential oils with distilled water and a little bit of alcohol. Spritz the mixture onto your linens for a quick boost of freshness.

Another option to keep your linens smelling wonderful is to use sachets.

Fill small fabric bags with dried herbs, flowers, or scented beads, and tuck them in between your sheets, towels, and blankets. Sachets are an effortless way to maintain a pleasant aroma in your closets and linen storage areas.

Homemade Reed Diffusers

Reed diffusers are an attractive and low-maintenance method for dispersing fragrance throughout your home.

To create a homemade reed diffuser, you will need a narrow-necked vase or jar, reed sticks or bamboo skewers, and your chosen scent, such as essential oils mixed with a carrier oil. Fill the vase with the oil mixture and place the reeds in the vase, allowing them to soak up the scented oil and release it into the air.

You can customize the scent and strength of your diffuser by adjusting the oil mixture and the number of reeds. Replace the reeds periodically to maintain the fragrance in your home.

Addressing Specific Areas of the Home

No discussion of how to make your home smell good would be complete without addressing problem areas around your home. From the kitchen to the bathroom to everywhere your pet goes, we’ve got you covered!

Neutralizing Kitchen and Cooking Odors

To keep your kitchen smelling fresh, it’s important to clean up spills and messes right away. As mentioned earlier, baking soda does a killer job of absorbing bad smells.

Also, make sure to empty your trash can regularly and clean your garbage disposal. For a pleasant scent, you can simmer some lemon slices or vanilla extract in water on the stove.

Deodorizing the Bathroom

It’s essential to tackle bathroom odor in order to keep your home smelling great. Always make sure to clean your toilet and keep it well-maintained.

Additionally, take care of your shower and bathtub to prevent mold and mildew. An easy tip is to use some lemon water in the bathroom, which absorbs odors and provides a clean citrus scent.

Tackling Pet Odors

To reduce pet odors in your home, clean up any messes immediately and regularly wash your pet’s bed. Also, make sure to keep the litter box clean.

For a non-toxic pet odor neutralizer, mix baking soda with wild orange essential oil and add it to a spray bottle with distilled water. Spray this mixture on your pet’s bed and around the house to combat unpleasant smells.

Freshening the Fridge

It can be frustrating when your fridge smells bad. To address this issue, store an open box of baking soda inside your refrigerator to neutralize odors.

Alternatively, you can use coffee grounds in a small open bowl to help absorb bad smells. Remember to clean up any spills immediately and get rid of expired food to keep your fridge smelling good.

How to Make Your Home Smell Good by Preventing Smells from Accumulating

Some of the trickiest home odors don’t pop up overnight. They slowly accumulate over time, rising from a barely-noticable scent to an overpowering odor before you realize what’s happening.

Luckily, even those odors can be knocked out with the right tools and tips!

Cleaning Tips

Regular cleaning is key to maintaining a fresh-smelling home. Be sure to vacuum your rugs and carpets at least once a week to remove dust, dirt, and any lingering odors.

Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas and places where pets might hang out. Every few months, consider deep cleaning your carpets using a carpet cleaner or professional service.

Windows and curtains can also harbor dust and odors. Clean your windows regularly and wash your curtains according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Upholstery, like sofas and chairs, can also retain smells. Use a fabric spray or upholstery cleaner to freshen up your furniture on a regular basis.

Proper Ventilation

Proper airflow is crucial to prevent bad smells from accumulating in your home.

Open your windows regularly to let in fresh air and to help remove unpleasant odors. It’s a simple, yet effective way to keep your home smelling clean and fresh.

Air vents play a critical role in your home’s ventilation system.

Regularly clean your air vents to ensure they’re not clogged with dust, dirt, or debris. Schedule maintenance for your HVAC system at least once a year and change your air filters as recommended by the manufacturer.

Be mindful of moisture levels in your home, as high humidity can lead to unpleasant odors and even mold growth.

Utilize a dehumidifier in damp areas, like basements or bathrooms, and ensure proper ventilation with exhaust fans. Remember to hang wet towels, bath mats, and clothing to dry completely, as they can also contribute to unwanted smells and mold growth.

Natural Alternatives to Commercial Air Fresheners

Want to make your home smell fresh and clean without using chemical-filled commercial air fresheners? There are many natural ways to achieve that inviting aroma.

Here are a few simple ideas to try:

Essential oils: Diffusing essential oils is a great way to fill your home with delightful scents. Citrus essential oils such as lemon, orange, and grapefruit can create an energizing atmosphere. You can also use eucalyptus to promote respiratory health or tea tree for its antimicrobial properties.

Homemade reed diffusers: A reed diffuser oil is another method for dispersing pleasant scents throughout your home. You can create your blend by mixing essential oils with a carrier oil.

Natural carpet deodorizer: Sprinkle a mixture of baking soda, cornstarch, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil on your carpets to eliminate lingering smells. Let it sit for a few minutes before vacuuming it up.

DIY room spray: Fill a spray bottle with water, alcohol, and essential oils to create a homemade air freshener that will instantly refresh any space. Just give it a few spritzes whenever you need a quick scent boost.

Coffee and tea: Use the natural aromas of coffee and tea to your advantage. Placing a bowl of coffee beans in a small room can make a significant impact on the smell. Similarly, hanging herbal tea sachets in a closet or small space can serve as a gentle neutralizer.

By incorporating these natural alternatives, you can enjoy a pleasant-smelling home without relying on commercial air fresheners. Your home will smell fresh and inviting while remaining free of harsh chemicals.

Give these ideas a try and transform your space into a haven of gorgeous fragrances.

Closing Thoughts on How to Make Your Home Smell Good

Making your home smell good can greatly enhance its atmosphere and your overall comfort. By following a few simple tips, you can create a welcoming and pleasant environment for both you and your guests. (We know you’re all about how to be a good host!)

Firstly, consider using baking soda and essential oils to create a natural air freshener. This mixture can be sprayed in the air or onto fabrics, effectively removing odors and leaving a fresh scent behind.

In addition, don’t underestimate the power of absorbing odors with baking soda.

Placing open containers of baking soda around your home can help prevent unpleasant smells from taking over. It’s a great way to neutralize strong cooking odors and maintain a fresh atmosphere in your living space.

Regular cleaning is also vital in maintaining a good-smelling home. Specific areas, such as trash cans, carpets, and pet areas, should receive particular attention as they tend to harbor unpleasant odors.

Lastly, remember that scents play a significant role in creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Experiment with different scents that appeal to you and your preferences, and make sure to change them up occasionally to keep your home feeling fresh and welcoming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best non-toxic ways to scent your home?

There are many natural options for creating a pleasant scent in your home. You can use essential oils in a diffuser, which not only makes your home smell good but also provides therapeutic benefits.

Other options include simmering herbs and spices on your stove, using beeswax candles, and placing fresh flowers or plants around your home. You can also try using baking soda to absorb bad smells.

How can I quickly make my house smell good?

If you’re in a rush, there are quick ways to freshen up your home.

You can light scented candles or spray air fresheners, use a stovetop potpourri, or run a diffuser with your favorite essential oils. Opening windows and doors for a few minutes can also help circulate fresh air and remove any lingering odors.

What are some methods to make a bedroom smell good?

To make your bedroom smell good, start by ensuring clean linens and regular vacuuming of floors and furniture.

You can use an essential oil diffuser, scented candles, or sachets of dried lavender to create a pleasant aroma. Another tip is to place baking soda in areas where odors may be trapped, like in your mattress or inside your wardrobe.

How can I keep my home smelling nice with pets around?

To maintain a fresh-smelling home with pets, clean any pet-related messes promptly and groom your pets regularly. Washing their bedding and toys can also help reduce odors.

Using an air purifier and regularly vacuuming can help remove pet hair and dander from the air, and placing baking soda or activated charcoal in areas where your pet spends a lot of time can help absorb any lingering smells.

What are the top products to make a house smell good?

There is a wide variety of products designed to make your house smell good. Popular choices include essential oil diffusers, scented candles, air fresheners, room sprays, and reed diffusers.

When choosing a product, consider your personal preferences, the size of the area you want to scent, and whether the product is non-toxic and safe for your family and pets.

How do I make my home smell good for showing?

To make your home smell good for showing, start by thoroughly cleaning and decluttering. Remove any sources of bad odors, including dirty laundry and garbage.

Open windows and doors prior to the showing to allow fresh air in, and use subtle scented products like candles or air fresheners. You can also try baking cookies or simmering a pot of water with cinnamon and citrus to create a welcoming scent.

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