A pleasant-smelling home can instantly uplift your mood and make guests feel warmly welcomed. Beyond avoiding the habits of those with less-than-fresh homes, there are plenty of ways to ensure your space smells inviting.
Maintaining a great fragrance throughout your home means addressing unpleasant odors in every room, including the entryway. Scents have the power to evoke strong emotions and transform how you feel, so it’s essential to keep your home smelling fresh and inviting by eliminating unwanted odors.
By exploring a variety of scenting methods and thoughtfully selecting fragrances, you can create a home that not only looks beautiful but also delights the senses, leaving a lasting impression on you and your guests.
HOUSEPLANTS
Freshen your bathroom with houseplants
Houseplants are more than just decorative; they’re natural air purifiers that add pleasant, subtle scents to your home. Muffetta Krueger, founder of Muffetta’s Domestic Assistants, recommends incorporating fragrant flowers like roses, jasmine, lavender, or lilacs for an elegant touch.
Strategically place bouquets on entryway tables, coffee tables, or nightstands to spread their fragrance. Additionally, indoor plants like aloe vera, lavender, and mint can enhance your home’s aroma while offering culinary benefits.
POTPOURRI
Crafting homemade potpourri is an easy and festive way to make your home smell amazing. Simmering a mix of water, citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, and fresh herbs like rosemary on the stove not only releases delightful aromas but also adds a touch of rustic charm. Arrange potpourri bowls in various rooms for a natural, lingering fragrance.
ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils provide a concentrated, customizable way to scent your home. Cleaning expert Prerna Jain recommends adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a carrier, like water or jojoba oil, in a diffuser. Place the diffuser in a central spot, such as the living room, for maximum impact.
Adjust your fragrance to match the season—opt for citrusy notes in summer and cozy scents like cinnamon or vanilla in colder months. The Jack & Rose Room Diffuser (available on Amazon) is a popular choice for its quiet operation and relaxing ambiance.
LINEN AND ROOM SPRAYS
High-quality linen and room sprays are another effective way to keep your home smelling fresh. Parveen Garg, manager at Ola Clean, suggests spritzing upholstery, curtains, and bed linens with calming chamomile in bedrooms or invigorating citrus in living spaces.
DIY room sprays are easy to make—combine distilled water, essential oils, and a splash of witch hazel in a spray bottle. Shake well and mist whenever needed. Enhance freshness further by placing scented sachets or dryer sheets in closets and drawers.
BAKING SODA
Baking soda is a powerful natural deodorizer, ideal for neutralizing lingering odors in kitchens, bathrooms, and beyond. Interior designer Elizabeth Grace recommends sprinkling baking soda on carpets, mattresses, and upholstery, letting it sit for a few hours, and then vacuuming thoroughly.
Other tips include placing small bowls of baking soda in areas prone to bad smells, like refrigerators, trash cans, or near pet beds. Adding a layer of baking soda beneath your trash liner can also help disinfect and neutralize odors.
