Creating a home that smells good is one of the easiest and most underrated ways to elevate the feel of your home. A fresh-smelling house feels much more inviting to guests, makes a positive first impression, and can even boost your own mood.
But, while many people turn to artificial air fresheners or strongly scented candles to achieve this effect, these solutions aren’t as good as they seem. Artificial scents are known for containing chemicals that can irritate the lungs, trigger allergies, and even disrupt hormones.
That’s why I’m sharing this guide on how to keep your house smelling good naturally. These methods are healthier and safer, but also highly effective. So, if you’re ready to ditch synthetic fragrances for good and embrace healthier alternatives, keep reading!
How To Make Your House Smell Good Naturally
This post will be your go-to guide for safe, natural, and sustainable ways to say goodbye to bad odors and fill your home with scents that smell great. Making your house smell good naturally has never been easier with these tips. Whether you’re dealing with lingering odors or just want your home to smell fresh every day, this post has got you covered!
What Makes Your House Smell Good All The Time?
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a miracle worker. In my opinion, it should be in every home simply because of how universal it is. Baking soda is ideal for neutralizing bad odors, especially in places like closets, bathrooms, and refrigerators. It doesn’t have a strong scent itself, but it gets rid of lingering odors to help your space smell fresh naturally. Just place an open container of baking soda where odors tend to build up (such as in your fridge or in the bathroom) or sprinkle it on carpeted areas.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is yet another godsend when it comes to universal items in your home. It’s great for cleaning up grime and neutralizing any bad odors that are making your home smell less than ideal. It’s cost-effective, easy to find, and easy to use. Does it get much better than that?
Essential Oils
Essential oils like lavender, lemon, eucalyptus and peppermint offer a nice range of natural fragrance options. Add just a few drops in a diffuser or spray bottle with water and spritz it around your home. Essential oils don’t just smell good they can also have calming or energizing effects.
Simmering Pot
Also known as stovetop potpourri, a simmering pot is a great way to bring inviting scents into your home. With citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and more, it’s a great way to add a seasonal scent to your home.
Fresh Plants/Herbs
Live plants like rosemary, eucalyptus, and basil can give off a very clean, subtle scent while also purifying the air. Place them in open spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, or living rooms to make your home smell fresh.
Scented Candles
If you love the ambience of candles, you don’t have to say goodbye to them completely. Simply opt for those made from soy, coconut, or beeswax with natural essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. These provide a pleasant yet subtle scent without the added health risks that are associated with paraffin or heavily perfumed candles.
Fresh Flowers
There’s nothing more beautiful than fresh flowers in your home especially when they smell good, too! I adore the smell of fresh flowers and how they can add a pop of color and a sweet scent wherever you place them. There’s nothing quite like it; they add elegance, fragrance, and a touch of nature indoors.
How To Make Your House Smell Good Naturally
Open up the windows.
One of the easiest and most effective things you can do to remove stale air in your home and bring in a fresh scent is to open the windows. Even just 10 minutes of open window time a day can dramatically improve the air quality in your home. Plus, I find it so peaceful and relaxing feeling the cool breeze sweep through. It almost feels like it washes out any bad energy or negativity, like a total reset at the end of each day.
Use a spray bottle or diffuser with essential oils.
Another great way to help your house smell good naturally is to mix some water and a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle for a quick and easy room refresh. Glass bottles are much better for this as they preserve the smell of the spray for longer and you can also refill them as needed. This DIY air freshener is perfect for eliminating bad odors and leaving a nice, subtle scent behind.
Clean with hot water and vinegar.
Hot water and vinegar is a natural staple in my home for how well it cleans and removes any odors. I just mix hot water with a tablespoon or two of white vinegar to clean surfaces like countertops, floors, and sinks. It’s definitely my go-to for when the house needs a quick wipe down at the end of the day.
Simmer a slow cooker potpourri.
This one is an elite option for making your home smell delicious. I like to place herbs, citrus peels, and even some essential oils mixed with water in a slow cooker and set it to low. It gives such a warm, homely feel thanks to all of the seasonal smells. Keeping it on a warm, low setting acts like a slow-release fragrance and can keep your home smelling amazing all day.
Deodorize carpets with baking soda.
Sick of chemical-filled, overpowering carpet deodorizer? Me too! Simply sprinkle some baking soda onto your carpets, let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, and then vacuum it up. This is one of my favorite ways to tackle any residual carpet smells.
Add in subtle scents with sachets.
If you’re looking for a more subtle, clean smell that lingers, small sachets filled with dried lavender, rosemary, or cedar chips in drawers, closets, and under pillows are a great idea. These subtle scent sachets will slowly release fragrance over time and help to keep your home and everything in it smelling pleasant.
Eliminate any moisture.
If you’re consistently struggling with odors in your home, it’s important to figure out what may be causing it. Damp areas such as basements, bathrooms, or closets can harbor mildew and cause bad odors. Use a dehumidifier or moisture-absorbing crystals to tackle these areas head-on.
Wash your linens frequently.
Another good tip is to make sure that you wash your linens often. Of course, we all know to wash our bedding regularly, but we often overlook other linen materials throughout the home such as curtains, pillows, and upholstery. These types of things can trap lingering odors, making your home smell. Wash them regularly with a natural detergent and add a few drops of essential oils during the rinse cycle for a more crisp freshness.
Air out cushions and rugs.
Much like linens, cushions and rugs can trap smells. Make sure you take your cushions, rugs, and heavy blankets outside to air out occasionally. Sunlight and fresh air work wonders in reviving these items and getting rid of any stale smells.
Have your house smelling as lovely as it looks with these easy tips!
Making your house smell good naturally isn’t just possible it’s actually pretty easy when it comes down to it. Whether you’re using a simmering pot, baking soda, a beeswax candle, or a combination of these, each method can work wonders to freshen up your space. Better yet, they don’t just mask bad odors they eliminate them and create a healthier living environment for you and your family.
But if you’re looking to tackle the root cause of unpleasant scents before adding things in, you might want to begin with a deep clean instead. Check out this spring cleaning house checklist for a handy guide on how you can get your home sparkling clean and smelling amazing for the new season!
Try adding in a few of these tips to your home and see how quickly it once again smells fresh, clean, and inviting. Trust me, you’ll never go back to chemicals again! And don’t forget to head over to Margaret of York for everyday inspiration on fashion, home decor, cleaning hacks, and all things stylish living.
