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Make A House Smell Good

A tidy room is undoubtedly nice, but a clean room with a fresh scent can really brighten up your home. Why not take this extra step and make your house just a bit cozier? There are myriad ways to do so, and most take very little time at all.

Here are some ideas that might come in handy when you’re figuring out how to make a house smell good after your daily cleaning or tidying.

Candle Warmers

When it comes to figuring out how to make your home smell good, scented candles are by far one of the easiest methods available. And, thanks to candle warmers, you no longer have to worry about soot or smoke. In addition, scented wax discs may retain their scent longer, as you’re heating the wax rather than burning it. There are thousands of different scents on the market, so choose your favorite and your home could be filled with traces of pumpkin pie or fresh vanilla in a matter of minutes.

Essential Oil Sprays and Diffusers

Diffusers and sprays that contain essential oils are all the rage right now and with good reason: They emit delicious aromas that gently waft through your home. You can easily purchase a diffuser online or in the store. You can also buy sprays, but if you enjoy a good DIY project, they’re pretty easy to make.

You’ll need:
  • An 8-ounce spray bottle with a fine mister
  • 2 tablespoons of high-proof vodka or real vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup of water (Distilled or tap will work fine.)
  • A combination of essential oils
Tip: The best smelling essential oils for home fragrances will depend on your personal tastes. Try combining complementary scents, like chamomile, lavender and vanilla or a mixture of different citrus oils. A blend of rosemary, lemon and lavender also yields a yummy aroma, as does wild orange with peppermint. Start small with just a few drops at a time and work your way up to more. In a bottle this size, you probably won’t need more than 20 drops total of all your oils, so keep that in mind as you go.
  1. Pour all of the ingredients into your spray bottle.
  2. Shake well to combine.
  3. Spritz whenever your rooms are in need of perking up.

Houseplants

A potted palm or hanging fern is a great way to add a splash of color and life to any room. But if you choose your plants right, you could have the added bonus of a sweet-smelling home. Fragrant herbs, like rosemary, thyme and basil, can often thrive in kitchen windows, assuming you get good light and have ample space. You could also opt for larger potted houseplants, such as jasmine, scented geraniums or even citrus trees.

Note: If you have small children, keep houseplants out of reach unless you’re absolutely certain they’re non-toxic. Additionally, many plants that are safe for humans may be hazardous to furry and feathered friends. Research any greenery you bring into the home to make sure you’re not introducing toxins into your pets’ environment.

Simmer Pots

One quick way to make your home smell fresh and clean is to whip up a simmer pot. The nice thing about this method is that you may be able to make it with ingredients you already have at home, especially if you have an herb garden. There are plenty of recipes online for different simmer pot ingredients. Here’s just one of the many a search will yield.

You’ll need:
  • A medium sauce pot
  • Several sprigs of basil, rosemary or lavender
  • A sliced lemon
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla
  • 2 cups of water
  1. Mix all the ingredients in your pot and place on the stove.
  2. Simmer the pot on low. As the mixture evaporates, it will permeate your home with the delightful aroma of citrus, vanilla and fresh herbs.
  3. Keep an eye on your simmer pot, as the solid ingredients will burn once the liquid evaporates completely.
  4. Add water as needed to keep your simmer pot going until your entire home smells delicious.
Now you know how to make a house smell good. But remember, while these scents are lovely, they’ll only mask a stench if you haven’t cleaned properly. Make sure you’re effectively taking care of bad smells by learning how to deodorize your home.