Have you ever entered a home that left a lasting impression due to its delightful aroma? The kind of scent that makes you overlook the scattered toys on the floor and instead focus on how inviting the atmosphere feels? Today, I’m excited to share 11 ways to make your house smell absolutely amazing! Our sense of smell plays a significant role in how we perceive our environment, often in ways we might not even recognize.
According to How Stuff Works, our sense of smell is intricately linked to our memories and emotions, which can drastically influence how we view our surroundings. For instance, think about the times you’ve walked into a neat space yet felt it was unclean due to an unpleasant odor lingering in the air. You might not see anything out of place, but that foul smell can easily skew your perception of cleanliness. Conversely, when you catch a whiff of lemon or bleach, it often invokes a sense of freshness and tidiness. Personally, I feel a lot more at ease using a public restroom that has that clean bleach scent.
There are numerous strategies to ensure your home smells fantastic, ranging from eliminating bad odors to introducing pleasant fragrances. Below, I’ve compiled some effective methods to banish unpleasant smells as well as some of my favorite tips to create an inviting aroma in your home.
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1. Clean the Garbage Can
The garbage can and its storage area are notorious for harboring unpleasant odors. Regularly clean and sanitize both the can and the surrounding area. I recommend spraying and soaking your garbage can with hydrogen peroxide or a bleach solution at least once a month. Additionally, wipe down the interior of the cabinet where the garbage can resides with a disinfectant spray cleaner to keep bad smells at bay.
2. Tackle Refrigerator Smells
Old food lurking in the refrigerator can create an unpleasant stench. Make it a habit to check for expired items regularly. Wipe the caps of condiments before placing them back in the fridge to prevent sticky residue. Immediately clean any spills, and don’t forget to inspect crisper drawers for leftover bits of fruits and vegetables. I prefer using soap and water for cleaning, finishing up with a touch of lemon juice on my rag for a refreshing scent. If odors persist, placing a bowl or an open box of baking soda in the back of the refrigerator can help absorb unwanted smells.
3. Clean Your Drains
Sometimes, the things we wash down our drains can leave behind an odor. To counteract this, run hot water down the drain for a few minutes after disposing of any food. Cleaning your drains on a regular basis is essential. You can utilize commercial cleaners or opt for a natural solution. Combine 1/2 cup of baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide to create a thin, pourable mixture. Pour this down the drain and let it sit for about 15 minutes before flushing with cold water for five minutes.
4. Eliminate Garbage Disposal Odors
Garbage disposals are particularly vulnerable to bad smells due to the food particles that can accumulate. Clean your disposal using a commercial cleaner or simply run it with ice cubes and lemon pieces to freshen it up. Don’t forget to scrub the underside of the rubber splash guard, as this area can trap odors. I’ve had great success using a bottle brush for this task.
5. Deal With Pet Odors
Pet odors can be challenging, and it’s crucial to address them before you become ‘nose-blind’ to them. Regularly vacuum carpets and clean fabric furniture, as odors tend to cling to these materials. For organic messes, use an enzyme cleaner to break down the bacteria that cause the smells. If you own cats, there are additional tips available for maintaining a clean home that applies to all pets.
6. Make Your Toilet Smell Good
Toilets can quickly become unpleasant. Alongside regular cleaning of the toilet bowl, ensure you clean around the base and the hinges of the seat. After a thorough bathroom deep clean, consider dropping a scented toilet bomb into the bowl, lighting a favorite candle, or hanging a eucalyptus spray from the shower head. For those particularly odorous moments, keep a small bottle of Poo-Pourri handy.
7. Use a Potpourri Crock
A mini crockpot can work wonders for filling your home with delightful scents. Fill it halfway with water, add your favorite ingredients, and let it simmer. This simple method can infuse your space with comforting aromas. Popular combinations include:
- 1 cup of your favorite potpourri
- 1/4 cup of lavender flowers mixed with 2 teaspoons of vanilla essential oil
- A sprig of rosemary, 1 sliced lemon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla essential oil
- 1 sliced orange, 1 teaspoon of cloves, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla essential oil
- A cinnamon stick combined with 1 sliced orange
- 1 slice of pineapple and 2 slices of mango
Feel free to experiment with different fruits, spices, and juices to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
8. Heat Wax Melts
Wax warmers are another excellent option for dispersing pleasant fragrances throughout your home. Available in various sizes, you can choose larger models for countertops or smaller plug-in versions for bathrooms. Some popular scents to consider include:
- Salted Caramel
- Cinnamon Buns
- Mulberry
- Sandalwood
- Dark Cherry
9. Embrace Essential Oils
There are countless ways to incorporate essential oils into your home. Here are a few favorites:
- Use an oil diffuser to fill the air with your preferred essential oil scent.
- Place a few drops of your favorite oil on the inside of the toilet paper roll; this activates the scent every time the paper is used.
- Drip essential oil onto your furnace filter for a gentle scent throughout the house.
- Create your own room spray by mixing your favorite essential oil with witch hazel and distilled water.
10. Use Scented Pine Cones
Place scented pine cones near your heating vents. When the furnace kicks on, it will disperse the delightful scent throughout your home. During the holiday season, I love using cinnamon and spice-scented pine cones to create a festive aroma.
11. Bake or Cook Something Yummy
My absolute favorite way to make my house smell incredible is by baking or cooking delicious meals. The heat from the oven or stove releases the enticing aromas of your culinary creations, enveloping your entire home in mouthwatering scents. Think about the delightful smells of chocolate chip cookies, coffee cake, or freshly baked bread. Keeping ready-to-bake cookie dough in the freezer allows you to whip up a batch of cookies at a moment’s notice when expecting guests.
Enjoy Your Wonderful Smelling Home
Now that you have an array of techniques to make your home smell amazing, I’d love to hear from you! What hacks or tips do you use to keep your space smelling fresh and inviting?
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