There’s nothing quite like stepping through your front door and being greeted by a welcoming, fresh scent. It sets the tone for relaxation, coziness, and maybe even a little pride when guests drop by. Because let’s be honest, we’ve all walked into a space (maybe even our own) and thought, “What is that smell?” But, bare in mind, maintaining a home that smells good isn’t just about masking odors; it’s also about creating a space that feels clean and inviting.
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The starting point of a fresh smelling house
If you really want your house to naturally smell good, you need to address the source of any odors first, that is, maintaining home cleanliness. I know, it sounds obvious, but no amount of candles or sprays can fully cover up odors from lingering trash, musty corners, or yesterday’s dinner. Once you’ve tackled the root cause, you can start layering in fresh, inviting scents to truly transform your home.
I’ve put together this guide with practical tips to keep your house smelling amazing around the clock. From natural methods to clever uses of fragrance products, you’ll learn how to infuse your living space with beautiful scents while maintaining that crisp, fresh feel.
17 Tips to make your home smell amazing 24/7
1 | Freshen up bedding
Wash your sheets weekly for that crisp, ‘ahh’ feeling. Fresh bedding instantly makes your room smell and feel more inviting—turning it into a haven of comfort and relaxation.
2 | Keep your bin fresh
Your trash bin can quickly become a hotspot for stubborn odors. Stay ahead of the smell by frequently changing the bags and scrubbing the bin with soapy water and a sprinkle of baking soda. For an extra boost, I like to sprinkle in some bin deodorizer powder—it absorbs liquids, controls odors, and adds a light, subtle scent.
3 | Refresh carpets and upholstery
Vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly as this is where smells tend to hide. Pro tip: sprinkle baking soda or a carpet powder on your carpets before vacuuming to help neutralize odors. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
4 | Embrace natural ventilation
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. Open your windows! Even a 10-minute blast of fresh air can work wonders, especially after cooking or during those musty winter months when everything feels a bit stale. If you live in a busy urban area and are worried about pollution, a high-quality air purifier is your go-to. It’s like giving your home a breath of fresh air without the street noise.
5 | Wash dirty dishes and drains
I get it, it’s late and sometimes the dishes seem like a huge obstacle, but leaving them unwashed is an open invitation for odors, trust me! Wash them promptly or as you go to keep your home smelling fresh and the task a little easier.
While you’re at it, don’t overlook the kitchen drain—a common culprit for lingering smells. I like to pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water, to eliminate build-up and refresh the area.
6 | Keep on top of your laundry
Ever noticed how a forgotten load in the washer can make an entire room smell funky? Same. Make it a habit to wash laundry regularly and add a touch of fabric softener or dryer sheets with scents you love. PSA: Don’t forget about your washing machine! A quick wipe-down and a monthly deep clean with washing machine tablets can keep it running fresh and odor-free.
7 | Clean kitchen appliances
Ever notice a mystery smell in your kitchen? Appliances like the fridge, microwave, and toaster are often the culprits. Forgotten crumbs, splatters, and expired food can build up odors fast. Regularly clean these appliances, paying attention to all those hidden nooks, to keep your kitchen smelling fresh and inviting.
8 | Address stuffy areas
Every home has its quirks. Maybe it’s a stuffy closet or a smelly shoe rack. For these areas, targeted solutions work best. A small scented sachet in the closet, or a spritz of deodorizer in shoes can make all the difference! Also make sure to air out these closed spaces often by opening them up to allow fresh air to enter in.
9 | Tackle pet belongings
If you have pets, you know our furry friends can make keeping our home smelling fresh quite … tricky. Regularly wash pet beds, clean their toys, and empty litter trays to keep odors in check. Don’t forget to vacuum hidden corners where pet hair and dander collect!
10 | Keep plants and flowers for a natural burst of freshness
Let’s talk greenery. Plants are a double win—not only are they aesthetically pleasing but they also help to purify the air and add natural fragrances to your home.
Think lush houseplants dotted around your home, vibrant flowers on tables, aromatic herbs on kitchen countertops, eucalyptus hanging in the shower. The list is ENDLESS! Just don’t forget to change the water regularly—stagnant water isn’t the scent you’re going for!
11 | Heat up a simmer pot
On days when I want an instant burst of cozy fragrance, I’ll throw together a simmer pot. It’s as simple as boiling water with a mix of fragrant goodies—think orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and even rosemary. Not only does it smell divine, but it also adds a touch of warmth and hominess to my space.
12 | Light high-quality scented candles
I’m a sucker for scented candles, there’s something about the way they uplift the ambience and subtly perfume my home that makes me feel super giddy and cozy inside! But here’s the thing—not all candles are created equal. Cheap ones can give off that ‘artificial’ vibe or, worse, barely emit any scent at all. Go for soy or beeswax candles with natural essential oils to really amp up your space!
13 | Make potpourri
Take on a DIY project and create homemade potpourri! It’s therapeutic and will make your home smell like a botanical garden. Just combine your favorite dried flowers, essential oils, and spices in a bowl, or opt for ready-made potpourri. This mix adds freshness and aesthetic charm to any space.
14 | Use reed diffusers
Reed diffusers are a super easy way to keep your home smelling amazing without much effort. Just set one up in any room, and let the reeds soak up the fragrance, slowly releasing it into the air. They’re perfect if you want a subtle, constant scent that isn’t overpowering. They not only smell great but also add a touch of style to your space!
15 | Bake something
Baking always creates that irresistible fresh, cozy scent! Whether it’s cookies, bread, or pies, the smell fills your home with warmth, offering a comfort that candles can only dream off!
16 | Use essential oils
Essential oils are a simple and powerful way to keep your home smelling great! A few drops can transform any room’s ambiance. Whether you prefer lavender, chamomile, or citrus, you can easily customize the scent to fit your mood, preference or season. I like to test blend oils frequently, and use them in my trusty diffuser, sprays, or homemade deodorizer sachets.
17 | Try pomanders
Try making pomanders to naturally scent your home! These simple orange-and-clove scent balls have been used for centuries to add a warm, spicy aroma. To make one, pick firm oranges and press cloves into the skin in any pattern you like. As they dry, they release a lovely fragrance while also serving as cute décor!
Pursuing that “zero odor” freshness
As mentioned before, I’ve learned that you can’t just mask unwelcome odors with perfumes – it’s like putting on deodorant without taking a shower, it just doesn’t fix the root issue! That’s why I’m all about reaching that ‘nothing’ smell first and foremost, where you walk into a room and there’s just pure, clean air.
Here are ways to do just that:
• Neutralize, don’t mask – for a truly fresh smelling home, target the cause of odor first rather than just covering them up.
• Moisture equals trouble – moisture is often a sneaky problem inviting all sorts of funky smells into your home. A dehumidifier is a real game changer to keep your home moisture free and decrease the chances of mould and mildew.
• Watch the little things – regularly switch out sponges and ensure towels are completely dry before folding or storing away.
The bottom line
At the end of the day, maintaining a home that smells good isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s about committing to regular cleaning, a consistent routine and introducing scents you love in a way that feels natural.
So, whether you’re lighting a candle after dinner, refreshing your linens with a quick spritz of fabric spray, or opening a window to let in the morning breeze, these small steps add up to create a home that smells—and feels—like a dreamy sanctuary!
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