Cleaning your home is a necessity, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. With a few simple tricks, you can make my house smell incredible while I tidy up. Not only will this make cleaning more enjoyable, but it will also create a welcoming environment for me, my family, and any guests that visit.
Use Natural Air Fresheners
One of the best ways to make my home smell great is to use natural air fresheners. These are easy to make and provide wonderful aromas without using harsh chemicals. Here are some of my favorite homemade air freshener ideas:
Simmer pots of water
- Boil cinnamon sticks, citrus peels, and vanilla in water and let it simmer on the stove. The steam will spread the scent.
- You can also add herbs like rosemary, basil, or lavender.
- Change up the ingredients based on the season – try cranberry and pine in winter.
Bake up goodness
- Before guests come over, bake cookies, banana bread or cinnamon rolls.
- The smells are warm, welcoming and make my house smell amazing.
- If I don’t have time to actually bake, store-bought cookie dough baked just before they arrive works too!
DIY reed diffusers
- Add essential oils like lemon, eucalyptus, or bergamot to a carrier oil.
- Pour into a jar filled with reeds or bamboo.
- The oil will soak up the reeds and scent the room.
Strategically Place Scented Candles
Scented candles can make any room smell incredible, but strategic placement is key. When using candles to scent my home during cleaning, I:
- Place them in areas I’ll be working in like the kitchen or living room. This puts the scent right where I need it.
- Put candles on elevated surfaces so the fragrance disperses better.
- Go for soothing scents like lavender or eucalyptus that promote relaxation while I clean.
- Always blow candles out before leaving a room to prevent fires.
Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are extremely concentrated, so they provide a powerful aromatic punch. I use them while cleaning in a few ways:
Diffusers
- Add drops of essential oils like lemon, rosemary or tea tree to a diffuser.
- The mist will scent and humidify the air.
- I can move my diffuser from room to room as I clean.
DIY cleaning products
- Make a homemade all-purpose cleaner by adding lemon oil to vinegar and water.
- Include lavender oil and tea tree oil when making laundry detergent or dish soap.
- The cleaning power is boosted and my home smells amazing!
Scented mop water
- Add a few drops of essential oil to the water before mopping floors.
- As I clean, the motion releases the aroma into the air.
- Peppermint, eucalyptus, and pine oils work well for floor cleaning.
Open Windows at Strategic Times
One free and easy way to make my house smell great is to let fresh air in. I open windows at key times when cleaning to take advantage of natural scents:
- In the morning to let in the smells of dew and blooming flowers.
- While vacuuming to air out furniture.
- After using cleaning products so chemical odors can dissipate.
- Near the end to send good smells throughout my home.
Use Flower Power
Flowers look beautiful and also provide wonderful natural fragrance. To scent my home with flowers, I:
- Display fresh flower arrangements in entryways, living rooms, and other central locations.
- Keep blooming plants like gardenias, jasmine, and lilacs in outdoor areas near open windows.
- Mix dried lavender or rose petals in with potpourri.
Cleaning doesn’t have to mean smelly chemicals and staleness. With this handy guide, I can make my house smell fresh, floral, and amazing as I tidy up. My home will become an oasis of beautiful scents that uplift my mood and make cleaning a breeze.
