11 Quick And Simple Ways To Have The Whole House Smelling Great
February 21, 2020
source: The Family Freezer
I’m not too proud to admit that I sometimes have a hard time keeping our house smelling good. Between kids who do sports, the dog, and lingering cooking odors, our house doesn’t always smell as clean or fresh as I’d like. I hate the overpowering, artificial smell of plug-in air fresheners, so I’m always on the lookout for different options. Thankfully, there are lots of quick and simple tips for keeping your house smelling wonderful without having to use harsh, chemical-filled products!
1. Baking Soda
Before filling your home with more pleasant scents, it’s firstly important to deodorize. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto your furniture, carpets, curtains, etc. Let the baking soda sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up. The baking soda will trap unpleasant odors and neutralize whatever you’re sprinkling it on.
2. Air-Purifying Plants
There are multiple household plants that will actually purify the air throughout your home, leaving it cleaner and fresher-smelling. English ivy, spider plant, aloe vera, and weeping fig are all awesome air-purifying plants.
3. Potpourri
I remember my grandmother using potpourri, and I still use it today! Before having company over, add some water, cinnamon sticks, and dried apple slices into a pot of water and simmer. The smell will waft throughout your house, leaving it smelling wonderful. There are so many different variations of potpourri – choose whatever is your favorite!
4. Eucalyptus
Hang a few boughs of eucalyptus from your shower head. The steam from the hot shower will activate the eucalyptus, leaving your washroom (and beyond) smelling like a clean, fresh spa!
5. Garbage Disposal Deodorizers
Over time, the garbage disposal can start to take on a horrible odor. In an ice cube tray, fill each compartment with distilled vinegar and a piece of lemon rind. Freeze the tray. You can drop a cube into the garbage disposal whenever it starts to get stinky.
6. DIY Lavender Spray
I love having a bottle of linen spray on hand. You can make your own using some lavender essential oil, purified water, and baking soda. Spritz the solution on your linens for a calming, lovely scent in your bedroom.
7. Diffuser
Diffusers seem to be all the rage right now. Just drop a few drops of your favorite essential oil in with some water, and the fresh scent will spread throughout your home. Just be mindful that many essential oils can be harmful to pets, so you likely won’t want to use a diffuser if you have furry friends in your home.
8. Dried Herbs
Don’t underestimate the power of dried herbs! Hanging or placing dried herbs (such as lavender or rosemary) throughout your home will create a wonderful, subtle smell!
9. Less Stinky Garbage
Garbages are always going to smell, but there is a trick for making them smell less. When you go to put a fresh bag in your garbage can, add a few drops of lemon essential oil to a cotton ball and place the cotton ball at the bottom of the bag. This helps – seriously!
10. Fresh Air
Another thing to never underestimate? The power of fresh air. Even the cleanest home can begin to smell stuffy and stale over time. Take advantage of every nice day, and throw open those windows!
11. Regular Cleaning Schedule
There are only so many tricks you can try to achieve a better-smelling home if your home isn’t clean in the first place. Having a fresh-smelling home is largely dependent on maintaining a regular cleaning schedule. This includes cleaning the washrooms, vacuuming, dusting, and washing linens regularly.
Now that you know these simple yet effective tips, hopefully your home will be well on its way to smelling cleaner and fresher.