Freshening up your home’s scent can transform the ambiance from lived-in to spa-like serenity. Here are eleven clever ways to keep your home smelling fresh, inspired by the wisdom of home improvement guru Bob Vila.
Simmer Your Way to Aromatic Bliss
Forget dusty potpourri. Instead, simmer water with slices of citrus and herbs on the stove. This old-fashioned method lets you mix and match ingredients for a custom scent.
Shower with Scents
Create a spa-like shower experience by hanging eucalyptus or other aromatic herbs in the corner. The steam releases the essential oils, filling your bathroom with a refreshing fragrance.
Filter in Fragrance
Add a few drops of essential oil to your furnace filter. As air circulates, it carries the scent throughout your home, subtly infusing each room with a pleasant aroma.
Fresh Laundry All Day
Place dryer sheets behind vents to spread the clean laundry scent throughout your house. Remember to change them regularly as they dry out.
Spritz and Scent
Mix water with a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle for a homemade room freshener. It’s a simple and natural way to enhance the atmosphere.
Scented Toilet Paper Rolls
Place a few drops of essential oil inside the cardboard tube of your toilet paper roll for a fresh scent that’s released with every spin.
DIY Reed Diffusers
Fill a small jar with safflower oil, add some essential oil, and place reeds inside. The oil travels up the reeds, dispersing scent into the air. For a quick fix, dab oil onto a cool light bulb; when turned on, it warms and releases the fragrance.
Disposal Refreshers
Combat garbage disposal odors with citrus peels and baking soda or vinegar. Make DIY refresher pods to toss in when needed.
Carpet Deodorizer
Freshen carpets with a mix of baking soda and essential oils. Sprinkle, let sit, then vacuum for a chemical-free refresh.
Tea Leaves in the Litter Box
Sprinkle dry tea leaves in the cat litter box. Their antibacterial properties help neutralize odors.
Coffee Bean Candle Bowls
Place a vanilla candle in a bowl of coffee beans. As the candle warms, it releases the rich scent of French vanilla coffee.
Remember, a fresh-smelling home is just a few simple steps away. Try these tips and enjoy a space that’s as inviting to the nose as it is to the eyes.
