*Collaboration
We all want our home sweet homes to actually…well, to actually smell sweet, right? There’s nothing worse than coming home to a house that smells kind of funky and absolutely no one wants to invite friends over for the evening if the place stinks to high heaven, so what can we do to ensure that our place always smells amazing?
Here are some fun ideas that you should definitely try;
The Power of Indoor Plants
Indoor plants aren’t just for upping your home decor game or turning your living room into a Pinterest board come to life. They’re also natural air purifiers. Some plants, like the beloved peace lily or the mighty snake plant, work overtime to clean the air and eliminate toxins, and you can find healthy ones at Beards & Daisies. They’re like the hardworking interns of the plant world—only they don’t require coffee runs. Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of lush greenery to wake up to? It’s like living in a nature documentary, minus the narration by David Attenborough.
DIY Pot-pourri
Why buy pot-pourri when you can make it yourself and have fun in the process? It’s time to raid your kitchen. Grab some dried flowers, citrus slices, spices like cinnamon and star anise, and let your creativity run wild. You can customise your concoction to reflect the seasons or your mood. Feeling festive? Toss in some cranberries and orange peels. Want a reminder of summer? Coconut shavings and dried mango it is. Throw your mix in a decorative bowl, and bask in the glow of your craftiness (and your sweet-smelling abode).
Scented Candles
A list about sweet-smelling homes wouldn’t be complete without the classic scented candle. But we’re not talking about any old candles; we’re talking about soy or beeswax candles that can make your house smell like you’ve been baking cookies all day (even if you can barely make toast). The key? Choose high-quality candles with scents that won’t overpower. Place them strategically around your home, light them safely, and enjoy the cozy vibe and yummy smells that unfold.
Essential Oil Diffusers
If candles aren’t your thing, maybe a mist is. Essential oil diffusers are like having your own personal spa at home. Just a few drops of your favourite essential oils, and you can transform your space into a forest haven or a tropical paradise. Plus, they’re great for setting a relaxing ambience—perfect for when you want to unwind after a day of pretending to adult.
Bake It Till You Make It
Sometimes, the old methods are the best. Baking can not only feed your stomach but also sweeten your space. Whether it’s cinnamon rolls on a Saturday or garlic bread on a Wednesday, the aroma of baking can make any house feel like a home. Not a baker? No problem. Simmer water on the stove with vanilla, citrus slices, and herbs, and watch as your kitchen turns into the best cafe in town.
Freshen Up with Fabric Spray
Your furniture needs some love, too. Whip up a DIY fabric spray with water, a bit of vodka (yes, really), and essential oils. Spritz it on your sofas, curtains, and even your bed to freshen up fabrics that can harbour smells. It’s like Febreze but without the mystery chemicals and with all the satisfaction of saying you made it yourself.
Charcoal Air Purifiers
Activated charcoal is the ninja of odour elimination. These little guys can be placed in musty areas like shoe closets, bathrooms, or near your trash can to neutralize smells. They’re unscented, non-toxic, and incredibly effective, making them a stealthy ally in your quest for a fresh-smelling home.
Adopt a Coffee Grounds Strategy
Old coffee grounds can do more than fertilise your plants. They can also absorb odours. Place some dried grounds in a bowl in your fridge or freezer to combat stale smells, or in any area that could use a deodoriser. It’s a great way to recycle your morning brew, and it adds a subtle scent of coffee shop chic to your space.
Utilise Rice as a Deodoriser
For a quick and quirky fix, consider using rice as a natural deodorizer. Infuse plain rice with essential oils and then place it in open containers around your home. The rice absorbs unpleasant odours while releasing the scent of the oils. It’s a budget-friendly hack that can freshen up small spaces like bathrooms and closets.
Create Your Own Linen Spray
Who doesn’t love fresh-smelling sheets and towels? Create your own linen spray by mixing water, witch hazel (or vodka, as a preservative), and a few drops of your favourite essential oils in a spray bottle. Lavender is perfect for bed linens to help encourage sleep, while a citrus blend can give your bath towels a refreshing zing. Spritz lightly on fabrics for a pleasant aroma every time you use them.
Rethink Your Vacuum Cleaner
If you want to freshen the air while you clean, try adding some cinnamon or citrus peel to your vacuum cleaner bag or dust compartment. As you vacuum, the air moving through the machine will distribute the pleasant aroma throughout the room, killing two birds with one stone—cleaning and deodorizing.
Herb Sachets for Drawers and Cabinets
Keep your storage spaces smelling great by making herb sachets. Use dried lavender, rosemary, or mint, and place them in small fabric pouches. These sachets can be tucked into drawers, cabinets, or hung in closets to provide a subtle, pleasant smell and to keep textiles smelling fresh.
Decorative Aromatic Arrangements
Incorporate aromatic elements into your home decor. A bowl of potpourri made from dried flowers, citrus slices, and spices not only looks pretty but also infuses the air with natural fragrances. Alternatively, display arrangements of eucalyptus, which have a naturally crisp and cleansing scent, in vases around your home.
Weekly Cleaning Routines
Of course no matter what you do, if your home is not actually clean, it will never smell as sweet as it could do, which is why it is so important that you take the time to create weekly cleaning routines that work for you, and ensure that every inch of your home is cleaned to an acceptable standard. Pump up the jams and get scrubbing!
Here’s to your home sweet home.