Sometimes our homes get stuffy smelling with kids and pets, cooking odors, or being closed up too long. Here are the best ways to make your home smell great again.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has become one of the most popular ways to make our homes smell lovely. It’s perfect for adding whatever fresh scent you feel like at the moment. Unfortunately, too many aromatic products include artificial smells that fail to live up to the wonderful aromas found in nature.
The one exception is an essential oil diffuser used for aromatherapy. Essential oils come from the aromatic molecules in plants. You can smell this when you walk around in a forest, peel an orange, or smell a flower. Just add water and a few drops of your favorite scent for a great smelling home.
Using aerosol sprays in your home can be harmful to your health. Some air freshener sprays can have chemicals that can irritate your eyes and lungs. Rather than take the risk, opt for a diffuser instead.
Clean the Drains
Sometimes the drains in our home can be a source of nasty smells. Making your home smell great again might be as easy as cleaning the pipes in the kitchen and bathrooms.
The next time you have an orange, put the peels into the garbage disposal. This simple trick will clean the disposal of smells and leave your home smelling of citrus. You can also make drain fresheners with the following ingredients.
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Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of table salt and pour this down the drains.
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Follow this by pouring 1 cup of heated vinegar in the drain.
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Let this sit for 15 minutes and then flush with hot water.
Clean the Washing Machines
You might not think about the washing machine, but it can be a source of musty smells. The inside of the lid can start to form residue or mildew that can cause odors. Clean the inside of the lid thoroughly once a month. You can also buy a washing machine cleaner with activated charcoal.
Plants for a Great Smelling Home
Having certain houseplants can keep your home smelling fresh year around. Plants like:
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Lemon balm
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Silver drop eucalyptus
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Night-blooming jasmine
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Azores Jasmine
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Marino Blue Heliotrope
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Herbs like basil and spearmint
You can put some horticultural charcoal around the soil of the houseplants. Doing so helps the soil from becoming moldy, which can also cause musty smells.
Shampoo the Carpets
You can either do it yourself or hire a company to shampoo all of your carpets. Over the months and years, the carpets accumulate dirt and retain odors. Having the carpets shampooed regularly will keep your home smelling great.
Using the Oven
You can use the oven a couple of ways to make your home smell pleasant. Add two teaspoons of vanilla extract into an oven-safe dish or mug and bake for one hour at 300 degrees. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Or you can make your home smell like a coffee shop. Put a few coffee beans onto a baking sheet and place in the oven for five to seven minutes at 500 degrees.
Stovetop Potpourri
Fill your pot with water, add sliced lemons, orange peels, cloves, cinnamon, sliced apples, and herbs. Simmer on low heat throughout the day. Add water as needed. This wonderful mixture will make your home smell great.