There's no disputing that using different ways to make your house smell nice holds great positive power. Whether it makes you recall happy memories, lifts your mood, or invites a sense of serenity, different scents profoundly alter the way your home feels.
There are plenty of ways to achieve this, whether you invest in the best home fragrance options, light your favorite candle, or simply target bad odors with regular cleaning.
Here, we share the 13 best tried and tested ways to make your home smell nice, from deep-cleaning and deodorizing to adding a final fragrancing flourish.
11 ways to make your home smell nice
Before getting started, it pays to know the three essential steps to making your home smell good all the time.
Kristin Bartone, owner and principal designer at Bartone Interiors explains, 'Sense of smell is part of the limbic system which processes emotion, supports memory formation, and is strongly linked to your emotional well-being.'
- Eliminate bad odors: Simply striving to cover up unwanted smells with artificial ones will only see them returning time and time again. You need to get to the source. Therefore, and it may seem obvious, start by keeping your home clean. Use one of the best HEPA vacuums to remove microparticles from your carpets and soft furnishings, and also ventilate your home by opening all windows at least once a week. You might also opt for scented cleaners, such as the Method All-Purpose Cleaner in Pink Grapefruit, available at Walmart, particularly when banishing bathroom smells, to make your home smell clean and fresh. If bad scents are coming from drains, vents, electric outlets, or similar, get these investigated.
- Bring new, refreshing scents into your home: Fragrance layering and honing your own signature scent is a great way to make your home smell nice with a unique twist, and will also help you to be happier at home. If you're struggling to find your fragrance, think about the notes of your favorite perfume and go from there.
- Consider the desired impact of scents based on the function of each space: For instance, in a home office, consider infusing the space with the best scents to boost productivity. In a bedroom, using the best scents for sleep can help to promote relaxation and restfulness.
1. Use natural essential oils instead of artificial alternatives
When faced with a bad smell in the home, many people's first step is to light a candle. Not only will this mask odors rather than banishing them, some scented candles are toxic, meaning this can actually wind up doing more harm than good. Give paraffin and non-cotton wicks a wide berth.
Sue Caldwell from Clean Living International explains, 'Despite their pleasant aromas, many scented candles contain toxins, particularly paraffin, which are damaging to our health, especially if you suffer from respiratory issues such as asthma.'
To pick non-toxic candles, opt for natural candles made from soy wax and essential oils, or try making beeswax candles with an easy-to-use kit, such as the The Crafter's Box DIY Kit available at Anthropologie.
You can also make a reed diffuser with essential oils, such as the Mainstays Essential Oil Set available at Walmart, as a cost-effective way to make your home smell nice when you're sensitive to fragrance.
All prices correct at time of publication.
Choose a wide range of essential oils to experiment with different fragrances and find your favorites. This kit is especially useful if you've never used essential oils before and don't know where to start.
These taper candles will safely and sweetly naturally scent your home, without the worry of artificial additives and toxins.
These rattan reeds pair perfectly with essential oils to create a strong-smelling yet budget-friendly diffuser.
2. Make your own fabric and linen spray
Filling your home with fresh linens is a great way to make your home smell nice. To retain that ‘just washed’ smell in your bedlinen, and enjoy that fresh laundry smell all year, making DIY linen spray is a must.
You can spray scented linen water over garments while ironing, or make scented ironing water to reinvigorate fresh sheets, by combining distilled water, vodka and essential oils in a spray bottle, such as the Equate 8 oz Plastic Spraybottle available at Walmart.
You can also add a personalized scent to upholstery by combining a few drops of your favorite essential oils with water and two tablespoons of baking soda. We recommend the ARM & HAMMER Pure Baking Soda available at Walmart for this. Then, you can mist this mixture onto upholstery such as couches, headboards, or fabric dining chairs.
These sprays are especially effective on natural textiles that are good at absorbing scents, such as wool, silk, and cotton. This way, no matter where you or your guest sit in your home, you will be greeted by a fragrance that resonates with you. Just be sure to test your DIY spray on an inconspicuous spot before spraying it across delicate fabrics.
These amber glass spray bottles are refillable and reusable, perfect for being sustainable at home. They also feature UV protection, to retain the efficacy of any homemade cleaning and scenting solutions.
Boost that linen freshness with this vegan soy wax candle, with 100% cotton wicks for a clean and long-lasting burn.
Fill you room with the relaxing scent of lavender by spritzing a linen spray made with this essential oil, which is undiluted and free from additives.
3. Fill your home with herbs and flowers
Never underestimate the power of a simple bouquet of fresh florals, says Luis Carmona, interior designer and owner of Verde Interior Design.
'Some florals are harder to keep alive or to freshen up, but the scent that they provide for a space is unmatched,' he assures. 'Gardenias, roses, or even freesias, with their fruity scent, can bring life into a room and add a fresh scent to the space. Peonies and hoya plants are a bit more unconventional, but will deliver the same soothing aroma that your home may need.'
Therefore, finding different ways to decorate with flowers can ensure your home looks gorgeous and colorful, and smells fresh throughout the spring and summer months.
In your kitchen, why not try aromatic herbs to banish bad kitchen smells while avoiding floral or perfumed scents which may interfere with the taste of your cooking.
This is something that Virginia Willis, chef and award-winning cookbook author, loves to do, sharing, 'One of my favorite things to do is to fill vases with fresh herbs. A vase of rosemary, sage, or mint is both practical and beautiful. It’s especially easy if you have try out some indoor herb garden ideas, but it can be easily and inexpensively accomplished with store-bought herbs, too. A simple brush with your hand will release the essential oils, leaving a herbaceous aroma.'
You can even try growing herbs indoors – not only will this give your kitchen a beautiful fragrance but the plant's oxygen-producing and air-purifying qualities will also help to mitigate bad odors.
For kitchens with limited light, this growing lamp for indoor plants has a timer function and multiple settings, with an easy-to-install clamp and flexible gooseneck.
This beautiful, handmade vase is perfect for arranging fresh cut flowers, to make an impactful yet quietly stylish statement.
With everything you need to grow your own cilantro, basil and thyme, this set makes it easy to enjoy fresh herbs at home, whether you're green-fingered or a total beginner.
4. Create scented drawer liners and sachets
While you may not always consider the connection between your drawers, closets, and the overall scent of your home, using scented liners in drawers and on shelves is a hidden trick people with nice-smelling homes use to subtly elevate the aroma of their space.
You can find pre-scented drawer liners, such as the SCENTORINI Drawer Liners available at Amazon, or make your own by misting paper with your favorite essential oils. Let the paper dry thoroughly before lining drawers or shelves with it, and rotate and replace liners periodically to maintain their potency.
You can also create your own scented sachets, using dried herbs, flower petals, fruit and cotton balls soaked with your favorite essential oils, personalizing these blends to match your style. For example, you can dry lavender and enhance its fragrance before combining it with orange peels in a drawstring bag, such as the Limko Cotton Bags available at Amazon. Alternatively, you can purchase these pre-made, such as the Gardenia Scented Sachets available at Amazon.
Interior designer Luis advises, 'Strategically placing small sachets of lavender in certain areas of the home can add a light scent without overpowering you or your guests.
'Placing them under pillows in each bedroom, on a dresser or nightstand, in a closet, or near air vents will distribute the scent throughout the space without it smelling too strong.'
And, as Catarina Tucker, sleep wellness entrepreneur, sensory sleep specialist and founder of Snuggle Sense recommends, you can even pop one straight under your pillow.
These elegant scented liners offer a fresh and long-lasting fragrance, and can easily be cut to your preferred and suitable size.
Suitable for creating scented sachets or wrapping small presents, these sheer bags look luxe with a low-cost price tag.
Made with a non-toxic blend of natural ingredients, these linen scented sachets boost freshness and last for up to four months.
5. Deodorize your kitchen after cooking
Despite your best efforts, certain smells, such as fish, garlic, and onion, will permeate a kitchen after cooking, which is why it's so important to clean a kitchen after use.
Thankfully, there are some quick and easy hacks to target these specific odors and get your kitchen smelling as good as it looks:
- For fish odors, set a bowl of white vinegar, such as Great Value Distilled White Vinegar, in your kitchen overnight. The acetic acid will deodorize the room.
- For garlic and onion smells, coffee grounds are one of nature's best deodorizers to use around your home, and will work effectively in this instance. You can also use coffee and salt to deodorize a fridge.
- Baking soda is also known for its deodorizing properties. Try cleaning with baking soda or store an open tub in the fridge to keep food smells to a minimum.
It's also important to clean your microwave, particularly after using it to cook or re-heat food. For this, Sue Caldwell from Clean Living International recommends cleaning a microwave with lemon.
She says, 'If your microwave is a bit smelly, you can keep it fresh between cleans by simply filling a glass bowl with water and squeezing half a lemon or orange inside. This microwave trick removes burnt-on food with ease.
'Pop it in for a minute or so for a scented steam that will leave it beautifully fragranced.'
While you can mask trash can smells, it's crucial to clean your trash can, too, to stop them from returning. As Katie Derrick, scent expert and founder of Fern & Petal, says, 'No one likes a smelly garbage can.
'While you can get scented garbage bags at the grocery store, these are often are filled with harsh chemicals that can actually be doing more harm than good.'
Instead, Katie says, she uses the trash can smell paper towel hack, placing a paper towel soaked in essential oils at the bottom of the garbage can, 'for a long-lasting and safe way to make your home smell nice.'
Additionally, Katie highlights the importance of cleaning your kitchen countertops when it comes to making your house smell nice, championing cleaning a kitchen naturally.
'I always opt for a cleaning solution that’s all-natural, gentle and smells amazing,' she continues. 'The recipe I use is super simple – just combine white vinegar, water, and lemon essential oil. For an extra boost of scent, I often put a few extra drops of the essential oil on my cleaning cloth, too. It works like magic!'
This cold pressed lemon oil is made from the rinds of lemons, and is unfiltered and undiluted with no fillers, alcohol, or other additives.
These lint-free microfiber cloths are ideal for streak-free cleaning and dusting, and can conveniently be cleaned in your washing machine after use.
Introduce a touch of spring into your space with this Mrs. Meyer's limited edition, non-toxic cleaning product which cleans amazingly and smells just as good.
6. Integrate smart scent diffusers
As Caleb Backe, aromatherapy expert for Maple Holistics, says, 'One of the easiest ways to incorporate lovely scents into your home is through the use of a diffuser.'
When it comes to purchasing the best essential oil diffuser in your budget range, opting for smart tech models will mean you can easily change your home fragrance according to your mood and the occasion. For instance, you can fill your home with a subtle lavender scent for relaxation in the evenings or transition to a refreshing citrus scent in the morning to invigorate your senses at the start of the day.
We recommend the Neom portable essential oil diffuser, which is loved by Head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden for its ease of use and long-lasting charges, or the Flame Diffuser for Essential Oils available at Amazon.
Of course, nothing wrong with going for a good old-fashioned best reed diffuser, either. Our guide includes our top recommendations for every space around the home.
With a rich scent of exotic white jasmine and tuberose, this reed diffuser with dried baby's breath flowers looks beautiful in any space.
This essential oil diffuser features a convenient remote control and ultra-quiet fan, with seven LED colors and a large yet easy-to-clean water tank.
For an indulgent treat, this Jo Malone diffuser really does fill the whole home with luxury scents, making it well worth the higher price point.
7. Create a carpet deodorizer
Deep cleaning a carpet is one of the most difficult cleaning tasks, but it is a crucial step to freshening them up and making a rug smell nice, which will, in turn, make your whole home smell nice.
QVC host and cleaning expert Jill Bauer has an excellent DIY cleaning technique to do so. She says, 'Making the mixture is pretty simple – just add one to two cups of baking soda, some dried lavender, and anywhere from 10-20 drops of essential oils to a bowl and combine the ingredients thoroughly with a fork.
'Funnel your mixture into a shaker and sprinkle the DIY lavender rug and carpet refresher sparingly on your carpet. Leave this to sit for 20 minutes, then vacuum as you normally would, and you'll have fresh-smelling carpet.'
You can also try this laundry pearl trick for rugs and carpets – it will leave any space looking and smelling as clean as fresh laundry.
Made of a flexible material and with a portable, compact design, this funnel makes mess-free pouring easy.
This small shaker can easily be filled with baking soda to sprinkle over carpets without causing mess and spillages.
These lavender flowers have a fresh and relaxing aroma, and are responsibly-sourced through sustainable farming practices.
8. Invest in a HEPA air purifier
Air purifiers are an effective and quick way to make a home smell nice, removing impurities and air particulates like dander, dust, and pollen, and refreshing your space.
As Robert Johnson from Coast Appliances says, 'A beautiful home is incomplete without clean air.'
To improve the air quality in your home, even when living in a city, 'You could invest in a HEPA-filter air purifier to eliminate unwanted odors indoors, and breathe cleaner air inside your home,' he advises.
Before investing, it can be helpful to know what to look for in an air purifier, particularly if you need advice on choosing the right model for your home. Our home tech editor Dan Fauzi rates the Shark NeverChange™ Air Purifier MAX available at Shark the best of the best, but there are plenty of great, affordable options to choose from, too.
This number one bestselling air purifier features multiple filter choices, with whisper-quiet technology and a sleek design.
9. Use soap to keep your shoe storage smelling fresh
It's likely that your boot room ideas or shoe cupboard are among the more pungent spaces in your home. And, while adding a diffuser or candle can help to an extent, they're unlikely to do much long term.
There are many things people with nice-smelling mudrooms always do, one of which being keeping their shoes deodorized and smelling fresh.
For this, the experts at Nike recommend placing a bar of soap, such as the Dove Beauty Bar Soap available at Walmart, into each shoe, and leaving it overnight. The soap kills the bacteria, and the smell it produces, while leaving behind a clean, soapy scent. If trying this method, ensure that the soap is dry before use.
Alternatively, consider using activated charcoal bags, such as the Basic Concepts Activated Charcoal Odor Absorber for Strong Odors available at Walmart, or try storing broken bath bombs in your shoes to deodorize your space and revolutionize your shoe storage ideas.
10. Don't overlook bedroom fragrance
There are lots of obvious ways freshen up your bedroom, such as lighting your best candle, investing in one of the best reed diffusers, or using Scented Drawer Liners, available at Amazon.
As Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company, recommends, 'A lovely relaxing scent such as lavender will make the room feel instantly more restful, as does the soft flicker or a scented candle.' For this, the NEST New York Reed Diffuser, Cedar Leaf & Lavender available at Amazon is a popular pick.
If you prefer candles, Eva Eckerblad, co-founder of Siblings, advises, 'Try placing them on a windowsill, or anywhere the air circulates naturally, spreading a refreshing scent throughout the room.'
Whatever you choose, Mark Crames, CEO and chief perfumer at Demeter Fragrance assures, 'The right fragrance can transform your space into a place of comfort, energy, or relaxation.'
Using home fragrancing options is all well and good, but deodorizing is a must. Open the windows each morning to let the stale air out and fresh air in – even in winter. It needn’t be for long.
Another thing people with nice-smelling bedrooms do is air their beds. Instead of making your bed as soon as you wake up, pull back the covers, remove blankets, and hang them on the line or airer, and separate and plump your pillows. Leave them like this for half an hour or so before making the bed.
You can even apply a few sprays of linen spray when making the bed to reinvigorate your sheets.
This is a classic for a reason, and well worth the luxury price tag. It looks gorgeous too, making it easy to reuse the candle jar around your home.
This iconic fragrance fills a room with tropical notes of citrus and sugar, and can be refilled as necessary.
Mist this cruelty-free spray over linens for an instant lift, with a scent that encapsulates a sunny day by the sea.
11. Make a simmer pot
If you want a powerful way to fill your home with aromas, why not try a simmer pot recipe for fall and winter, or make a spring simmer pot once the weather brightens up.
Simply fill a pot with water, add your favorite aromatic ingredients, such as citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and herbs, and let it simmer on low heat for a few hours. It's a non-toxic home scenting trick toxicologists shared with us when delving into whether plug-in air fresheners are toxic.
'You can also add a drop or two of essential oils to the water, such as sandalwood or citronella, to strengthen the scent,' recommends interior designer Luis. 'If using sliced apples or pears, add a touch of cinnamon or vanilla to create a custom scent with a few layers. Simmerpots also add moisture to the air, which is especially beneficial during dry winter months.'
This 100% natural citronella oil can be used to make candles, oil lamps, and sprays, as well as for household cleaning and purifying the air.
Meet our experts
FAQs
What can I buy to make room smell nice?
If you want to buy one thing to make your room smell nice, then bicarbonate of soda is a must. Our favorite deodorizer, bicarbonate of soda can be used to remove bad smells in any room, as well as on furniture and upholstery, and is a great way to make a mattress smell nice to remove unwanted odors.
How do realtors make house smell good?
Baking cookies is the most famous way realtors make a house smell good, filling rooms with a sweet, vanilla scent that instantly makes a house feel like a home.
'Usually, I bake cookies or simmer spices in water on the stovetop because, as a real estate agent, I know the importance of calming aromas in assisting with home sales. You can accomplish the same thing at home using your preferred herbs and spices, and I guarantee it will work,' explains realtor Shaun Martin.
The secret to successful home fragrancing lies not in overwhelming the space with strong, singular scents but in subtly layering carefully selected aromas for a sophisticated, fragrant space.
Did you know that your home fragrance choice says a lot about your personality? It might sway you to pick something new for your space.
