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How to Make Your Home Smell Good: 42 Genius Ways That Work!

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Are you looking for new ways to make your home smell good? For the best smelling home in town, try a few of these home deodorizing methods!

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Do you want to know how to keep your home smelling good all the time?

Or are you looking for a way to make your house smell good and say to yourself, “my house never smells fresh!”?

If so, then at one point or another, you’ve walked into your house and noticed that it doesn’t smell great.

Sometimes the smell may be coming from the kitchen; other times, it could be a pet odor problem.

The good news, there are some really easy ways to make your home smell good without spending a lot of money or time!

The first step in making your home smell good is choosing what smells you want it to have.

Do you want it to be like the fresh air outside? Or maybe more of a fruity scent? 

After that, there are many ways to make your home smell nice, no matter what mood you’re in. 

From candles and incense to simmering potpourri on the stove, there is something for everyone to make your house smell amazing!

Let’s look at these 40+ ways to instantly make your home smell good!

 

More ways to make your home smell amazing:

 

How to keep your home smelling good all the time?

If you ask yourself, “how do I make my home smell good?” get to the source quickly!

It is best to eliminate odors as soon as possible.

Even though this information is obvious, allowing odors to persist, such as dirty dishes, spills, or food left out, only worsens the problem.

Removing odor-causing materials quickly is essential, so your home smells fresh and stays fresh for longer.

Regular vacuuming of carpets and upholstery is a must, as well as taking out the garbage before it becomes too smelly.

Now let’s get to the list of how to make your home smell good! These home-smelling hacks work!

 

42 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Good.

how to make your home smell nice all the time

1. Open Windows.

how to make your home smell fresh

It’s one of the most common complaints from people who have smelly homes. No matter how hard they try to keep it clean, the place always smells musty.

The problem is that some homes don’t have as good a ventilation system as others, or there are storm windows in place blocking airflow.

But there are several ways you can still make your home smell nice and fresh without having to buy any expensive air fresheners.

An important first step is opening the windows or doors for an hour or two during 24 hours.

This will help let in the fresh air, which naturally has a fresher scent than stale indoor air, and help ventilate a not-so-well-ventilated home. 

 

2. Use a Diffuser.

how a diffuser makes your home smell good

Your home is where you spend a lot of time, and it’s important to make the place you live in feel warm and inviting.

That way, when your family comes over to visit, or friends stop by for a chat; they’ll be happy staying there.

One easy way to do this is by using great smelling diffusers that can fill your house with beautiful scents at any given moment.

Diffusers allow you to put just a few drops of essential oils into the water and then customize them by adding more or less oil, depending on what kind of mood you want that day.

You can mix different scents – maybe peppermint with lavender for some zen-like relaxation in the evening.

 

3. Simmer Apple Cider.

how apple cider can make your home smell yummy

Try simmering apple cider if you want a way to make your home smell extra sweet and nice.

It smells great and is easy to do the best thing about this recipe is that it doesn’t require any cooking skills, so that anyone can make it!

You can either put in some cinnamon sticks or stick the whole apple into a pot with water and sugar. Set it on low on the stove, and you have a nice-smelling aroma spreading around the home.

 

4. Vacuum Weekly.

vacuum to keep your home smelling great

One of the best ways to make your home smell better is by vacuuming. Vacuums are great for removing dirt, dust, and allergens from carpets, furniture, and hardwood floors.

However, many people don’t vacuum as often as they should because they believe that just a quick sweep will be enough to remove the dust on their floor.

By vacuuming once or every other week, you’ll notice an improvement in how your home smells!

 

5. Clean Out Your Vacuum Bag/Canister. 

clean out your vacuum to keep your home smelling fresh

It can be frustrating to come home and your house doesn’t smell like you want it to.

That might mean that you need to clean out your vacuum cleaner! The dirt, dust, fur from your pets, and cooking smells all get sucked up into the vacuum cleaner every time you use it.

It’s important to take care of that so that when someone comes over, they don’t have an allergic reaction or walk out with a headache.

You can make your whole house smell better by cleaning the vacuum cleaner!

 

6. Hang a Eucalyptus Shower Bundle.

use eucalyptus in the shower to make your bathroom smell good

Are you looking to create a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom and have your home smell great? Hang some Eucalyptus leaves above the showerhead.

The oils in the eucalyptus will be released as the steam from the shower heats up. The fragrance will be diffused throughout the bathroom.

 

7. Burn Incense.

burn incense to have a great smelling home

The smell of incense is often associated with spirituality, tradition, and relaxation.

Incense can be used in any room to make it feel cozy and welcoming and make the home smell wonderful.

You can choose from many different types of scents with insense, and each has its own benefits for the mind, body, or both!

With so many varieties, it’s easy to find something that will suit your needs.

 

8. Light Candles.

burn scented candles for a great smelling home all the time

When it comes to making your home smell nice, candles are easy and affordable.

Candles can be found at any store for a reasonable price, and there are plenty of scents to choose from when selecting which one you want.

how to make home smell nice

Although no perfect scent will make everyone happy, some great options include lavender or vanilla!

With these two scents, you’ll feel relaxed and cozy in no time.

 

9. Use Room Freshener Sprays.

use room freshener sprays to keep your home smelling nice

Do you want your home to smell fresh and nice, fast? You can easily do that with a room refresher spray.

Room refreshers are sprays that keep the air in a room smelling good for up to 24 hours.

There are many scents of room fresheners, such as apple cinnamon, lavender, vanilla, and ocean breeze.

Make sure to get a spray with ingredients derived from plants like citronella, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and peppermint.

They will also have natural insect-repelling properties too!

 

10. Use Natural Air Freshener Plugs.

air freshener plug to keep home smell nice

An Air Freshener plug is a product that can be plugged into an outlet to make your home smell better.

It uses the power of eliminating odors, making any room feel fresh and clean.

The fragrance lasts up to 60 days or until you unplug it from the socket.

You can also place it in various ways around your house, such as under sinks, behind toilets, by trash cans, near litter boxes and pet beds, etc., so that they are all left smelling great!

 

11. Bake Something Delicious. 

baking can make your home smell great

Homes can have a variety of smells, but for the most part, anyone can improve the smell of their home with fresh baking.

Some people want their homes to smell like freshly baked cookies or vanilla candles, while others prefer more earthy scents such as herbs and spices.

Whatever your preference, there are many ways to make your home smell good without filling it with artificial fragrances that might be harmful over time.

Baking is also a great option that doesn’t require much effort (if you like to bake in your spare time) and will help you create a fresh-smelling home with a wonderful delectable treat after all your efforts.

 

12. Bake Spices.

baking spices can make your home smell amazing

Baking spices in the oven at low heat will make them taste better and make your home smell great.

This is because when you bake for a long period, it brings out the natural flavors and gives your baked goods an authentic flavor.

You can try this with cumin, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, or any other spice you enjoy cooking!

 

Cleaning tips for a great-smelling home:

13. Add Baking Soda to Your Trashcan.

baking soda in garbage can reduce bad smelling odors

Baking soda is a staple in any pantry, but did you know it can be used for more than cooking?

When mixed with vinegar or lemon juice and water, baking soda creates an odor-neutralizing solution that not only makes your kitchen smell fresh and clean but also helps to remove the odors of onions and garlic.

You can even use it to freshen up smelly trash cans! Just sprinkle some on the bottom before adding waste – no need to worry about messes because the mixture will react with moisture and form a paste that clings to everything.

The best part: It’s safe enough for kids (and pets!)!

 

14. Use Vinegar as a Cleaning Agent.

make your home smell amazing

What’s the best way to make your home smell good and have a clean house without all of the chemicals? Vinegar!

It’s inexpensive and easy to find, and you can use it in many ways. You can use white Vinegar as an air freshener by mixing it with water and spraying it on furniture, carpets, and even mattresses.

Vinegar also does wonders as a cleaning agent when mixed with baking soda to scrub down sinks or toilets.

Use the mixture of both ingredients to clean up any messes lingering around the kitchen after dinner, and your house will smell like fresh lemonade!

 

15. Use Coffee Grounds to Absorb Odors.

coffee grounds can make homes smell fresh

There are many ways you can use coffee grounds to add a little boost to your home’s smell.

One of the most effective ways is by putting a cup of used coffee grounds in a small bowl and then placing it near an electric socket or something similar.

The heat will cause the smells to permeate throughout your home.

Another way to use coffee grounds is mixing them into potpourri for an even more potent scent.

But if you don’t want to go through these steps, plenty of candles out there have been made from coffee beans which also make your house smell great!

 

16. Use Cotton Balls with Essential Oils. 

use cotton balls with essential oil

We all want our home to feel welcoming, cozy, and smelling fresh without a lot of work. 

One way is by using reusable cotton balls in your home’s drawers and closets to absorb any lingering odors.

Add essential oils to the cotton ball, tuck it in a drawer, under the bed, or in a corner, and you have your own natural deodorizer.

 

Quick tips to make your home smell nice:

17. Simmer Peeled Citrus Fruits.

simmering peeled fruit can make a home smell fresh and amazing

Do you want to make your home smell like a spa? Well, it is easy! All you need are some citrus fruits and essential oils. You can peel the fruit and place the peels in a pot of water on low heat for about 20 minutes. This will release a warm and wonderful scent into your home.

 

18. Put Vacuum Beads in Your Vacuum Cleaner.

how to always have a great smelling home with vacuum beads to make home smell fresh

There are several ways to make your home smell better. One way is by putting vacuum beads in your vacuum cleaner.

Vacuum beads are odorless, nontoxic particles that absorb odors inside the vacuum cleaner as you clean.

They also help reduce static electricity and protect against dust mites.

 

19. Grind Citrus Peels for the Kitchen Garbage Disposal.

use citrus peels for garbage disposal in kitchen to keep a good smelling home

You can grind citrus peels for the kitchen garbage disposal to make your disposal smell like new again.

This is such an easy thing to do to help keep your home and kitchen smelling fresh. 

This will also clean out your garbage disposal and allow you to enjoy the wonderful citrus aromas in the kitchen.

You’ll also increase your daily intake of vitamin C just by eating the leftover fruit.

 

20. Microwave a Few Teaspoons of Vanilla Extract.

microwave Vanilla extract for a great smelling kitchen and home

Is your microwave smelling after you have cleaned it? For 30 seconds, microwave a couple of tablespoons of vanilla extract in a small cup.

Even if you haven’t been baking, everyone will ask you questions like “where are the cookies?”. It may disappoint people, but you will have a remarkably great smell in your microwave.

 

21. Deep Clean your Dishwasher Every Two Weeks.

clean dishwasher for a good smell for house

Dishwashers are a daily necessity for many people, but they can also be a breeding ground for bacteria.

Whether you have a new dishwasher or an old one, cleaning the appliance’s interior at least once every few months is necessary for a great-smelling kitchen.

You will need Vinegar and baking soda to deep clean your dishwasher with this method. Get started by filling your dishwasher with hot water – no soap!

Next, add 1/2 cup of vinegar and one tablespoon of baking soda into the bottom tray before starting your machine’s normal cycle.

The steam from the hot water should loosen tough stains and allow them to rinse away easily during the wash cycle.

Finally, dry off any excess liquid accumulated on top after opening.

 

22. Tend to Your Smelly Shoes.

keep shoes clean for a great smelling home

When you’re at home, and your smelly shoes are lying around, they can quickly start to make the room smell bad.

Here are a few ways to combat smelling footwear:

    • First, keep a pair of shoes near the door that you use only when coming in from outside – this will help cut down on the time your other shoes spend out of circulation.
    • Second, sprinkle some baking soda inside or outside of shoes before putting them away for the night; it absorbs odors while you sleep and is inexpensive.
    • Third, spray fabric fresheners into your shoe’s interior lining before storing them overnight.
    • And don’t forget to have handy shoe-cleaning wipes on the go!

 

23. Use Linen Sprays.

linin spray for home smell

Do you want your home to smell like a crisp, clean linen closet? Here’s the perfect solution!

Linen spray is an easy way to make your home smell great.

Mix water with distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle and add the essential oils of your choice.

Then shake it up and spritz away! This concoction can be used anywhere- on furniture, carpets, clothes, or even around the house in the air.

 

24. Use an Oil Burner.

how to use a oil burner to keep your home smelling good

One of the most common ways to make your home smell better is through an oil burner.

An oil burner is a small device that burns candles or scented oils and emits a pleasant scent throughout the house.

There are many benefits to using an oil burner; it provides you with a fresh-smelling home and can also clear up sinuses and promote relaxation.

 

25. Buy Fancy Laundry Detergents.

laundry detergent can make your home smell better

Your home will smell better if your towels and bedroom linens smell good.

While everyday laundry detergents work well, it is also nice to have a more extrinsic, scented detergent on hand from time to time.

Fancy laundry detergents are for people who care about how their clothes smell.

They are usually pricier but have various scents and are guaranteed to leave your clothes smelling excellent.

 

26. Use a Carpet Deodorizer.

how carpet deodorizer can keep your home smelling fresh

Carpet deodorizers will help eliminate unpleasant smells in your home and can also be used on furniture or curtains.

The best thing about carpet deodorizers is that they are not expensive; some can be found for as little as $1 per bottle!

 

27. Wash Hardwood Floors Regularly.

wash hardwood floors for good home smell

Whether it’s the dog, cat, or your cooking that has left you with an unpleasant aroma, there are things you can do to get rid of it!

One way is by cleaning your hardwood floors.

It’s important for people with pets because they shed fur all over the place and often have accidents in certain areas of the house.

When washing wood floors, a good rule is to use one cup of vinegar to five cups of water mixed in a bucket and a few drops of dish soap with warm water on top for easy cleaning. 

Once everything has been cleaned up, let the floors dry before walking about.

 

28. Polish Hardwood Floors.

polish hardwood floors to keep home smell good

Polishing wood furniture is important for several reasons. For one, it makes your home smell better!

Many wood furniture polishes come in scented versions, and polishing wood furniture makes it shine and also removes dust.

Polishing wood furniture can also help to protect the surface by preventing water from seeping in and causing damage.

It’s easy to keep up with this chore- grab some Murphy Oil Soap and use a damp rag or cotton cloth to wipe down the surfaces.

If you’re having trouble remembering when it’s time to polish again, try setting the alarm on your phone to know when the floors are due for a good shine next month.

 

29. Spray Perfume on a Light Bulb.

spray perfume on light bulb to add a nice home fragrance for great smelling home

One way to make your home smell better is by spraying perfume on a light bulb. All you need is a regular old lightbulb and some perfume!

Add only one spray when making your home smell nice, as you don’t want your light bulb to break due to too much perfume and moisture. Also, make sure you don’t overuse this method as it may make the light bulb break or can be dangerous. Always use common sense. 

However, this method will make your home smell much nicer and do wonders for the mood of anyone who walks in and smells it.

The best part about this home-smelling trick is that it’s free (granted, if you have the perfume already) and doesn’t take up any room, so you can use it just about anywhere!

 

30. Use Dried Flowers and Herbs.

dried flowers and herbs can make your home smell better

Dried flowers and herbs are perfect for adding a pleasant scent to your home.

Not only does it make the air smell good, but it also creates a calming environment that you can enjoy for hours.

These items are so simple to use and can be used in different ways.

You could add a few sprays of your favorite perfume and place them near an open window or on your stove while cooking food.

Or you can even fill a few small sachets with dried flowers or fresh herbs to refresh your drawers and closets or easily tuck them away so they are out of sight.

 

More Fresh Smelling Home Tips:

 

31. Keep Baking Soda in Your Fridge.

place baking soda in fridge to keep your home smell good

There are a few easy ways to make your fridge smell better.

One of these is by keeping baking soda in the fridge. If you keep it on the shelf, it will absorb odors and make your food taste better!

This method is also inexpensive and easy to do!

 

32. Place Vinegar Under the Kitchen Sink.

Did you know that placing a jar of Vinegar under your kitchen sink or near any other odor source helps neutralize smells? It’s such an easy cleaning hack too!

 

33. Clean with Citrus Cleaning Sprays.

clean with vinegar to make your home smell nice and fresh

Citrus cleaning sprays are excellent choices and particularly useful in kitchens and bathrooms. They are also very effective and leave a citrusy scent.

Make sure you keep a spray bottle close by so it is always available.

 

34. Disinfect the Washer Machine.

Disinfect the Washer Machine to keep home smell good

A washing machine can become musty or mildewy over time. It can also make the items you wash smell bad.

You can also reduce the chance of mildew and mold by leaving the door unlocked when the washer is not in use.

And if you notice an unpleasant odor in your washer, rinse it and then use Vinegar to replace the detergent. This will usually solve the odor problem instantly.

 

35. Shampoo your carpets.

shampoo carpets to keep your home smelling nice

One of the easiest ways to make your home smell nice is by shampooing carpets. If you have not done this recently, it would be a great time to try it!

RUG Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner is effective and affordable if you need guidance on what shampoo to use.

Before applying the carpet cleaner, vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove as much dirt and dust as possible.

It’s highly advised that you rent a machine from your local hardware store to complete this job. 

 

36. Replace old stained & stale carpet.

Replace carpeting that has seen better days, doesn’t smell good, or still looks dirty after being washed to maintain a clean-smelling home.

If you replace old carpeting, doing so will make your home look great, smell better, and be a lot easier to keep clean.

Moreover, replacing old carpeting with other flooring materials such as hardwood floors, tile, linoleum, or laminate should also decrease yucky smells. And although you may not enjoy spending more money, the results will be worth it!

 

37. Buy Fresh flowers.

place fresh flowers in your home to make it smell fresh like spring

If the stresses of everyday life need a lift, there’s nothing better than a little scent therapy.

Place fresh bouquets on your dining room table, bathroom counter, or next to your nightstand for the aroma to keep you feeling grounded and serene.

They’ll uplift your spirit and make your home smell like the first month of spring. 

 

38. Make Air Freshener Jars.

These little jars provide the perfect long-term air freshener without a chemical smell.

They can be compact (depending on your jar size) and are the best way to get your home smelling great for guests!

Use a small mason jar to hold 1/2 cup of baking soda. Add four to six drops of essential oil, seal it, and place it anywhere you want your home to smell fresh. 

These jars also provide the perfect long-term air freshener without the harsh chemical smell you would get with an unnatural store-bought air freshener. 

 

39. No-shoes-in-the-house should be a policy!

don't wear shoes in the house to keep hone smelling good

It’s a fact that shoes can track dirt onto the floors, making your home smell far worse, especially if you can’t clean it every day. So make sure to always take your shoes off in the house and make this a house rule that every house guest follows. 

 

40. Clean/change your Air Conditioner filter.

We all know how important it is to breathe fresh air to stay healthy.

But have you ever noticed that your home could sometimes smell stale?

This may be because the air conditioner filter is dirty and needs to be replaced. 

So the next time you change your air conditioner filter, try adding a few drops of essential oils every time you change the filter to add a bit of extra freshness to your home’s air. 

Your air conditioner will cool down your home and simultaneously diffuse natural scents throughout the space!

 

41. Change old Furnace Filters.

It’s a common misconception that your home will smell better if you turn on the heat.

In actuality, you need to get rid of old furnace filters and replace them with new ones.

This is because as the filter gets older, it absorbs more odors from dirt particles in the air, spreading them throughout your home when heated.

When replacing furnace filters, ensure they are high quality.

Good quality furnace filters matter to get the job done right.

 

42. Add Vanilla Extract to Paint while painting. 

It’s known that vanilla extract can be used in many baking recipes, but did you know it can also be added to paint?

If your paint smells musty or just not fresh enough, and you don’t mind the slight color change, vanilla extract is an easy way to make it smell better!

Although do keep in mind not to change the color you are painting with too much by adding more than you need! 

 

BONUS… What is the best way to make your home smell good?

Last but not least, the best way to make your home smell good is to first know what kinds of different fragrances and smells you prefer.

After all, it is important to first know which scents and fragrances you like.

Also, ensuring your home smells good won’t work unless you like the result.

It’s all about having a lovely home scent you love coming home to after a hard day!

So, whether you like fresh apples or flowers, citrus to warmed-up spices, there are so many ways that you can add a home scent (one that you will love) to make your home smell amazing.

Making your home smell nice doesn’t have to be overly complicated.

And you may find one method that works for you, while another way might work for someone else.

Make sure you are left with a great-smelling home scent you absolutely love!

 


That’s all! These are the best ways to ensure your friends experience that “wow, this home smells amazing” reaction every time they visit your home.

As you can tell, freshening up your home does not have to involve a lot of chemicals or bleach.

You can make your home smell amazing with a few of these home-smelling creative ideas.

I hope you have a better home smell.

I’d love to hear some of your home deodorizing tips and favorite scent combinations.

Please leave them in the comments down below!

 

For more home cleaning inspiration, check out:

Author: Everything Abode

Welcome to Everything Abode, your daily inspiration for every activity at home!

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