Maintaining a fragrant home has benefits other than a pleasant smell.
Did you know it can actually improve your mental health?
Certain “positive” scents are capable of improving your mood, according to one study. We associate these positive scents with other positive stimuli, which in turn makes us feel happier.
Some scents can make you more alert, which increases your productivity. Other scents may help you relax, reducing stress and anxiety and also allowing you to sleep easier.
Here are 8 ways to make your home smell good.
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1. Regular Cleaning
A lot of odors can build up your home over time. Garbage, unwashed laundry, and old or rotting food can all create an unpleasant atmosphere and leave your house smelling awful.
Fortunately, it’s nothing that regular cleaning won’t fix.
Cleaning your home at least once a week can naturally improve the fragrance of your house. Take out any trash that’s built up during the week, and use scented detergent when washing your clothes.
Wash and vacuum your carpeting to get rid of any dirt or grime that could be emitting a musty odor.
On top of that, spraying your furniture with lemon-scented cleaning products will give your home a pleasing, citrusy aroma.
2. Opening Your Windows
On a warm day, simply opening a window can do a lot to improve the scent of your home.
Open windows improve the circulation of air throughout your entire house. This allows fresh air to come in, eliminating stale or stagnant air.
This method is most effective in the spring, when flowers begin to come in bloom. The aroma of the flowers will enter your home and give it a soothing floral scent.
3. Scented Candles
Placing scented candles throughout your house can create a soothing aroma that carries from room to room.
Candles are commonly used in aromatherapy, a method of healing that improves mental health and reduces anxiety.
Popular scented fragrances include:
- Lavender
- Lilac
- Cinnamon
- Pumpkin spice
- Sea Mist
- Pine
- Cranberry
Candles have other benefits aside from smelling nice…
They can contribute to the overall ambiance of a room. Cranberry or pine-scented candles, for example, can give your home a festive, wintery feeling.
4. Simmering Potpourri
Making a simmering potpourri is more than just a way to help your home smell nice. It can also be a great DIY activity.
There are many potpourri recipes you can refer to…
Some can be used to create a festive, seasonal scent. Others might carry a lemon-scented fragrance, making your home smell cleaner.
Common ingredients in simmering potpourri include:
- Citrus fruits
- Cinnamon
- Lavender
- Coffee
- Pine
There are several potpourri recipes you can choose from to make potpourri yourself.
5. Scented Pillows and Sheets
Lining your bed with scented bedding can serve 2 purposes. It will give your bedroom a pleasant scent, which in turn can improve your sleeping patterns.
According to one study, the following scents have a positive effect on sleep habits:
- Lavender
- Rose
- Jasmine
- Chamomile
- Bergamot
All of these items have a sedative effect on humans. Using essential oils with these scents can improve your mood, reduce stress, and lead to better sleep.
You can add these scents to your bedding by using scented detergent or by adding some essential oils to unscented detergent. Using scented sprays in your bedroom is another viable method.
6. Incense Sticks
Humans have used incense sticks since the early days of civilization. It was most commonly used as a perfume in religious practices, believed to ward off evil spirits or cleanse tombs.
These ancient beliefs still hold merit in the modern-day. Burning incense for 1 hour can reduce the amount of bacteria in the air by 94%.
Combining incense sticks with essential oil products has several positive effects on humans, including increased productivity and reduced anxiety levels.
It’s recommended that you only buy incense made with natural ingredients. Synthetic incense can cause respiratory problems with prolonged exposure, so be careful when making your purchase.
7. Diffusers
Essential oil diffusers are incredibly easy to use. Simply plug them into any outlet in your home, and they will fill the air with a positive aroma.
This portability makes them incredibly convenient to use throughout your home, since you can place a diffuser wherever you want.
You can combine different diffusers together to give your home a unique scent, with all the benefits that come with using other scented objects.
8. Baking Soda
On top of everything else we just mentioned, you can use baking soda as an item to improve the scent of your home.
Unlike other objects, which artificially add fragrance into the air, baking soda naturally REMOVES odors from the atmosphere. This makes it a great option for those who might be sensitive to scented products like candles or incense.
Place a few teaspoons of baking soda in places throughout your home. Consider sprinkling it in areas where negative odors are likely to build up, such as near garbage bins or in drains.
Be aware that baking soda won’t absorb the negative odors right away.
It may take a few days for it to completely remove any lingering smells in the air.
Written By Maurine Emerson
Beyond her exceptional cleaning abilities, Maureen possesses excellent writing skills, making an avid contributor to the cleaning industry online. She treats every client with respect, kindness, and professionalism, ensuring that their satisfaction is her top priority. In her free time, Maureen enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors. She believes that maintaining a clean and organized space contributes to a balanced and harmonious lifestyle.
