You don’t need room fresheners, scented candles or plug-in fragrances to keep your home smelling fresh. Simple habits and a few everyday ingredients can help reduce unpleasant odours and create a clean, pleasant atmosphere. From airing out your rooms to making your own odour absorbers, here are five easy ways to freshen up your space without commercial room fresheners.
Keep soft furnishings clean
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Curtains, cushions, rugs and throws can trap odours from cooking, pets and everyday use. Wash them regularly to prevent smells from building up. Airing out cushions and blankets can also help. If you use fabric conditioner, choose a mild fragrance that does not irritate you. Clean furnishings can make a noticeable difference to how your room smells.
Use dried flowers and spices
Fill small bowls with dried flowers, cloves, star anise or coffee beans and place them around your home. These can add a subtle aroma while doubling as decorative accents. Replace the contents when their scent fades. Keep the bowls dry, especially in bathrooms and other humid spaces, to prevent mould.
Open your windows
Stale air can make a room smell stuffy, even after the source of an unpleasant odour has been removed. Open your windows for a while each day, when outdoor air quality and weather conditions allow, to improve ventilation. If opening windows is not practical, an air purifier with an appropriate activated-carbon filter may help reduce some airborne odours.
Make a baking soda odour absorber
Baking soda can help absorb certain unpleasant smells. Pour some into a small, open container and place it in an area that tends to develop odours, such as a wardrobe or bathroom. Replace it periodically. Keep the container away from children and pets.
For a naturally scented alternative, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda. However, the fragrance will not necessarily last long, and essential oils can be harmful to some pets. Keep scented mixtures out of their reach.
Make a simmer pot
Citrus peels, cinnamon sticks and cloves can fill your home with a warm, inviting aroma. Add them to a pot of water and let it simmer gently on the stove. You can also try lemon peels and mint for a fresher scent. Keep an eye on the pot, maintain sufficient water and never leave it unattended. Turn off the heat when you are done.