A little bit of cleaning, a dash of DIY and a pinch of shopping – and your house will smell better than ever!
Deep clean your kitchen
The first step to a perfect home fragrance is getting rid of unwanted odours. Check your sink, garbage disposal and bins – when was the last time you gave them a proper clean? Wipe them with lemon-scented soap or scrub with some baking soda or any other cleaning product you love and trust.
Leaving a deodorising pod in your bin and a scented sanitising stick in your sink drain will help to prevent the return of nasty smells.
Refresh your carpets and rugs
Your carpets might still be holding onto the smell of that pizza dinner you’ve long forgotten about. Soft, plush surfaces absorb smells easily and can preserve them forever. If you’re an avid eater ‘in front of the TV , a pet owner or just didn’t have time for to do a proper carpet clean, then now is the time! Sprinkle baking soda all over the rugs and carpets and leave it for a few hours, then vacuum. During the warmer months, you can also take your rugs outside and hand wash them with soap and loads of liquid.
And your closet
If your clothes smell musty, put a wee bit of vodka in a spray bottle and mist your drawers and cabinets (don’t take out your clothes!). As the alcohol evaporates, it will take the smell with it.
Deodorise your vacuum cleaner
Though vacuuming is supposed to clean your house, sometimes the process leaves a funky odour behind. Put some essential oils or spray a perfume on a cotton ball and place it inside the vacuum bag before vacuuming. You’ll notice the difference straight away!
Simmer fruits and herbs
A well-kept ‘grandma’s secret’ for a lovely home fragrance is simmering some citrus and herbs in a bit water. Wonderful, yet delicate aromas will spread all around your home and stay for a while. You can also try your hand at making jams or gluhwein – you’ll end up not only with lovely aromas but also with something delicious to eat or drink.
Microwaving a couple of tablespoons of vanilla extract in a mug for thirty seconds is another easy way to achieve cosy aromas at home.
Invest in candles
You don’t even need to light them! A light fragrance, locked in wax, will spread naturally. If you place one of your favourite candles inside your linen closet, the fabric will absorb the scent and carry it when you use it.
Our latest obsession is GLASSHOUSE FRAGRANCES’ ‘A Day in Monmartre’ limited collection that includes two aromas – Montmartre Macaron (Wild Blueberries, Creamy Musk, Sweet Vanilla and Sugared Coconut Husk) and Sacred Heart (Incense, Pink Pepper, Myrrh, Tonka Bean, Cedarwood, Amber and Vanilla).
Diversify your plant collection
Plants like jasmine, gardenia and orchids will instantly fill your home with the loveliest fragrances. Make sure you always keep some mint or basil in the kitchen – they’ll add to the beautiful bouquet.
Use essential oils
Buying a diffuser for your favourite essential oils might be the most obvious choice, but you can also put a few drops on the filter of your air conditioner next time you change it. It will send out wonderful waves of amazing aromas every time you use it.
Switch it on
Another cool way to spread the aroma of an essential oil is to put a few drops on a cold light bulb. When you switch it on, the heat will gently spread the scent around the room.
Do not ignore your fireplace
Are you the lucky owner of a fireplace? Throw a few citrus peels inside every now and then to get rid of the burnt, smokey smell and infuse the air with their delicate scent. As an added bonus, your fire will burn strong on citrus oils for longer than with your usual paper.