Ben Carter
Keeping a house smelling good is a challenge, especially if you have kids, pets, or a husband. While scented candles are a popular solution, they can be a fire hazard, set off allergies or breathing issues, and often contain harmful chemicals. There are many natural alternatives to candles that can make your home smell good, from baking soda to essential oils, houseplants, and fresh air.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Natural ingredients | Eucalyptus, citrus fruits, herbs, lavender, coffee beans, baking soda, vinegar, houseplants |
| Airing out the house | Opening windows, drying bed sheets outdoors |
| Cleaning products | Natural, scented, or essential oil-based |
| Deodorizing | Baking soda, vinegar, charcoal |
| Air fresheners | Non-toxic, natural, essential oil-based |
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What You'll Learn
Baking soda absorbs odours and creates a fresh aroma
Baking soda is a base, or, in scientific terms, sodium bicarbonate. It reacts with acids to form sodium salts, which are odourless. This is why baking soda is so effective at removing stubborn acidic odours, such as those from sour milk.
Baking soda can be used to eliminate unwanted food odours and create a fresh aroma in your home. For example, sprinkling some baking soda in the corners of each room can create a fresher aroma without any harsh chemicals. You can also make cleaning solutions with baking soda that will absorb odours and help them disappear quickly.
To use baking soda for cleaning, create a paste with water and apply it to the surface you want to clean. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth. You can also add vinegar to the paste to boost its cleaning power. The acid in the vinegar reacts with the baking soda, causing it to break down and release carbon dioxide gas, which can lift dirt from surfaces.
Baking soda can also be used to eliminate odours in your dishwasher, microwave, and oven. Simply sprinkle some baking soda into your dishwasher and run it through a rinse cycle, or mix it with water and clean the interior of your microwave or oven.
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Citrus fruits and herbs can be simmered on the stove
To do this, simply place your favourite herbs and spices in a pot with water and slices of lemon, orange, or lime, and simmer on the stove. You can also add spices like mint, lavender, or basil. This method will make your house smell great and is a natural way to create a unique fragrance in your home.
You can also use citrus fruits in other ways to make your house smell good. For example, you can run an entire cut-up lemon through your garbage disposal while running cold water to freshen up your kitchen. Alternatively, you can blend an air mist with invigorating peppermint and lemon.
In addition to citrus fruits, herbs and spices can be used in various ways to create pleasant aromas. For example, you can hang eucalyptus stems in your shower or place bouquets in vases around the house. The aromatic oils in the leaves will release a natural fragrance. Similarly, lavender can be used to create a calming environment in your home. You can make a linen spray with lavender, grapefruit, and sage or use lavender essential oil in inconspicuous spaces throughout your home.
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Air out your space and open windows
Airing out your space and opening the windows is a great way to keep your house smelling good. It is an effective method to remove stale air and lingering odours, setting the stage for other pleasant fragrances you may want to introduce.
Opening the windows is especially important when cooking, as food smells can be strong and linger for a long time. By creating a cross breeze, you can quickly flush out these smells and prevent them from settling into fabrics and soft surfaces. This is also beneficial when cleaning with strong-smelling products, as it can prevent the buildup of harsh chemical scents.
Additionally, opening windows can help regulate moisture levels, reducing the risk of mildew and musty odours. Good ventilation inhibits the growth of mould and bacteria, which are common causes of foul-smelling odours. This is especially important in humid climates, where excess moisture can quickly accumulate and lead to unpleasant smells.
Finally, opening windows can help to bring the outdoors inside, capturing the freshening power of nature. Hanging bedsheets to dry in the breeze or placing houseplants near open windows can enhance this effect, as the sheets will absorb the fresh scent of the outdoors, and houseplants can add a subtle, natural fragrance while also filtering the air.
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Hang eucalyptus stems in the shower or place in vases
Keeping your house smelling good without candles can be achieved through a variety of methods. One such method is to use eucalyptus stems, which can be hung in the shower or placed in vases.
Eucalyptus leaves contain aromatic oils that release a refreshing fragrance when crushed or exposed to air. To use eucalyptus in your home, tie a bunch of fresh stems together and hang them in your shower. Alternatively, you can place eucalyptus bouquets in vases and position them around the house. Be sure to source fresh eucalyptus from local flower markets, grocery stores, online floral shops, or health food stores.
In addition to providing a pleasant scent, eucalyptus can also help to keep insects out of your home, making it a particularly useful option during the summer months.
When using eucalyptus in the shower, the steam will help to activate the release of the eucalyptus fragrance, creating a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom. This method of scenting your home is a natural and safe alternative to candles, which can be a fire hazard and may emit chemicals that are irritating to those with sensitivities.
Combining the use of eucalyptus with other scent-enhancing strategies, such as keeping a tidy home, using baking soda to absorb odors, and simmering pots of herbs and citrus fruits on the stove, can further contribute to creating a pleasant and unique fragrance in your living space.
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Use essential oils in a diffuser
Using essential oils in a diffuser is an excellent way to make your house smell good without candles. Essential oils are natural and can be used to create a pleasant fragrance that suits your preference and enhances your well-being.
First, choose the essential oils you want to use. Popular options include citrus, lavender, peppermint, vetiver, tea tree, and eucalyptus. You can also opt for blends specifically designed to promote relaxation or improve attention and ease. For example, a combination of lavender and neroli is perfect for the summer, while doTERRA's Adaptiv Calming Blend is excellent for stressful moments.
Next, prepare your diffuser. Follow the instructions provided with your diffuser, as different models may have specific requirements. Generally, you will need to fill the diffuser with water and add a few drops of your chosen essential oil or blend. Some diffusers may require you to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, before adding it to the water.
Place the diffuser in the desired location. You can choose a central area in your home to disperse the fragrance evenly or place it in a specific room you want to scent, such as the bedroom or living room. Turn on the diffuser and enjoy the aromatic benefits.
To maintain the pleasant scent in your home, ensure you regularly clean your space, including vacuuming, dusting, and mopping. Additionally, pay attention to areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and closets, as moisture can lead to musty odors. Open windows to promote cross-ventilation and flush out stale air, especially when cooking or after using strong-smelling products.
By following these steps and combining the use of essential oils in a diffuser with good housekeeping practices, you can effectively keep your house smelling good without relying on candles.
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Frequently asked questions
One way is to use essential oils. You can create your own cleaners with essential oils, such as citrus and tea tree, or blend an air mist with peppermint and lemon.
Natural options include using eucalyptus in the shower, hanging fresh eucalyptus stems together, or placing eucalyptus bouquets in vases around the house. Houseplants can also add natural beauty and fragrance to your home.
Coffee! Fill a couple of candle holders with coffee beans, put vanilla-scented candles inside, and light them. The scent is sweet and calming.
Baking soda can be used to absorb odours. Sprinkle some in the corners of each room or add a tablespoon or two to hot water and use it to mop your floors.
Try using non-toxic air sprays crafted with pure essential oils. You can also make your own linen spray with lavender, grapefruit, and sage for a calming environment.
