"I love candles. In fact, I might argue that I love candles more than the average person. I have an entire collection sitting in a cabinet waiting to be lit and often rotate out the scents depending on my mood or the season. I even own a wick trimmer, and once you’re purchasing accessories that serve no purpose other than to keep your candles in tip-top shape, I think it means you’ve reached peak candle obsession. All that being said, there are so many ways to elevate your home in terms of scent, so why stop after candles? There’s an entire world of curating your home fragrance just waiting to be discovered. So if you want a space that makes guests go, “Wow, it smells amazing in here,” when they walk in the door, read on for seven ways to make your house smell good beyond candles.
1. Focus on eliminating odor
As fun as playing with scent is, keeping your house smelling nice is difficult if you’re competing with other odors. Take this as your sign to check in with common problem areas like your fridge, trash can, and garbage disposal to ensure everything smells fresh. Pro tip: Keep an open box of baking soda in your fridge to neutralize odors without any extra effort.
2. Add some diffusers
If you haven’t dipped your toes into the diffuser realm yet, you’re missing out. They offer a similar scent throw to candles, but diffusers can continue working even when you’re not home, and you don’t have to worry about forgetting to blow them out. Whether you go with an essential oil diffuser, a no-fuss wall plug-in, or a classic reed diffuser, there are plenty of options to suit everyone’s needs. Plus, many popular candle companies also make reed diffusers, so if you have a favorite scent and you’re looking to add something new to your collection, check if they sell diffusers, too.
3. Open up a window
Sometimes, the best way to keep your home smelling amazing is to open a window and let some fresh air in. This may be incredibly simple, but no matter how nice your home smells, there’s something about a subtle breeze that reinvigorates the home. It also increases air circulation, keeping the air from getting stale and ushering out any lingering cooking smells or other odors. Now that we’re in the warmer months, bringing the sunlight in is also a total mood booster.
4. Upgrade your laundry routine
Never underestimate the power of a good laundry detergent. I find that scent lasts a long time on clothes, so not only does it make you smell nice when walking around, but it also adds a little scent boost to your closet. I love washing my sheets, towels, and blankets in a fancy, perfumed detergent, so the smell lingers throughout the house and completely elevates my nighttime routine. As someone who despises laundry, I find this simple switch keeps my home smelling great and makes me look forward to the once-dreaded chore.
5. Make a simmer pot or potpourri
Ever since I discovered simmer pots, I’ve been absolutely obsessed. They couldn’t be easier to make and are completely customizable. Plus, you likely already have the necessary ingredients around your house. All you have to do is place some nice-smelling ingredients—such as citrus fruits, spices, and herbs—in a pot with some water, and let the whole thing simmer over low heat. This is also a great way to use up leftover scraps after you finish cooking! Leave it on the stove for a few hours, and the smell will waft through your entire house. For spring, I love adding lemon and lime slices, rosemary, mint, and a dash of vanilla extract. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. Pop a simmer pot on before you have company over, and your guests will be hounding you for your secret to making your home smell so good.
6. Use a linen spray on furniture
I don’t know about you, but I definitely don’t deep-clean my couch as often as I should. That’s not to say it necessarily smells bad, but it also doesn’t add anything scent-wise to my living room. One thing I’ve started doing that makes the room smell extra fresh is using a fabric-safe room spray on my furniture to serve as a little pick-me-up. It takes my space to the next level and adds fragrance to the furniture instead of just the air like a candle would. For a no-cost option, you can also DIY one at home with some water and a few drops of essential oils.
7. Display fresh flowers
There’s a reason people always say to stop and smell the roses. Yes, the phrase acts as a reminder to slow down and enjoy life amongst all the busyness, but it’s also because the roses smell pretty damn good. Buying fresh flowers for your house is a fantastic excuse to treat yourself to something nice. Arrange some blooms in a vase to spruce up your dining table or kitchen counter and add a beautiful, subtle scent to the room. Some particularly fragrant flowers to add to your next arrangement are gardenias, roses, jasmine, lilies, and magnolias.
