24+ Tips On How To Make Your House Smell Good

Got people coming over and you want to know how to make your house smell good in a hurry?

Or maybe you’re just wanting things to be a little bit fresher around your home.

Whatever the case I’ve got you covered.

Ready to put in some elbow grease and make your house smell amazing? Lets get into my best tips on how to make your house smell good.

This post may contain affiliate links and if you choose to make a purchase through my links I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The NUMBER 1 Thing To Fix For A Good Smelling Home

AIR QUALITY… Whether it is dust and dander causing the problem or you simply need to open the winders. Use these tips to freshen the air. Everything else is a bonus.

Open Windows for Airflow and Freshness

There’s nothing like a little fresh air to clear things up. Open the windows, let the breeze in, and let your home breathe a bit. It’s the quickest way to reset the air in any room.

BUT do it AFTER you have dusted and swept. You will send your dirt and dander flying if you don’t dust first.

Employ Air Purifiers for Enhanced Air Quality

Air purifiers aren’t just for allergy season; they’re great all year round. They’ll trap dust, dander, and other odor-makers so you’re left with crisp, clean air—and less sneezing.

I was shocked at how well these work in our home. Especially if you have pets. I have to say clean air is one of the number one things to fix if you are trying to have a fresh home. This air purifier has great amazon reviews and is similar to the one I have. It works for up to 1100 sq ft so its great to do the main area of a home in minutes.

Control Humidity to Prevent Musty Smells

Musty smells love humidity. Use a dehumidifier if needed, and keep humidity levels low. It’ll save you from unwanted scents and help keep mold and mildew at bay.

We have to keep one running most of the time in our basement. This one does an excellent job and has had a good long life for us. Check out this dehumidifier on amazon

Introduce Houseplants to Improve Atmosphere

Houseplants are amazing at naturally cleaning the air. (Bonus: they make your space look like a lovely green oasis.) Try a few low-maintenance ones like snake plants or spider plants—they’re practically unkillable!

This set of potted life plants on amazon is great because it comes potted and ready to go. You would spend the same amount if you bought everything separate so its a great deal.

Tips To Solve The Problem Long Term

These tips are going to help you if you have a bit of time. If you don’t then skip down to the fast hacks section to get the quick tips. But just as a warning. You don’t want to cover up the bad smells long term. That doesn’t truly solve the problem.

Clear The Junk

You’ve got to start with the foundation.

Bad smells come from all different kinds of things that you may not even realize. Small subtleties will add up. Dust and dander will add to the smell causing the room to smell musty even if you don’t see a layer on anything in your home.

Clear out the room of anything that does not belong and find stuff you can trash or take to Good-Will.

You might even find some things that are causing a smell that you didn’t even realize was there, especially if you have little kiddos helping you make your house a home.

It Is Time To Clean So Your Room Can Smell Good

I know this one is not fun but like I said before dust and dander is going to add up and the smell is going to layer itself on top of your floors, bedding, carpet or anything else in the room.

Before you can make the room smell good you have to make it fresh and have a clean slate. Whether that’s sweeping, dusting, mopping the floors, washing the bedding, or even just taking rugs outside to air or opening the windows… do it all if you can. Everything will add up and you will have a fresh room in no time.

I will share this down in the fast hacks section but I LOVE this pet odor fabrics eliminator spray. It works so well on fabrics.

I sweep down the furniture then spray about three sprays on the couch high enough it falls down onto the furniture like a rain cloud. I don’t want to soak a seat and then have a guest sit on it.

How To Make A House FEEL Clean

The biggest part of making a room smell fresh is that it also feels fresh and looks clean. Something you might not realize is that your brain fills in the pieces it doesn’t see. So if you see a pile of clothes in the corner your brain is going to tell you that this room is it’s not clean.

Or in the case of a living room if you see carpet lines on the floor this is another signal to your brain the room is clean. You want to do things that will help your brain think and feel like the room is fresh and clean.

Weird I know but bits true.

Use Simple and Fresh Scents

Smells are something you have to be careful with. Not everyone likes the same scents in certain smells give off different feelings whether they are supposed to be good smells or not.

Some people don’t like food smells other people like flowers some like fresh scents like clean cotton. Personally, I love the smell of pine candles that may not smell good to some people but to me, that’s what I like.

Someone might love lemon or vanilla those are smells that I just would not use in a room. Just be careful of the since you choose if there are others coming over or those who live with you.

I do find that baked goods candles tend to do well across the board because people’s brain goes to food. Not and offensive smell.

Simple and subtle scents that are not overpowering are the best way to go.

Quick Scent Booster Fast Hacks

Use baking soda and sprinkle it on the carpet let it sit for at least 15 minutes Use an antibacterial essential oil like Lavender or Eucalyptus to help give more of a clean smell to the room.

You can put it in the baking soda or add 10 drops to 1 cup of water and shake well before using it as a room mist. I would shake multiple times throughout your cleaning session because you are mixing oil and water so you have to regularly break up the oil particles to get an even “ish” mix.

If you have only a few minutes ALWAYS have a wax melt on hand. They give off strong sent fast no matter how cheap you go. However the cheaper they are the less amount of time you get per melt.

Other Quick Tips:

• Empty garbage cans regularly.
• Sprinkle baking soda before vacuuming.
• Clean out your refrigerator.
• Put essential oil drops on your furnace filter.
• Put essential oil in your toilet paper roll.
• Simmer potpourri on the stove.
• Pet Odor Eliminator Fabric Spray
• Use a strong cleaner around your sink drains and drop essential oils down them especially if you have a garbage disposal.

Quick Tips For Company

There are different options to make a room smell good if you have company coming over just using cleaning products is often enough you can use things like carpet sprays to make the carpet smell fresh. Dusting spray leaves a hint of freshness, wiping down the counters with something like Pine-Sol (I love the lavender scent) or Clorox wipes will make the room smell fresh.

If you are wanting to give the room more of a homey feeling then consider lighting a candle. If you are worried about fires, you have kids at home, in my case, tall dogs with long tails consider putting on something these like a wax melt.

Stove Top Potpourri Combos

Making a room smell good has just as much to do with the mind as well as the smell that you actually have coming in your nose.

Think of it as a mind game look at the room itself and say what makes me think it’s dirty? Do what you can to remove those things and I had a little extra smell.

Herbs are something that has an amazing relaxing aroma look in your cabinet for something like thyme, rosemary, or basil and add it to a small pot of water and let it simmer on the stove on low.

You can use pumpkin pie spice if you like more of a baked good smell but then you will have to tell the truth if someone asks what the smell is thinking they might get a treat.

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Stovetop Scent Combinations

1. Classic Cozy
   • Cinnamon sticks
   • Cloves
   • Orange peels
   • A dash of vanilla extract
2. Citrus Freshness
   • Lemon slices
   • Rosemary sprigs
   • A splash of vanilla extract
3. Apple Pie Vibes
   • Apple slices
   • Cinnamon sticks
   • Whole cloves
   • Star anise
4. Herbal Retreat
   • Fresh rosemary
   • Lavender buds or essential oil
   • A few drops of lemon essential oil
5. Holiday Cheer
   • Cranberries
   • Orange peels
   • Cinnamon sticks
   • A sprinkle of nutmeg
6. Woodsy Wonder
   • Pine or cedar branches
   • Bay leaves
   • Juniper berries or allspice
7. Warm Citrus Spice
   • Orange and lemon slices
   • Whole cloves
   • A sprinkle of ginger powder or fresh ginger slices
8. Fresh Mint and Lime
   • Fresh mint leaves
   • Lime slices
   • A hint of vanilla extract
9. Tropical Twist
   • Pineapple chunks
   • Coconut extract (just a drop or two)
   • Fresh mint
10. Spring Garden

• Fresh basil leaves
• Lemon slices
• A couple of cucumber slices

Key Tips for a Pleasant-Smelling Home

If you’ve ever tried to keep a house smelling good when you’re juggling kids, pets, or simply the realities of daily life, you know it can feel like a full-time job. Fortunately, there are some tried-and-true tricks to help you keep your home smelling wonderful without turning it into a full-blown science experiment.

Clean Garbage Bins and Refrigerators

The culprits behind mysterious smells are usually hiding in plain sight. Give your garbage bins and fridge a weekly wipe-down. Think of it as a “fresh start” – after all, there’s nothing like sniffing out an old onion to remind you to stay on top of it.

Freshen Up Carpets with Deep Cleaning

Carpets are like sponges for odors, so treat them to a deep clean every now and then. You’d be amazed at the difference it makes. (Bonus: it’s also oddly satisfying to see what gets sucked up in the process!)

If you have dogs you may want to consider having less carpeting because this is just going to be a never ending battle with dogs. They are a constant flow of dander and dirt.

Invest in Quality Essential Oils

Essential oils are like a little magic in a bottle. Just a few drops can transform a room. Choose quality oils that smell fresh and natural, and you’ll be floating on a lavender-scented cloud in no time.

I quick tip I noticed with my diffusors is they need to be regularly cleaned out and dried. I had one that I ignored and every time I turned it on I would end up in a sneezing fit.

Light Scented Candles for Ambiance

Candles are more than just a way to make your space smell great—they’re also a mood-setter. Light a few (responsibly!) and enjoy the cozy vibes along with that hint of vanilla or eucalyptus.

Arrange Fresh Flowers for a Fragrant Touch

A fresh bouquet is a little luxury that goes a long way. Not only do flowers look inviting, but many also bring a subtle, natural scent that brightens up any room.

And they don’t have to be from the store. Look around your property to see what you can find.

Use Bowls of Vinegar or Coffee Grounds for Odor Absorption

When it comes to stubborn smells, vinegar and coffee grounds are heroes. Leave a small bowl in the offending area overnight, and by morning, it’ll smell fresher (no harsh chemicals required).

Create a Signature Scent for Your Home

Pick a scent you love and make it the scent of your home. Essential oils, diffusers, and natural sprays in the same scent family create a subtle signature fragrance.

Use Fragrance Diffusers for Continuous Aroma

Diffusers are like a “set it and forget it” approach to scent. Choose your favorite essential oils, pop them in a diffuser, and let it do the work while you enjoy that fresh aroma all day long.

Rotate Seasonal Scents for Variety

Mix it up as the seasons change! Try light, floral scents in spring, citrusy ones in summer, spicy in fall, and cozy pine or cinnamon in winter.

Mind the Laundry: Freshen Up Fabrics

Freshly laundered curtains, bedding, and cushion covers keep the whole room smelling better. And hey, nothing beats crawling into fresh sheets at the end of the day.

Keep Pets Clean and Odor-Free

We love our furry friends, but sometimes they bring a little more “scent” than we’d like. Regular grooming goes a long way, and pet-safe deodorizers can help keep your space smelling fresh.

This is one area where investing in taking them to the groomers can be worth it depending on how much your local groomers charge.

Incorporate Baking Soda in Problem Areas

Baking soda is a legend in the world of odor control. Sprinkle it in shoes, closets, or anywhere else that needs a little help, and let it absorb those less-than-lovely smells.

Try Scented Drawer Liners

Give yourself a pleasant surprise every time you open a drawer with scented liners. It’s a small touch, but you’ll thank yourself every time you reach for a pair of socks.

Avoid Overpowering Scents that Clash

Less is more! Stick to a few complementary scents instead of trying to mix and match too many. A light, pleasant fragrance is far better than a medley of smells fighting for attention.

FAQs

How often should I clean to maintain a good smell?
Aim for a deep clean every week, with a few little refreshers throughout the week. Regular small efforts add up and make a big difference.

Are artificial air fresheners safe to use?
Many contain chemicals that might not be ideal for the air in your home. Stick with natural options whenever possible.

What natural ingredients help eliminate odors?
White vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and coffee grounds are all natural odor-busters and easy to use around the house.