If you’ve ever wondered how to make your home smell amazing, here’s the ultimate list of fresh, easy, and creative ideas to keep your space naturally fragrant all year round.
I’m not always a huge fan of store-bought candles—yes, they’re cozy, but I prefer simple, homemade ways to make my house smell like a holiday retreat or a luxury spa. So, I gathered some of the best DIY scent ideas from around the web that truly work.
Try a few of these and enjoy a home that smells fresh, clean, and completely inviting.
1. Sea Salt and Citrus
Photo: The Krazy Coupon Lady
A bright mix of fruit, basil, and cloves gives this scent a springtime freshness while neutralizing bad odors. The salt helps absorb unwanted smells, leaving your space light and airy.
Try it: Get the full tutorial from The Krazy Coupon Lady
2. Apple Cinnamon and Citrus
Photo: DIY and Mag
Warm, cozy, and fruity — this scent smells like autumn in a jar. Perfect even in summer when you crave that fall comfort.
Try it: Get the full tutorial from DIY and Mag
3. Coffee & Vanilla Hack
Photo: Unknown
For coffee lovers, this combo is pure bliss. The aroma of roasted beans mixed with vanilla fills your kitchen with warmth and coziness.
4. Make Your House Smell Like Christmas
Photo: Half Baked Harvest
A festive simmering mix that smells like apple cider, pine, and holiday cheer. Works anytime you need a comforting scent.
Try it: Get the full tutorial from Half Baked Harvest
5. Spring Scents for Your Home
Photo: One More Moore
A refreshing blend of rosemary, lemon, and vanilla that smells cleaner than a Williams Sonoma store.
Try it: Get the full tutorial from One More Moore
6. Cranberry and Orange
Photo: First Home Love Life
Cranberry and citrus create a zesty, sweet fragrance that’s perfect for winter—or anytime you need a cheerful boost.
Try it: Get the full tutorial from First Home Love Life
7. Natural Ways to Make Your Home Smell Good
Photo: The Health Minded
Although the original article’s gone, The Health Minded has other great natural scenting ideas worth exploring.
8. Get Rid of Lingering Food Smells
Photo: Buzzfeed
This handy infographic breaks down 12 quick ways to remove strong kitchen odors—definitely worth saving.
9. Homemade Potpourri Simmer Mix
Photo: Pip and Ebby
A classic stovetop potpourri made with fragrant fruits, spices, and herbs. One simmer and your home smells brand new.
Try it: Get the full tutorial from Pip and Ebby
10. Lilac Room Spray
Photo: At the Picket Fence
Mix a lilac-scented spray for a subtle floral scent that lingers throughout the day.
Try it: Get the full tutorial from At the Picket Fence
11. Lemon and Rosemary Room Scent
Photo: House of Hawthornes
Boil lemon slices, rosemary, and water to create a natural air freshener that smells crisp and clean.
Try it: Get the full tutorial from House of Hawthornes
12. Dried Herb Incense
Photo: The Kitchn
Burn dried herbs like sage, rosemary, or thyme to fill your home with earthy, calming aromas.
Try it: Get the full tutorial from The Kitchn
13. Orange Peel Candles
Photo: Apartment Therapy
Turn leftover orange peels into natural candles with a citrusy twist—eco-friendly and fragrant.
Try it: Get the full tutorial from Apartment Therapy
14. Wax Potpourri Sachets
Photo: Shop Terrain
Perfect for drawers or closets. Combine dried flowers like lavender or rose with wax for a lasting, gentle scent.
15. Kool-Aid Dishwasher Hack
Photo: Real Simple
Run your dishwasher with lemon Kool-Aid to banish bad smells instantly.
Try it: Get the full tutorial from Real Simple
16. Eucalyptus Shower Bundles
Photos: The Krazy Coupon Lady, Juicing for Health, Apartment Therapy
Hang fresh eucalyptus or herbs in your shower for a relaxing, spa-like scent that’s released by steam.
17. Essential Oils on Air Filters
Photo: Kids Activities Blog
Add a few drops of essential oil to your air filter and let your HVAC spread the fragrance throughout your home.
18. Dry Shampoo in Shoes
Photo: The Krazy Coupon Lady
Spray dry shampoo inside shoes to absorb sweat and prevent odor before it starts.
19. DIY Garbage Disposal Cubes
Photos: Design Meet Style, Homedit
Freeze baking soda, citrus, and vinegar into cubes to clean and freshen your garbage disposal naturally.
20. Simmer Homemade Potpourri
Photo: Homedit
A simmering pot of fruit and spices is the easiest way to make your home smell like the holidays.
21. Clip Air Freshener to Air Vent
Photo: The Krazy Coupon Lady
An instant scent hack—clip your favorite air freshener to a vent and let your AC do the rest.
22. Homemade Air Purifier
Photo: Ms. Not So Perfect
Attach an air filter to a fan for a quick DIY purifier that helps circulate cleaner, fresher air.
23. Vanilla in the Oven
Photo: The Krazy Coupon Lady
Bake two tablespoons of vanilla extract in a dish to fill your home with a sweet, warm scent before guests arrive.
24. Vinegar Odor Remover
Photo: The Krazy Coupon Lady
Leave out a bowl of vinegar overnight to absorb lingering odors from any room.
25. Essential Oil Cotton Balls
Photo: One Good Thing by Jillee
Place a few drops of your favorite essential oil on cotton balls and tuck them into drawers or vents for a subtle scent.
26. Vinegar for Mildew Towels
Photo: Mom 4 Real
Add vinegar to your laundry to remove mildew smells and keep towels fresh.
27. Candle in the Car Cup Holder
Photo: The Krazy Coupon Lady
Leave a small candle in your car’s cup holder; on warm days, the wax softens and releases fragrance naturally.
28. Mason Jar Baking Soda Air Freshener
Photo: Like a Saturday
Fill a mason jar with baking soda and essential oil for a chemical-free odor neutralizer.
29. Palo Santo Sticks
Photo: Cup of Jo
Burn palo santo for a natural, woodsy aroma reminiscent of a cozy campfire.
30. Coffee Scented Candles
Photo: The Lovely Drawer
Make candles with coffee grounds and wax for a bold, warm scent that fills your kitchen.
31. Reed Diffuser
Photo: Sugar and Cloth
Create your own long-lasting reed diffuser with essential oils and carrier oil for continuous fragrance.
32. Essential Oil Toilet Paper Trick
Photo: Olivia Havener/Dupe
Add a few drops of essential oil inside the cardboard roll of toilet paper for a constantly fresh bathroom scent.
33. DIY Toilet Bombs
Photo: Lemons Lavender & Laundry
Mix baking soda, citric acid, and water to make fizzing toilet bombs that deodorize naturally.
34. Lemon Slices in a Jar
Photo: Caroline Taborda/Dupe
Place lemon slices in a small jar to freshen up bathrooms or kitchens—simple, natural, and effective.
35. Trashcan Deodorizer Tabs
Photo: One Essential Community
Mix baking soda and essential oil into small tablets to neutralize odors in trash bins.
36. Clean Toilet Crevices
Photo: Curology/Unsplash
Bad smells often come from hidden grime. Wipe toilet edges, hinges, and crevices regularly to keep things fresh.
37. DIY Bathroom Poop Spray
Photo: Happy Money Saver
A fun and useful project—mix water, rubbing alcohol, and essential oils for your own pre-spray air freshener.
38. Scented Wax Cubes
Photo: Lemon Lavender & Laundry
Homemade wax melts made with essential oils or coffee grounds are a cozy and reusable air freshening option.
Whether you love fresh citrus, earthy herbs, or sweet vanilla, these creative DIYs will keep your home smelling like your favorite season—all without harsh chemicals or expensive sprays. Once you start using these, you’ll never go back to store-bought air fresheners again.