Learn how to make your home smell good with DIY solutions: simmer spices, use baking soda, or try DIY sprays for a fresh and fragrant home!
If you’ve ever wondered how to make your house smell good without relying on store-bought sprays or expensive candles, this list is for you. Now, don’t get me wrong — scented candles are lovely — but if there’s an easier, more creative way to make my home smell like a cozy spa or the holidays, I’m all in.
So I went hunting for some of the best homemade scent ideas from other creative bloggers, and wow, these are good. They’re simple, natural, and smell incredible. Check them out below and give them a try — they’ll make your home smell fresh and welcoming every day.
1. Sea Salt and Citrus
I’m obsessed with this one. The mix of citrus, salt, basil, and cloves smells fresh and clean — like spring in a jar. It also helps neutralize odors around the house.
Tutorial: The Krazy Coupon Lady
2. Apple Cinnamon and Citrus
Who says fall scents are only for fall? I could have my house smell like warm apples and cinnamon all year long. It’s cozy, fruity, and just makes everything feel homier.
Tutorial: DIY and Mag
3. Coffee and Vanilla Hack
Okay, technically this one still involves something candle-like — but since it includes coffee, I’m making an exception. The smell of roasted coffee mixed with vanilla? Perfect.
Source: Unknown
4. Make Your House Smell Like Christmas
If the scent of apples, pine, and cloves makes you smile, this one’s for you. It’s festive, warm, and feels like holiday cheer in a pot.
Tutorial: Half Baked Harvest
5. Spring Scents with Rosemary, Lemon, and Vanilla
This combo smells like sunshine and fresh linens. It’s refreshing, simple, and perfect if you love natural, non-perfume smells.
Tutorial: One More Moore
6. Cranberry and Orange Simmer
Another cozy, holiday-style scent that fills your kitchen with warmth. Let it simmer on the stove and enjoy the citrus-berry goodness.
Tutorial: First Home Love Life
7. Natural Ways to Make Your Home Smell Good
Even though the original article’s gone, The Health Minded has lots of other clean-living ideas worth checking out.
8. Get Rid of Food Odors
Buzzfeed made a great infographic that shows simple ways to eliminate lingering kitchen smells. Definitely one to save for later.
Tutorial: Buzzfeed
9. Homemade Potpourri
Simmering herbs, fruits, and spices on your stove is one of the oldest (and best) tricks for a fresh-smelling home.
Tutorial: Pip and Ebby
10. Lilac Room Spray
Nothing says spring like lilac. This DIY spray smells sweet and floral, and you can make it in minutes.
Tutorial: At the Picket Fence
11. Lemon and Rosemary Room Scent
Add lemon slices, rosemary, and water to a pot and simmer. Your house will instantly smell like a garden after the rain.
Tutorial: House of Hawthornes
12. Dried Herb Incense
Don’t underestimate dried herbs — sage, thyme, and rosemary smell incredible when gently heated.
Tutorial: The Kitchn
13. Orange Peel Candle
Before tossing your orange peels, turn them into cute citrus candles. They smell amazing and look beautiful, too.
Tutorial: Apartment Therapy
14. Wax Potpourri Sachets
These wax sachets made with dried flowers like lavender or rose are perfect for drawers or closets.
Original: Shop Terrain
15. Clean Your Dishwasher with Kool-Aid
A packet of lemon Kool-Aid will remove dishwasher odors fast — no harsh cleaners needed.
Tutorial: Real Simple
16. Eucalyptus Shower Bundles
Hang eucalyptus or herb bundles from your showerhead. The steam releases a spa-like scent and helps you relax.
Tutorials: The Krazy Coupon Lady, Juicing for Health, Apartment Therapy
17. Essential Oils on Your Air Filter
Add a few drops of essential oil to your air filter — every time your air blows, your whole home smells heavenly.
Tutorial: Kids Activities Blog
18. Use Dry Shampoo in Shoes
Spray dry shampoo inside your shoes before wearing them. It keeps them dry and odor-free all day.
19. DIY Garbage Disposal Cubes
Freeze vinegar, lemon, and baking soda into cubes, then toss one down the disposal. It cleans and deodorizes fast.
Tutorials: Design Meet Style, Homedit
20. Stovetop Potpourri
My personal favorite — simmering potpourri on the stove or in a slow cooker. It makes your home smell like the holidays instantly.
Tutorial: Homedit