Life in these crazy Covid times may be making those same four walls feel (and possibly smell) more than a little stale. Here’s are some simple tips for freshening things up!
Open the window.
It’s the easiest way to bring freshness in, says Melissa Maker, the founder of the Clean My Space cleaning company, blog, and YouTube channel, especially if you have leftover cooking smells or lingering odors from home improvement projects such as painting. Opening a window makes your entire space feel cleaner and helps lift the mood in your home. If possible, open windows on multiple sides of your home to get a cross breeze. Even if it’s freezing outside, cracking a window for a short while can make a difference.
Try a neutralizer.
If you love the idea of a home that smells perfectly like nothing, then look for odor neutralizers that don’t add a scent. Our experts are fans of activated charcoal filters that come in small bags you can hang in stink-prone rooms or stash in a gym bag. “They’re good especially in areas like diaper pails, garbages, and litter boxes,” says Maker. In a pinch, fill your sink with hot water and a few drops of bleach, and drain it before company arrives. “Just the smell of cleaner will make people think your home is clean,” says Rachel Hoffman, the author of the (bluntly yet inspirationally named) book Unf*ck Your Habitat: You’re Better Than Your Mess ($16; amazon.com).
Find subtle ways to scent.
Diffusers aren’t the only way to use essential oils. A few other DIY ideas from Maker: First, consider a fabric refresher spray. Mix half a cup of white vinegar, half a cup of rubbing alcohol, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and 20 drops of your favorite oil in a small spray bottle. Shake well before each use, and mist it over clothing or upholstery, ensuring that clothes dry completely before you fold them. Or try baking soda sachets, which absorb bad smells and add in good ones: Fill a coffee filter with baking soda, add about five drops of essential oil, and tie it off—then toss it in a drawer or anywhere that needs a refresh. Another pro tip: Next time you replace your furnace filter, add 10 to 20 drops of essential oil. The air will help disperse the scent throughout the space.
Strong scents aren’t always best.
It’s a common misconception that in order for your home to smell “good,” the smell has to envelop you the second you walk through the door. The opposite is actually true. You’re after a general feeling of energy, relaxation, or whatever your intention for the space is. This also ensures you’re taking your guests into consideration. Some may have allergies or sensitivities to strong smells, and you don’t want to make them uncomfortable in your home.
For that reason, it’s a good idea to stay away from overly sweet, cloying smells when scenting your home. If you love your sugar apple cinnamon candle, Maker suggests saving that for times when you’re home on your own. “I’m a fan of having a library of scents,” she says. Your sweet favorite can serve as your personal mood booster, which is exactly what a good smell should do.
For times when you’re sharing your space, however, Maker suggests steering clear of sugary scents and sticking to more natural ones, like woods, florals, and citrus. “You can still get a similar feeling as you do with the sugary-smelling scents,” she says. “But the result will be longer lasting and more impactful.” Try cutting fresh flowers from your yard and putting them as a centerpiece. In other words, a home that smells as good as it looks.
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