As a busy mom, I know how important it is to keep your house smelling fresh, even when life gets chaotic.
Between juggling kids’ schedules, meal prep, and everything else, it can feel impossible to stay on top of it all, let alone keep the house smelling good.
I had to look for easy, effective ways to keep the air in my home fresh without spending too much time or effort.
After testing and trying different methods, I’ve put together a list of tried-and-true ways that I couldn’t wait to share with you. Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
- Essential oils, simmer pots, and natural DIY air fresheners are effective and easy ways to keep your home smelling fresh consistently.
- Simple tricks like using baking soda in trash cans and placing dryer sheets in hidden spots can make a big impact on reducing odors.
- Keeping carpets, upholstery, and vents clean helps maintain long-lasting freshness throughout the house.
- Using pet deodorizers and regularly refreshing items like shoes and linens prevent lingering smells from daily life.
- Incorporating small habits, like airing out the house and utilizing houseplants, can naturally improve your home’s scent without much effort.
- Use my free cleaning checklists to get into easy cleaning habits. They’ll make your house more manageable and smell better with less effort!
25 Genius Ways To Keep Your House Smelling Good Consistently
1. Keep Your House Smelling Good Consistently with Essential Oil Diffusers
Essential oil diffusers are fool-proof when it comes to effortlessly keeping your house smelling good. I love using different oils, like apple or vanilla, depending on the mood or time of day.
Our daughters love picking out the scents for each room, making it a fun family activity. Just a tidbit of info, though—if you have pets, avoid any essential oils that are toxic to pets!
BONUS! I use furniture pads (the little circles) from the Dollar Store as scent boosters around the house. You can add a few drops to a furniture pad and stick it to the underside of your furniture for a nice smell boost.
2. Try Simmer Pots for a Natural Scent Boost
Simmer pots (aka stovetop potpourri) are another one of my go-to methods to get the house smelling good. All you need is a pot, some water, and ingredients like cinnamon sticks, oranges, or rosemary for whatever scents you like.
The heated water releases the natural scents into the air, creating a warm, inviting smell that lingers for hours. I like to make a simmer pot when we’re having guests over—it feels like you’ve done something special without the extra effort.
3. Make Homemade Potpourri
I love making homemade potpourri with dried flowers, herbs, and essential oils to have around the house. It’s a simple DIY project that not only looks pretty but also smells great.
I keep bowls of potpourri in the entryway, living room, and our bathrooms, and they give off subtle scents that aren’t too overwhelming. Plus, our daughters enjoy helping me put it together—it’s a fun craft that keeps the house smelling good!
4. Scented Candles for a Cozy Vibe
Scented candles are another one of my favorite ways to keep the house smelling nice and just give me good vibes to have around.
I light them in the evenings when we’re winding down, and they give the whole house a cozy, inviting feel.
I switch between seasonal scents, like pumpkin spice in the fall or fresh linen in the spring. It’s a simple touch that makes our home feel even more welcoming and relaxing.
5. Use Baking Soda in Trash Cans to Neutralize Odors
Baking soda is a miracle worker for how well it neutralizes odors. I sprinkle it at the bottom of our trash cans every week, and it helps control unpleasant smells or spills that might happen before we swap the trash bags.
The trick is to replace it regularly, which I make a point to do during our weekly cleaning sessions. It’s such a simple thing, but it makes a huge difference.
6. Opt for Natural Air Fresheners (DIY!)
Instead of reaching for store-bought air fresheners, I’ve started making my own room sprays with essential oils, water, and a bit of witch hazel.
This way, I know what’s going into the air in our home, and I can choose scents that make the whole house smell clean and fresh. I spritz these around the house once a day, and it really helps to keep everything smelling nice.
It’s so inexpensive to whip up at home- I get the bottles a the Dollar Store, and they have essential oils and witch hazel if I don’t want to buy in bulk elsewhere.
7. Place Dryer Sheets in Hidden Spots
This trick is so easy yet so effective! Tuck dryer sheets into places like the linen closet, behind curtains, or even under your couch cushions for a quick scent boost.
I replace mine every couple of weeks, and it keeps everything smelling fresh without much effort.
I love using lavender-scented dryer sheets, and every time I sit down in the living room, I catch a hint of the scent. It’s a little thing, but it makes the house feel fresh and cozy.
8. Keep Carpets Fresh with Carpet Powder
Carpet powder is a great way to refresh your home and keep odors from settling into the fibers and causing that lingering stink.
I sprinkle a homemade baking soda and essential oil mixture onto the carpets before vacuuming. Our daughters even help by “sprinkling” the powder since they feel like they get to make a mess, LOL.
9. Clean the Air Vents Regularly
Something I learned the hard way is how much dust and grime is collected in your air vents. Every few months, I vacuum and wipe down the vent covers, which helps circulate cleaner air through the house.
It’s a simple task that goes a long way in maintaining good air quality and a pleasant scent. Now that I know exactly what dust bunnies are made from, I’ve also added deep cleaning vents to my list to get done once in a while!
10. Use Houseplants for Natural Freshness
Houseplants are great for adding greenery and keeping the air fresh. Some plants, like lavender and eucalyptus (out of the reach of pets), naturally purify the air and give off a lovely scent.
I’ve got a few in different rooms, and they really help keep everything smelling fresh. Plus, it’s a nice way to bring nature inside, and the girls love watering them!
11. Use Vinegar to Neutralize Strong Odors
Vinegar is a powerhouse when it comes to neutralizing strong odors. I leave a small bowl of vinegar out in the kitchen overnight after cooking strong-smelling foods, and by morning, the scent is gone.
It’s amazing how well it works without leaving any vinegar smell behind. I also use it in cleaning solutions to help freshen up surfaces while disinfecting.
I even use it in the washing machine to help get rid of sock smells and replace fabric softeners for our clothes.
12. Air Out the House Regularly
Sometimes, the best way to keep your house smelling fresh is to open up the windows and let some fresh air in. I try to do this at least once a week, especially after cooking or cleaning, to circulate the air.
It’s such an easy way to reset the air and get rid of any lingering odors. Even just a few minutes makes a big difference, and the whole house feels lighter and fresher.
13. Use Activated Charcoal to Absorb Odors
Activated charcoal absorbs odors without adding any scent of its own, perfect for effortless cleaning.
I leave these small bags of activated charcoal in places like the laundry room and near our trash cans, where smells can sometimes linger. It’s an inexpensive and effective solution that requires very little maintenance.
I swap out the charcoal every few months, and it keeps the air neutral and fresh.
14. Freshen the Fridge with Baking Soda
The fridge can sometimes become a source of strong odors, especially with kids around who are always opening and closing it. I keep a small, open box of baking soda inside the fridge, and it does wonders at neutralizing any food smells. I swap the baking soda every month, and I’ve noticed a huge difference in keeping our kitchen smelling clean and fresh.
15. Use Pet Deodorizers to Control Pet Odors
Pets can sometimes be a source of strong odors, so pet-specific deodorizers are a lifesaver. I like using pet deodorizers in areas where our dog sleeps or lounges (aka drools and sheds).
These deodorizers are safe and effective at neutralizing smells without irritating pets. I spray them on our dog’s bed and favorite spots once a week, and they keep the house smelling fresh.
It’s an easy solution that ensures our home doesn’t smell like a kennel, even with pets around!
16. Use Fabric Refreshers/Linen Sprays on Upholstery
I’ve found that spraying a nice scent on upholstery like couches and chairs is a quick way to freshen the whole room.
I make my own fabric refresher with water, vinegar, and essential oils, which works just as well as store-bought versions without any harsher chemicals that aren’t kid—or pet-friendly.
And, of course, we can’t forget to clean the upholstery frequently as well to take care of sweat and other things that seep into the fabric and cause some stinking- I highly recommend the little green machine!
17. Wash Curtains and Linens Often
Curtains, towels, and other fabric items around the house can trap odors over time, so I wash them regularly. Every month, I take down the curtains in the living room and bedrooms and throw them in the wash.
I also make sure to swap out bed linens and couch blankets every week, which keeps everything feeling and smelling fresh. It’s a bit of work, but it really helps keep the air in the house clean.
18. Use Lemon Peels in the Garbage Disposal
A quick tip to keep the kitchen smelling fresh is to use lemon peels in the garbage disposal. I save lemon peels and older lemons for cleaning ideas, and they come in handy all over!
After using the disposal or doing the dishes, I toss a few lemon peels down the disposal and run it for a few seconds. The citrus scent is strong enough to freshen up the entire kitchen.
I do this at least once a week, and it makes a noticeable difference.
19. Clean the Dishwasher with Lemon
Sometimes, the dishwasher can get a bit smelly after repeated use, especially if you’re washing lots of dishes every day like we do. To freshen it up, I run a cycle with just a cup of lemon juice.
It not only cleans the inside but also leaves a fresh, citrusy scent. I do this once a month to keep any lingering smells at bay.
20. Change Air Filters Regularly
Having air filters in our house is fantastic and has reduced how much dust and dirt are floating around.
One of the best ways to maintain good air quality and keep the house smelling fresh is to change the air filters in these machines and your HVAC system regularly.
I’ve made it a habit to check the filters every month and replace them when they start to look dirty. It’s a quick task that makes a big difference in keeping the air clean and free of odors.
21. Use Coffee Grounds to Neutralize Strong Smells
Coffee grounds are also excellent at absorbing odors, so sometimes, I keep a small bowl of used coffee grounds in the fridge or pantry to neutralize any strong smells.
After making my morning coffee, I save the grounds, let them dry on a baking sheet, and reuse them for a nice scent. It’s a great way to reduce waste and keep the house smelling fresh at the same time.
22. Use a Dehumidifier to Control Musty Smells
MustyMusty smells can develop if there’s too much moisture in the air, especially in areas like the basement or bathrooms.
I use a dehumidifier to help control the humidity levels, which prevents those musty odors from forming in the first place.
It has a schedule to turn on and off, making it effortless to reduce the gross odors that can happen around the house.
23. Keep Shoes Fresh with Baking Soda
Shoes can sometimes be a hidden source of odors, especially with kids running around. I sprinkle baking soda inside shoes when they’re not being worn, and it really helps absorb any smells.
I do this with our whole family’s shoes, and it’s an easy way to keep the entryway smelling clean.
24. Use Cinnamon Sticks in Drawers
Another trick I’ve found is placing cinnamon sticks in drawers or closets to add a warm, spicy scent. It’s a subtle way to keep spaces smelling fresh without overwhelming the room.
I swap out the cinnamon sticks every other month, and the scent lasts for weeks!
25. Store Freshly Laundered Clothes with Scented Sachets
I like to add small sachets filled with dried lavender or other herbs to our linen closet and dresser drawers. It keeps the freshly laundered clothes smelling good even after being stored for a while.
It’s one of those little things that makes getting dressed in the morning feel just a bit more special.
FAQs
How often should I change air filters to keep my house smelling fresh?
You should check your HVAC air filters every three to six months, depending on how much dust and debris build up in your home. However, busier homes or homes with pets may need as little as one or two months, I found out!
Can I reuse coffee grounds to neutralize odors?
Yes, you can reuse coffee grounds for up to a week, but after that, they tend to lose their effectiveness. It’s a great way to repurpose something you’d otherwise throw away, but be sure to replace the grounds before they smell musty.
What is the best essential oil to use in a diffuser for a fresh-smelling house?
Flowers are all great choices for keeping your home smelling fresh and natural. You can also mix different oils to concoct your own scent combination.
Just be sure to check what essential oils aren’t safe for pets so you aren’t potentially making your pets ill.
Is vinegar safe to use around kids and pets when cleaning odors?
Yes, vinegar is a safe, non-toxic option for neutralizing odors. Just be sure to use it in well-ventilated areas, and the vinegar smell will disappear once it dries.
How often should I wash pet bedding to keep the house smelling fresh?
A good rule of thumb is to wash pet bedding at least once a week. This prevents odors from lingering and keeps your house smelling clean.
Do houseplants really help keep a house smelling fresh?
Yes! Certain houseplants, like lavender, eucalyptus, and spider plants, naturally purify the air and add a subtle, fresh scent to your home. Plus, they’re a beautiful way to brighten up your space.
Final Thoughts
As a busy mom, I’ve tried just about every trick in the book to keep our house smelling fresh, and these methods have made a world of difference.
From simple solutions like baking soda to fun DIY projects like homemade potpourri, I’ve found ways to keep the air in our home clean and pleasant, even with two active kids.
I couldn’t wait to share these tips with you because they’ve truly transformed the way we maintain our home.
I hope these ideas help you create a space that smells just as fresh and welcoming!
