11 Simple Hacks to Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh All the Time

It doesn’t take much for your home to pick up weird smells—especially if you’ve got pets, kids, or just a busy household. But making your place smell clean and fresh doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few easy habits and DIY tricks, you can keep things smelling good without a ton of effort. Here are eleven simple ways to make your home smell better all the time.

Use Baking Soda Where Odors Exist

Baking soda is great at soaking up smells. Sprinkle it on carpets, in shoes, or anywhere that tends to stink. Let it sit for a while, then vacuum or wipe it up. You can even leave an open box in your fridge or closet. It’s cheap, easy, and works surprisingly well.

Diffuse Essential Oils

An oil diffuser is a low-maintenance way to keep your house smelling nice. Just add a few drops of your favorite scent—like lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus—and let it run. It adds a fresh, natural smell and makes your space feel more inviting. Plus, some oils even help you relax.

Use Citrus Peels

Don’t toss those lemon or orange peels. Set them in a small dish on the counter or near a vent. They give off a clean, zesty smell that brightens up a room. You can also run them through the garbage disposal with a little hot water to knock out kitchen odors fast.

Simmer Spices on the Stove

If you’ve got company coming or just want a cozy vibe, simmer a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, cloves, or orange slices. Let it bubble gently on the stove, and your house will smell amazing in no time. It’s simple, and you probably already have everything you need in your pantry.

Make an Air Freshener Spray

Skip the store-bought sprays and make your own. Mix water, rubbing alcohol, and a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle. Give it a shake and spritz it around whenever your space needs a quick refresh. Try lavender for the bedroom and citrus for the kitchen.

Use Coffee Grounds To Absorb Smells

Used coffee grounds can soak up odors, especially in places like the fridge or closet. Just let them dry out and pop them in a bowl or small container. They’ll absorb bad smells and leave behind a mild coffee scent. Bonus: it’s a great way to reuse your morning brew.

Tuck Sachets in Closets and Drawers

You can make simple sachets using fabric pouches filled with dried herbs or flowers—like lavender, rosemary, or even citrus peel. Stick them in your dresser, linen closet, or gym bag. They add a soft, clean scent without being overpowering, and they’re easy to refresh as needed.

Let in Fresh Air

One of the best ways to clear out stale air is just opening your windows. Even 10 minutes of fresh air can make a difference. Use kitchen and bathroom fans too—they help push out lingering smells and keep moisture from turning into mildew. A little airflow goes a long way.

Keep Trash Cans Clean

Trash cans can start to stink fast, even with a liner. Rinse them out with soap and water now and then, and sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom to help with smells. You can also drop in a dryer sheet or cotton ball with essential oil if you want a little extra scent.

Freshen Up Fabrics

Couches, curtains, and bedding can trap smells without you noticing. Use a fabric spray (store-bought or homemade) to keep them smelling clean. Just mist lightly and let things dry. If you have pets, this is especially helpful between deeper cleanings.

Decorate With Fresh Herbs

Potted herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary aren’t just useful in the kitchen—they smell great, too. Keep a few around your windowsill or on the counter. They’ll give off a natural fragrance, and you can snip some off when you’re cooking. It’s a simple upgrade that looks nice and smells good.

It All Adds up

You don’t need fancy products to keep your home smelling good. A few small changes—like cracking a window, using some citrus peels, or mixing your own spray—can make your whole space feel fresher. Try a few of these tricks and see what works best for your home.

This article first appeared on Happy From Home.