10 Smell-tacular Tips People with the Best Smelling Homes Always Do

“Smell goods” aren’t just for your body. Every home needs a distinct smell to help add personality to the space.

Much like inflation, smells tend to compound and build on one another.

The garbage you forgot to take out this morning, the kitty litter that hasn’t been changed for the week, and the pile of dirty laundry sitting in the middle of your room are working together like the Justice League to kill your nose.

The worst part is, that you smell the funk so often that you don’t even notice it. And no amount of Febreze will cover up the stink.

It takes consistent habits and routines to keep your place smelling good.

Here are our top 10 recommendations to try in your space.

1. Empty trash, daily

Taking out your trash regularly can prevent bad smells in your kitchen (and your entire home).

Want to take this routine to the next level? Bring strong-smelling food and pet waste directly outside to the dumpster. That way, the trash never has a chance to affect how your place smells. 

2. Stay on top of cleaning routines

Cleaning your space regularly doesn’t just keep it looking nice — it can also help your space smell good.

Try daily cleanliness tasks like taking out the trash every day, wiping down your kitchen counters after cooking, and running the garbage disposal after you do the dishes.

On a weekly basis, vacuum, mop, and dust. The more on top of it you are with your cleaning, the more effective you will be at preventing smelly messes from accruing.

3. Burn candles (or use candle warmers)

Along with creating a cozy vibe, candles can pack a big punch when it comes to making your home smell amazing.

But what if you don’t want to light them?

Strategically place candle warmers around your common spaces. The secret? Choosing pleasant-but-subtle candles. You want that sweet spot where you can subtly feel the scent but it’s not too overpowering. 

4. Clean with vinegar

One of the best tools for staving off bad smells already lives in your pantry — white vinegar.

This not only kills germs but cuts through gross smells. It effectively eliminates odors from virtually any surface.

5. Boil herbs on the stove

Make a dual-purpose tea.

Boil a large pot of water with six cloves, two cinnamon sticks, half an orange rind, and several slices of oranges.

This makes a delightful fall and winter tea to enjoy as well as the most delicious natural scent.

6. Use a diffuser 

Have any good-smelling essential oils on hand?

Use essential oil diffusers to spread fragrance across an entire room (and home). They don’t make the room smoky as some incense sticks do, and they don’t over-sweeten the room, either.

7. Splurge on a room spray 

Maybe you’re sensitive to strong aromas — but still like to keep your space smelling good.

The solution? Spending a little more money on a high-end room spray.

Mid- to high-range home fragrances have a chemistry to them that subtly neutralizes and aromatizes rather than oversaturates the air to hide odors.

This means they last longer, up to seven hours, after a few quick sprays.

8. Use your exhaust fan 

That fan above your stove can play a big role in keeping food smells from saturating your kitchen.

Be sure to keep yours clean so it stays effective, especially if you cook a lot.

9. Open the windows frequently 

The air in your home can quickly become stagnant, which can be bad for the overall scent (not to mention indoor air quality).

Open your windows for cross ventilation at least once daily for fresh air to replace stale air and bad scents.

If the weather is too wet or cold for natural airflow, filtered vents, and air purifiers can also help clear the air.

10. Keep your upholstery fresh 

One common source of bad smells in the home is upholstered furniture.

Large pieces, like couches and chairs, can accumulate dust and debris if not regularly maintained.

To keep furnishings smelling fresh, launder lighter coverings regularly and schedule specialists to deep clean fabric coverings or cushions that can’t be easily cleaned every few months.

You can also vacuum sofas and armchairs regularly to minimize buildup in fabrics and within cushions. (But always follow manufacturer care instructions when you’re dealing with furniture.)

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