The Art of Natural Home Fragrance: No More Synthetic Smelly Stuff!
"Smell is a word, perfume is literature" - Jean-Claude Ellena
Let's be honest – who doesn't love walking into a home that smells gorgeous? But those plug-in air fresheners and aerosol sprays? Full of chemicals I can't pronounce and probably shouldn't be breathing in. After my partner developed headaches from a particularly potent synthetic spray (which shall remain nameless but cost a fortune), I went on a mission to find natural alternatives.
Here's what's been working in our home – all tested, all affordable, and all significantly better for your health than the commercial alternatives.
Essential Oils: Your New Best Friends
Essential oils have completely transformed how I scent our home. These concentrated extracts capture everything good about nature's smells without the artificial nonsense.
I keep a small collection of versatile oils that don't break the bank:
Lavender for bedrooms and evenings (helps the teenager actually fall asleep before midnight)
Lemon or orange for the kitchen (cuts through cooking smells brilliantly)
Eucalyptus for bathrooms (feels clean without that chemical toilet block smell)
Tip: Don't buy these from those fancy high street shops that charge £15 for tiny bottles. Holland & Barrett often has buy-one-get-one-half-price deals, and there are plenty of reputable online UK shops with much better prices.
If you're new to essential oils, go for a gift set to get a good range so you can see what you want - this one is great value. Be sure to get actual scents rather than blends - so buy Lavender instead of 'Calm' or 'Relax' so you can better control what's in it.
I also love The Soapery - I don't get any affiliate commision for saying this, I just love their products and their business ethics. Check them out here.
Getting The Smell Around Your House
You don't need expensive gadgets to spread these lovely scents around.
My electric diffuser was £15 from Amazon three years ago and still going strong. It creates a fine mist and has the added benefit of putting a bit of moisture in the air during winter when the heating dries everything out. This Asakuki one is an updated version of mine.
For an even cheaper option, I use wooden clothes pegs with a few drops of oil clipped onto radiators. When the heating kicks in, the scent gently fills the room. Cost? About 50p per peg, and they last for ages.
I also love to have oil burners in my living room when I'm in there (safety first!). This witchy one from Amazon is so cute and matches my secret desire to be a witch!
Simmer Pots: Your House Will Smell Like a Posh Bakery
This is my absolute favourite method when I want the house to smell amazing quickly – like when my partner's mum calls to say she'll "pop in" with 30 minutes' notice.
I grab a small saucepan, fill it halfway with water, and throw in whatever I have handy:
Orange slices + cinnamon stick + star anise = Christmas vibes any time of year
Lemon slices + rosemary sprigs = fresh, clean kitchen smell that hides evidence of last night's fish supper
Apple peels + vanilla extract + nutmeg = smells like you've been baking all day when you've done nothing of the sort
Just simmer on the lowest heat setting and top up with water when needed. The steam carries the scent everywhere, and you can reuse the same pot all day.
DIY Room Sprays That Actually Work
I've stopped buying room sprays entirely after learning how easy they are to make. My basic recipe:
100ml distilled water (or cooled boiled water in a pinch)
2 tbsp vodka (the cheap stuff – it's not for drinking!)
15-20 drops essential oil
Glass spray bottle (reused from an old product)
The vodka helps the oils disperse in the water and evaporates quickly, leaving just the scent. This spray won't keep for very long though so it's best to make in small amounts and us it quickly.
To learn how to make a proper room spray that will last, read this post! I keep one in each bathroom and one by the front door for quick freshen-ups.
Dried Herbs and Flowers: Not Just For Fancy Instagram Pics
Those dried lavender bundles aren't just for looking pretty! I hang small bunches in wardrobes and put sachets in drawers. They keep clothes smelling gorgeous without those synthetic fabric fresheners that make me sneeze.
After my garden lavender is finished flowering, I dry the stems upside down in the garage, then make little bundles tied with kitchen string. Cost? Practically nothing, and they last for months.
Baking Soda: Not Just For Cakes
For areas that need serious odour-fighting power (teenager's football boots, I'm looking at you), baking soda is my secret weapon.
I fill small jam jars with baking soda, add a few drops of essential oil, cover with a piece of breathable fabric, and secure with an elastic band. These go in the fridge, near the bin, and – controversially – in the teenager's wardrobe when desperate measures are called for.
The baking soda absorbs bad smells while the oils add a nice fragrance. When they lose their power (usually after a couple of months), I sprinkle the contents down the drain with hot water for a freshened sink.
House Plants That Earn Their Keep
Some houseplants actually help make your house smell better while keeping themselves alive (unlike my ill-fated orchid collection).
On my kitchen windowsill, I keep pots of:
Mint (makes the kitchen smell fresh and goes in summer drinks)
Basil (amazing smell when you brush past and ready for pasta dishes)
Rosemary (surprisingly easy to grow and lasts forever)
Just running your hand over them releases their scent – perfect when you need a quick boost while waiting for the kettle to boil.
Switching Things Up With The Seasons
I've found changing scents with the seasons keeps things interesting:
Spring: Light florals and fresh greens when I'm sick of winter
Summer: Citrus and mint – refreshing during hot days
Autumn: Cinnamon, apple, and warm spices when the nights draw in
Winter: Pine, orange, and clove – cosy without being overpowering
Why Natural Is Better (Besides The Obvious)
Besides not giving us headaches anymore, I've noticed other benefits since switching to natural fragrances:
My asthmatic friend can visit without reaching for her inhaler
The scents are subtle rather than shouting "SOMEONE IS TRYING TO HIDE SOMETHING" when you walk in
Many have actual benefits – lavender really does help with sleep, and eucalyptus clears stuffy noses during cold season
They're significantly cheaper long-term than constantly buying refills
What are your favourite natural ways to make your home smell gorgeous? Share your tips in the comments – I'm always looking for new ideas!
