Smelly shoes, teenagers, pets, bins - there are lots of things that can make your home smell a little strange. Don't worry, I've got 19 natural ways to help you combat bad smells, and they won't cost you a fortune.
1. Orange peel candle
Here's an easy solution to a smelly room - make an orange peel candle! Visit instructables.com for all the details on how to make one. It's a simple and pretty way to get rid of smells, so why not give it a go put a few in a dish on your coffee table?
2. Smudge stick
Many native traditions use Smudging rituals to cleanse the air and repel evil influence. Made up of bundle of dried herbs, a smudge stick is the perfect way to bring the smell of outdoors, inside. It's easy to make your own with herbs like Thyme, Mint and Sage. If you fancy trying your hand at one, check out youGrowGirl.com for the instructions.
3. Coffee candle
This is a simple and incredibly easy way to make a room smell lovely and all you need is a bowl, coffee beans and a tea light! Want to find out more exciting things you can do with coffee? Check out 21 curious uses for coffee you'll really love.
4. Lavender lemon candles
Oooh look at these beautiful candles! If you want to smell a wonderful blend of lemon and lavender, follow the instructions at Brit.co. For more lemon fun, don't miss out on Anushka F's 29 unexpected uses for lemons.
5. Potpourri
An old classic, potpourri can make your home smell gorgeous, and can also make a perfect gift. This seasonal Winter Spice recipe from Julie Blanner is an easy scent to create at home.
6. Jar room scents
Keep your home smelling wonderful for weeks with these beautiful DIY natural room scents from theYummylife.com. Have a look at Anushka F's 57 exciting ways you can transform empty jars for more uses.
7. Cinnamon scented pine cones
Try this seasonal room scent and decoration all-in-one - what a smart way to save a bit of cash at Christmas! Start this project well in advance, as it takes between 4 - 6 weeks for the pine cones to infuse the scent. Follow the instructions at eHow.com to make your own.
8. Air freshener gel
Using just a few ingredients, you can make your own gel air freshener by following the instructions in the excellent youTube video above, from HomeHandyHints. It's a cost-friendly way to make your home smell fantastic.
9. Non-toxic & green homemade deodorising spray
You may have seen deodorising sprays in the shops, but did you know you can make your own? With a few simple ingredients and a glass spray bottle, you'll be ready to get rid of nasty smells in no time. Make your own deodorising spray using the helpful tutorial at myMerryMessylife.com.
10. Reed diffuser
If you've already got a reed diffuser, or you're interested in making one up for yourself then check out theMakeYourOwnZone.com for the instructions. They'll look great, they'll smell great and more importantly, they will fragrance your room naturally with pure essential oils.
11. Homemade Air Freshener
For a Citrus Mint Air Freshener spray, in an 8oz spray bottle, combine:
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons vodka, rubbing alcohol or real vanilla extract
- 10 drops wild orange essential oil
- 8 drops peppermint essential oil
This lovely spray was developed from thePrairieHomestead.com and there are 10 different recipes for you to try out, so go have a look!
12. Pomander
The Pomander works as a natural air freshener and a moth repellent. You can hang them up on display, or use them in your wardrobes and drawers. Grab an orange, stud it with cloves and hang it up - easy!
13. Homemade deodorising tablets
Absorb terrible smells with your own homemade deodorising tablets. You can put these beauties in the bottom of your bins, under sinks or anywhere else you might be concerned has a smell. For a recipe, check out stayAtHomeDaDIY.blogspot.co.uk
14. Homemade air freshener
Try this exciting DIY air freshener from House Of Hawthrones. It won't take long to make and with a little decoration it will look great. If you've got some baking soda spare, find out how one pot of bicarbonate of soda can clean your entire home!
15. Eucalyptus
Arrange bunches of eucalyptus in vases around the home, the leaves give off a strong scent which can make your home smell wonderful. You can choose from fresh or dried sprigs and if you put some in the bathroom, it will smell like a spa.
16. Vinegar bowl
If a room in your house is starting to smell a bit strange, grab a bowl, fill it with vinegar and leave it in the room. In just a few hours that smell will be gone - how brilliant! For more genius tips like this, check out Be amazed: 21 surprising uses for vinegar.
17. Stovetop potpourri
Got guests coming round last minute and need the house to smell inviting? Whip up a stovetop potpourri by adding an orange, a lemon, 3 cinnamon sticks to four cups of water in a saucepan or pot. Bring to a simmer and keep on low until the scent fills the room. Remember to keep an eye on the water level and top up if necessary.
18. Himalayan salt lamps
Salt lamps are beautiful and can help clear the air of lingering smells. They are a beautiful pink colour and with them, you can create a relaxing, calm environment in your home and at your office. I'm definitely going to get one!
19. Lavender sachets
As well as smelling great, lavender is a brilliant thing to put in with your clothes as moths HATE lavender. annaAndBlue.blogspot.co.uk have created a tutorial so you can make your own sachets.
I hope you've enjoyed these natural ways to make your home smell wonderful! Please share with your friends - we're trying to spread the word of Expert Home Tips.
Love these tips, will definitely be trying some out. Only recently discovered this website - it's fantastic.
Thanks Lesley - hope you enjoy checking out the rest of our site. :)
I think your amazing with all your tips, for everything thank you for sharing with us all.
Thanks Leeann, so kind of you! Please feel free to share any tips you have with us.
Great tips
Thanks Jason! We hope you enjoy reading the blog.
love this site.
So happy to hear that - don't forget to tell all your pals!
cant wait to try out some of these ideas
Have fun Rosalind!
This is some really good information about how to make a home smell good. I particularly liked your suggestion about the orange peel candle. I love citrus smells, and it would be great if my home could smell like that all the time.
Hi Ivy. I'm so glad you enjoyed the article. I love citrus smells too. Orange is a great choice as it not only smells great, but looks pretty too. Thanks for stopping by :)
Thank you so much for more fantastic tips i will be trying these.?
You're welcome, Eileen!
We use a few reed diffuser's around the house but they are expensive, so a nice thought making various nice ways of making a house smell nice without having to have chemicals involved.
We're glad you agree, Trevor!
Excellent tips as I have a little cat and she does not like synthetic smells, I will definitely be trying these out thank you.
You're welcome, Julie!
Great smelly tips ?. I already use the bowl of vinegar one in my kitchen especially when the other half cooks mackerel, it works well and give it a few hours and the fishy smell has gone and the place does not smell of vinegar. Love all the tips on this site.
We're so glad to hear that!