20 Simple Ways to Make Your Home Smell Amazing, According to Cleaning Experts

Eliminate Excess Moisture

Moisture is the leading cause of unpleasant odors in homes, says Rachel Hoffman, author of the boldly named book Unf*ck Your Habitat: You're Better Than Your Mess. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels in each room. If you find a room with humidity over 60%, a dehumidifier may be the solution. While you can use multiple dehumidifiers, be aware that they can be energy-hungry, so it’s best to start with one and see how it goes.

In humid climates, avoid wall-to-wall carpets or rugs as they can trap moisture, especially in areas like the kitchen and bathroom, advises Hoffman. Place moisture-absorbing products in damp areas such as bathrooms and closets. Pay attention to smaller moisture sources like sponges and towels—replace sponges every one to two weeks, ensure towels are fully dry before storing them, and hang bath mats over the shower rod to help them dry properly.

Take Out the Trash and Litter

Places like litter boxes, trash cans, and diaper pails are notorious for harboring unpleasant odors. It's obvious, right? But the more time we spend around them, the more we fail to notice the stink. "This is called sensory adaptation, and it's something we all experience," explains Leslie Stein, Ph.D., former director of science communications at the Monell Chemical Senses Center.

This "nose blindness" is actually an adaptive process; when familiar smells fade into the background, any new, unfamiliar scent (like smoke) becomes more noticeable. However, this also means your home may smell, and you might not even realize it. Being proactive is key.

Hoffman recommends cleaning your garbage can—lid included—at least once a month. Place some kitty litter at the bottom of the pail to help absorb odors. Regularly wash pet beds and scoop the litter box daily. If possible, opt for smaller trash bins in your home to encourage more frequent trash removal.

Freshen Up the Fridge

The first step in tackling a smelly fridge is obvious: Get rid of anything that’s past its prime. Hoffman points out that condiments—often thought to last forever—and leftovers are usually the main culprits. "They get pushed to the back and forgotten," she explains. To keep things fresh, do a fridge check at least once a month.

Next, give your fridge a deep cleaning. If you have removable shelves and drawers, take them out and soak them in hot, soapy water. Clean the interior with a mixture of hot water and white vinegar (about one-to-one) and a tiny drop of dish soap. Wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth to rinse.

Clean Soft Surfaces

Carpets, throw pillows, upholstery, bed linens, and window coverings easily attract bad odors. Even if a spill dries or dirt is wiped off, odor-causing bacteria can remain. If a stain is left untreated, carpets can develop mold or mildew. Maker suggests having a professional steam-clean your upholstery and carpets at least once a year. For pillows, bed linens, and window coverings, check the fabric care labels to see if they’re machine-washable. "However, some items are better left to the pros to ensure proper cleaning," she adds.

To prevent unpleasant odors from settling into your carpet, the key is addressing spills promptly. For biological stains, such as those caused by pets or children, an enzyme cleaner like Seventh Generation Natural Stain Remover Spray (target.com) is ideal, as it effectively breaks down these organic messes. Although regular carpet shampooing helps, the best way to keep your carpet smelling fresh is through consistent, regular care.

Frequent vacuuming and spot treatment can significantly reduce carpet odors, as noted by Hoffman. "Sprinkle the area with baking powder, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum," suggests Donna Smallin, a certified house-cleaning technician and the author of Clear the Clutter, Find Happiness.

Open the Windows

Opening the windows is one of the simplest ways to bring fresh air inside, says Maker. This method is particularly effective for clearing out lingering kitchen odors or smells from home renovation projects, such as painting.

By opening a window, you instantly create a sense of cleanliness and help elevate the overall mood in your home. If possible, open windows on opposite sides to encourage a cross breeze. Even during cold weather, just cracking open a window for a short time can make a noticeable difference.

Try a Neutralizer

For those who prefer a home that doesn't carry any distinct scent, consider using odor neutralizers that leave no fragrance behind. Activated charcoal filters, which come in small bags, are a favorite of our experts. These can be placed in areas prone to odors or tucked away in gym bags. "They're especially useful around diaper pails, garbage cans, and litter boxes," says Maker.

If you're in a hurry, try filling your sink with hot water and a few drops of bleach (acting as a neutralizer), then drain it just before guests arrive. "The scent of cleaner alone will give the impression that your home is tidy," explains Hoffman. The best air fresheners, like bamboo charcoal purifying bags and programmable diffusers, are perfect for neutralizing persistent odors without overwhelming scents.

Use Essential Oils

There are several ways to incorporate essential oils into your home, with diffusers being the most common. Maker suggests trying a few DIY options: For a fabric refresher spray, mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and 20 drops of your favorite essential oil in a small spray bottle. Shake well before each use and lightly mist it over clothing or upholstery, ensuring the fabric dries completely before storing.

Another idea is to use baking soda sachets, which absorb unpleasant odors and replace them with refreshing scents. Simply fill a coffee filter with baking soda, add 5 drops of essential oil, and tie it closed. Place it in a drawer or any space in need of a freshener. For an extra tip: next time you change your furnace filter, add 10 to 20 drops of essential oil. The airflow will disperse the fragrance through the room.

Become a Plant Parent

Plants do more than just beautify your space. Many varieties offer air-purifying benefits that can help revitalize your surroundings. Alternatively, choose plants with subtle fragrances and place them near areas where unwanted smells linger.

Invest in a Floral Arrangement

Fresh flowers can be a natural and pleasant way to enhance your home's scent. Choose arrangements with flowers known for their delightful fragrance. Consider the notes found in perfumes when picking your flowers, such as these options:

• Roses
• Jasmine
• Freesia
• Lavender
• Lilacs
• Peonies
• Sweet pea

Opt for Relaxing Candles

There's a common belief that to make your home smell "good," you need to fill it with overpowering fragrances that immediately greet you as soon as you step inside. In reality, this isn't the case. What you're really aiming for is a general atmosphere of calmness, tranquility, or whatever mood you wish to create in the space.

This is an important consideration when selecting the perfect candles to set the right tone. Seek out candles that encourage a sense of calm. This is particularly important when hosting guests, as some may be sensitive to or have allergies to strong scents. You don't want them to feel uncomfortable in your home.

While you may adore that sugar apple cinnamon candle, the fragrance might be too intense for your guests. "I believe in having a variety of scents," she says. Your favorite sweet scent can be your personal mood enhancer, which is exactly what a good fragrance should do.

Heat up a Simmer Pot

A simmer pot is a natural way to freshen the air, bringing together fragrant ingredients in a pot of water and letting them simmer on the stove to release a soft, welcoming scent. Some ideas for what you can add to your simmer pot include:

• Cinnamon sticks
• Cloves
• Citrus rinds or slices
• Vanilla beans or extract
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or mint

Spray a Little Vodka

The beloved Moscow mule ingredient can also serve as a powerful deodorizer and sanitizer for your home. Fill a spray bottle with vodka and mist it generously to refresh fabrics, tackle stains and grease, or use it as a disinfectant.

Try Reed Diffusers

Reed diffusers offer a great way to add a delicate fragrance to your space without the need for flames. Simply adjust the reeds by adding, removing, or flipping them. Experts recommend opting for more natural aromas, such as woodsy scents, florals, and citrus. "You can still achieve the same effect as with sweeter fragrances," they explain. "But the result will be more enduring and impactful." This creates a home that smells as great as it looks. For an even more luxurious experience, you can choose a scent reminiscent of a high-end hotel.

Keep Fresh Herbs Around

Herbs like rosemary, mint, lavender, and basil emit refreshing fragrances that aren't overpowering. You could consider planting a small herb garden in a window or even creating an herbal wreath to enjoy a subtle and continuous fragrance boost.

Bake Something That Smells Delicious

Baked goods smell amazing—and if you're expecting guests, you'll have something delightful to offer them to taste (and enjoy the smell of!) as soon as they arrive. Banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, and fruit cobblers or pies are among the delicious treats you can bake to fill your home with a mouthwatering aroma.

Create Pomanders

Pomanders—typically oranges studded with cloves—are a traditional part of the holiday season. However, they also make an all-natural way to infuse your home with refreshing citrus and spicy fragrances whenever you need a little burst of freshness.

Invest in an Air Purifier

Air purifiers can help eliminate airborne contaminants, keeping your home smelling fresher (no fragrance necessary!). Look for HEPA air purifiers, which are effective at removing tiny particles like pet dander and even viruses.

Freshen up Your Garbage Disposal

Running lemons (or just the rinds) through your garbage disposal not only keeps the blades sharp but also fills your kitchen with a refreshing lemon scent.

Clean Your Drains

Regularly cleaning the drains in your sinks and shower (at least once a month, preferably every two weeks) helps clear away trapped hair and soap residue, keeping unpleasant odors at bay.

First, unclog any drains that have hair or debris stuck in them. You can use a plunger, a drain snake, or a commercial product to clear the blockage. Household items like baking soda, white vinegar, and bleach can help clean the drains. Using a drain catcher in the shower can also help prevent buildup and eliminate potential odors before they start.

Clean Your Toilet

While it might seem obvious to clean the toilet as a way to combat unpleasant odors, many people forget that it's not just the bowl that needs attention. The source of the smell can also be inside the toilet tank, pipes, or even from the exterior surfaces.

To keep your toilet from emitting foul odors throughout your bathroom (and potentially your entire house), make sure to clean it weekly. You can use a commercial cleaner or vinegar for the bowl, and disinfectant spray for the outside. Don’t forget to lift the tank lid and scrub any grime or mold buildup. Let the cleaner sit for about 5 minutes before wiping it down with a microfiber cloth. A scrub brush or a wet pumice stone is great for tackling rust or mineral deposits.

Common Questions

• What are some natural ways to make your home smell good?

  If you're aiming for a fresh scent in your home, try using natural aromas instead of synthetic air fresheners. You can simmer fresh herbs (like rosemary), lemon, and water. Just ensure that the water doesn’t run out.

• How does cleaning help with home odors?

  Deep cleaning your home helps eliminate the sources of bad odors, such as removing trash, washing laundry, and changing bedding. Additionally, cleaning products like lemon-scented polish and pine-based cleaners can leave behind a fresh scent that reminds us of a recently cleaned space.

• What is the most affordable way to keep your home smelling good?

  The most cost-effective way to improve your home's scent is by simply opening the windows to allow fresh air in. This not only eliminates stale smells but also brings in oxygen that helps neutralize odors. Turning on fans in the bathroom, kitchen, and ceiling can also help circulate fresh air throughout your home.

• How can I keep my home smelling fresh with pets?

  Pets can often contribute to unpleasant odors in your home. Regularly bathing your pets helps to prevent odors from spreading on your furniture, dog beds, and other soft furnishings. Cleaning the litter box daily (or using a self-cleaning version) also helps with odor control. Additionally, techniques like using air purifiers and cleaning soft surfaces, along with introducing fresh air, can reduce pet-related smells.