In short: first get rid of the smells you don't want, then add the ones you do. Clean the hidden sources of odor, let fresh air in, and then layer scent in a few places at once, using candles, wax melts, a simmer pot and clean laundry. One strong scent in one room never works as well as a few gentle ones spread through the house.
Step 1: Find the bad smells
Scent can't cover a real odor for long. People get used to the smell of their own house, so walk in from outside and sniff with fresh eyes, or ask a friend. The usual sources are:
- Kitchen: the trash can itself (not just the bag), the sink drain and disposal, the fridge, and the microwave.
- Fabrics: couch cushions, rugs, curtains, pet beds and throw pillows hold smells for a long time.
- Laundry: damp towels, the washing machine gasket and the dryer lint trap.
- Bathrooms: drains, bath mats and damp corners.
- Air: an old furnace or air conditioner filter spreads dust and stale smells through the whole house.
Step 2: Clean them out
- Wash the trash can and sprinkle baking soda in the bottom.
- Run hot water and dish soap down drains, or baking soda followed by vinegar.
- Leave an open box of baking soda in the fridge and replace it every few months.
- Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and upholstery, let it sit, then vacuum.
- Wash throws, pillow covers and pet bedding regularly.
- Replace HVAC filters on the schedule the manufacturer recommends.
- Open windows on opposite sides of the house for ten minutes to move stale air out.
Step 3: Layer scent through the house
A house smells best when scent comes from several places at a low level instead of one place at full blast.
- Candles in the rooms where you spend your evenings. Let them burn long enough for the melted wax to reach the edge of the jar so they give off their full scent.
- Wax melts for daytime or for rooms where you don't want an open flame. Our Petrichor and California Redwoods melts are two of the most popular.
- A simmer pot on the stove (recipe below) for a natural, whole-house smell.
- Laundry: freshly washed sheets and towels are one of the most pleasant smells in any home.
- Fresh things: herbs on the windowsill, cut flowers, a bowl of citrus.
Keep scents in the same family when rooms open onto each other, so they don't clash. Woods go with woods, citrus with herbs, and baking spices with vanilla.
Scents for each room
- Entryway: a clean, welcoming first impression, such as citrus, green herbs or soft wood.
- Living room: warm and social scents like sandalwood, cedar, amber and spice.
- Kitchen: fresh, bright scents that won't fight with cooking, such as herbs, citrus or tomato leaf. Our Heirloom Garden Tomato candle suits it.
- Dining table: unscented, or nothing at all, so the food is the smell.
- Bathroom: clean and spa-like, such as eucalyptus, sea salt or peppermint.
- Bedroom: soft and calming, such as lavender, vanilla or light musk.
- Office: something you won't tire of, like rosemary, light wood or rain. Our Petrichor candle is a favorite at desks.
How to make your house smell like a hotel
Many hotels have a signature scent that they diffuse quietly into the lobby all day. Most are clean and subtle, built on white tea, soft woods, light florals and fresh linen. To get the same effect at home:
- Choose one signature scent and use it every day so it becomes the smell of your home.
- Keep the level low. Hotels smell nice because you notice the scent and then forget about it.
- Make the beds with crisp, freshly washed sheets.
- Keep counters clear and bathrooms dry, because a clean room is part of the smell.
How to make your house smell like fall
Fall smells come from spices, apples, smoke and leaves. A stovetop simmer pot is the easiest way to fill a house with them:
- Fill a saucepan two-thirds with water.
- Add a sliced orange or apple, two or three cinnamon sticks, a tablespoon of whole cloves, and a splash of vanilla.
- Bring it to a simmer, then turn it to low and top up the water every half hour. Never leave it unattended or let it boil dry.
For a candle that does the same thing, try Autumn Leaves, Creamy Pumpkin Spice or Campfire Stories. You can read more about the notes on our cinnamon and clove pages.
Common questions
Why can't I smell my own house? Your nose gets used to steady smells within minutes. That's why guests notice smells you don't, and why changing your candle with the seasons helps you notice it again.
Are scented candles safe around pets? Burn candles in a ventilated room, keep them out of reach of pets, and ask your vet if your pet has breathing problems. Birds are especially sensitive to anything in the air.
How do I make my house smell good naturally? Fresh air, baking soda, simmer pots, fresh herbs and flowers, and clean laundry all add scent without any fragrance products.