If you’re hosting a holiday family gathering later this week, you’re likely already thinking of ways to make your home more inviting. I’m no fan of artificial air fresheners, especially since there’s a natural and perfectly dreamy way to add scent: simmering pot recipes!
One of the best things about simmering good smells on the stove is that you probably don’t have to make a special trip to crowded stores to make it work. Most likely, you already have the tools you need to simmer some good smells on the stove. Plus, the added moisture in the air can be very welcome during the winter when the heater tends to reduce humidity in your home.
Simmering scents in a pot may not be as carefree as plugging in an air freshener, but with a little caution, you can make it work. Fill a pot with water and items like cinnamon sticks, cloves and apple peels. Let it simmer gently and re-check the water levels periodically (around twice an hour). Of course, this method won’t work if you’re not home as you shouldn’t leave the stove unattended.
In addition to cinnamon sticks (my favorite) and cloves, other items to use in simmering pot recipes include anise, nutmeg, rosemary, lavender and peels from fruit. Visit Tipnut for 13 Simmering Pot Recipes. Tipnut also recommends refrigerating leftover simmers for reuse up to one week.
Other smell-good tips
- If you want your clothes dryer (and clothes) to smell naturally nice as well, try putting some essential oil drops on a cloth and adding that to the dryer with a load of laundry.
- Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet and allow to sit before vacuuming.
- Eliminate smells from pet accidents by cleaning the area with vinegar. The vinegar smell dissipates, but if it bothers you when applying, there’s a simple way to tone it down. Add two or three drops of essential oil and some water to vinegar in a spray bottle. I’ve never had a problem with the essential oil damaging carpet, especially since it’s so diluted, but you may wish to test a small area of carpet first.
How do you freshen the air in your home?
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Post from: Blisstree