I tried 8 quick ways to make my home smell nice – here's what really worked

There’s nothing quite as stressful as the moment you realize guests are arriving soon, and your home isn’t smelling as fresh as it should be. Whether it’s the lingering aroma of last night’s dinner or just a touch of stale air, finding a quick solution is the key to making your home feel – and smell – more welcoming.

To tackle this common dilemma, I put eight popular methods to the test in my home. From the comforting aroma of scented candles to the fast-acting scent of my favorite floor cleaner, I explored which options can truly refresh your home's smell in a matter of minutes, and which might not live up to the hype.

Below, I share the results of my experiment, focusing on what worked best for a speedy refresh. If you need a fast and effective way to make your home smell nice before guests arrive, these tried-and-true methods will ensure your space is ready to impress in no time.

My Verdict

When I need a quick fix to refresh my home’s scent, I often reach for a strong linen spray or light an incense stick for an instant burst of fragrance. However, for a more lasting and effective solution, I’ve found that a combination of simple strategies works best. I open the windows to let in fresh air, I run my air purifier on a high, odor eliminating setting, and I give my floors a quick mop with a scented cleaner.

Read on for exactly what I thought of the eight things I tried including candles, wax melts, floor cleaner, fresh flowers, linen sprays, incense, air purifiers and more.

1. Fresh Flowers

I love the idea of using fresh flowers as a natural way, non-toxic way to make a home smell nice, by adding fragrance to my home. There’s something so romantic about the delicate scent of real blooms that synthetic fragrances just can’t replicate. That's why I make a point of always having a large bouquet on my dining room table and a few cut flowers dotted around my home in tiny homemade stem vases.

However, the fragrance of fresh flowers doesn’t usually permeate an entire room and it's not the quickest way to make a house smell nice. Flowers bring a soft, natural fragrance that’s best appreciated up close and this scent is somewhat limited in range.

My verdict: I’ve found that placing fresh flowers in high-traffic areas or rooms where I spend the most time allows me to enjoy their scent to the fullest. However, this method is a very subtle way to enhance the atmosphere, so I’d give them a 5/10 for scenting a room - this is not a method I recommend using in a pinch and is better for decorating with flowers.

2. Scented Candles

I can’t resist the allure of scented candles, especially when fall rolls around. There’s something so comforting about lighting a candle and letting its fragrance fill the room. The best scented candles I’ve found are made from natural wax, like soy or beeswax, which burn cleanly and don’t release harmful toxins. Learn more about candles and their care.

'I’ve also noticed that while scented candles can subtly scent a room within minutes, the fragrance tends to fade fairly quickly once the candle is blown out. Still, the ambiance they create and the decorative containers they come in make them a staple in my home year-round.

My verdict: Scented candles are perfect for adding a quick burst of fragrance, but the scent doesn’t last long after the flame is extinguished, though you can remedy this somewhat by scent layering. For their cozy charm and delicious range of scents, I’d rate them a 6/10. My current favorites include:

3. Wax Melts

I recently started using wax melts as well as scented candles, as the average cost of wax melts is much more affordable. I have to say, so far I'm really impressed. As soon as I pop one into the wax warmer, it begins to melt almost instantly, releasing a powerful fragrance that fills the entire room in just a few minutes.

This fast-acting method is perfect when you need to freshen up your space quickly. I also love that wax melts come in a variety of scents and shapes, making it easy to switch things up depending on my mood or the season

My verdict: Wax melts provide a powerful, long-lasting scent that really permeates throughout my home. They’ve quickly become one of my favorite ways to keep my space smelling nice. I’d give them an 8/10.

4. Incense

I’ve always been drawn to the rich, earthy scents of incense, so I decided to try burning some to see how quickly it would improve the aroma of my home. Personally, I was a fan – the scent was strong and quickly filled my entire second floor. However, I wasn’t prepared for the mixed reactions from my guests. Some of them commented that the house smelled a bit musty, which wasn’t exactly the feedback I was hoping for. While incense can be a great way to scent your home, it’s a bit polarizing and might not be to everyone’s liking.

My verdict: Incense provides a strong, lasting aroma, but not everyone may appreciate the scent. In terms of speed, this method is a 9/10, but overall I'm giving it a 5/10 due to the mixed reactions it received.

My current favorites

5. Linen sprays

To get into the fall spirit, I recently purchased a toffee apple linen spray from Etsy to freshen up my home fast. The scent was rich and indulgent – almost like dessert in a bottle – however, I found it to be a bit too sweet and cloying for my taste. On the plus side, the scent lingered for quite a while, which was great for keeping my home smelling nice throughout the day. I’ve also discovered that spritzing linen sprays on less-used fabrics like curtains or throw pillows helps the scent last even longer, releasing a continuous burst of fragrance whenever you walk by.

When choosing a linen spray, I try to consider the ingredients to ensure I'm only bringing non-toxic, safe products into my home. I look for sprays that are free from phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, as these can contain harmful chemicals. Instead, I like to use linen sprays made with natural essential oils and plant-based ingredients, which are generally safer for children and pets. When in doubt, consider making your own DIY Linen spray using your favorite essential oils.

My verdict: Linen sprays are a quick and effective way to refresh your home, but the scent can sometimes be overpowering. That being said, I’d rate them an 8/10 for making a home smell nice fast, especially if you choose a fragrance that suits your taste.

6. Scented floor cleaners

For my next test, I turned to a multifunctional product: Method Wooden Floor Cleaner from Walmart. Not only did this easy-to-use solution leave my floors looking spotless, but the sweet almondy scent was quick to permeate my home and lingered for hours, giving my entire home a fresh, clean aroma without being too overpowering.

The only downside I noticed to this technique was that the strong scent might be too much for some pets. For instance, my cat seemed a bit bothered by it and refused to step into the lounge after I mopped the floor. Still, I found the scented floor cleaning to be an excellent option for a quick refresh, especially when I’m simultaneously tackling my cleaning chores.

My verdict: Scented floor cleaners offer a double benefit of cleaning and scenting your home fast. Without fail, guests always comment on how clean my home smells if I've used this product shortly before their arrival, so I’d rate this method a 9/10, with a small caveat for pet owners.

7. Open windows

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. I’ve found that opening the windows wide is an incredibly effective way to refresh my home quickly. It’s amazing how just a few minutes of fresh air can eliminate stale odors and make the whole space feel cleaner and more inviting. Plus, it’s completely natural and costs nothing. Whenever I feel like my home needs a quick pick-me-up, I simply open the windows and let the breeze do the work.

My verdict: Opening windows is an effortless and natural way to freshen up your home, though it’s weather-dependent. For its simplicity and effectiveness, I give it an 8/10.

8. Air Purifiers

After using the Coway Airmega Aim Air Purifier for several months, I can honestly say it’s been a game-changer for keeping my home smelling fresh. I’m amazed at how well it removes lingering odors, from pet smells to cooking aromas. It’s so effective that I’ve noticed I don’t go 'nose blind' (where you get used to smells and don't notice them anymore) to certain scents as easily anymore. The air in my home feels cleaner and fresher, making it a must-have in my book. If you’re serious about maintaining a pleasant-smelling home, an air purifier is worth the investment.

My verdict: Air purifiers are an essential tool if you want to extract bad odors fast and keep your home smelling fresh consistently. For their effectiveness and reliability, I’d give them an 8/10.

If you find yourself with a bit more time to enhance your home’s aroma, try a hidden fragrance hack to subtly fragrance your living room. Simply place dryer sheets in a fragrance you love into your living room throw pillow to add a personalized scent to upholstery that will stay smelling fresh for days.

Next, learn what people with nice smelling homes never do.