5 non-toxic ways to make your home smell nice all the time – without harming your health or the planet

There's something so joyous about a home that smells as good as it looks. Whether scented with candles, diffusers, or room sprays, the right fragrance can refresh your space and completely switch up the vibe.

But, did you know that many options we use to scent our home are actually toxic? From paraffin wax to harmful chemicals and perfumes, sometimes not all is at it seems when it comes to home fragrance.

Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives, made of non-toxic home essentials.

5 non-toxic ways to make your home smell nice

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1. Make a DIY room spray

One of the best non-toxic ways to make your home smell nice is by making a homemade room spray to spritz whenever you feel your space needs a lift.

All you need is a spray bottle, such as the Rayson Empty Spray Bottle Refillable Container available at Amazon, one cup of distilled water, and a few drops of essential oils of your choice.

Then, simply combine in the bottle and spray. It's completely customizable, making it easy to create a unique and personalized home fragrance that can be used anywhere – from your bedroom to your bathroom, and everywhere in between.

All prices correct at time of publication.

2. Try a natural floor cleaning solution

Cleaning hardwood floors is an essential part of any achievable cleaning routine, so why not make it smell great? Not only will this fill your home with fragrance, it will also make cleaning chores feel more luxurious and enjoyable.

While you can make a DIY wood floor cleaner by cleaning with vinegar or using hydrogen peroxide, the combination of warm water, Castile soap and essential oil will clean effectively while leaving behind a comforting, clean scent.

Simply add a good squeeze of Castile soap, available in both unscented and scented versions, such as the peppermint Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap available at Amazon, to warm water, and, optionally, pop in a few drops of essential oil.

Then, simply use your mop to wash your floors as usual. This is also an effective way to clean a floor without streaks, as the combination of Castile soap and oils powers through dirt and grime, leaving behind a fragranced, spotless sparkle.

Cleaning with Castile soap is not only non toxic and gentle, but it's also very versatile.

3. Hang eucalyptus in the shower

This trick is perfect to make your bathroom smell like a luxury spa, and all you need is some eucalyptus.

To use eucalyptus in the shower, simply drape some branches over your showerhead and let the steam release the fresh scent every time you shower, helping you to relax while relieving stress and acting as a decongestant. There are also other plants you can use to make a bathroom smell nice, like peace lilies and jasmine, all of which look equally gorgeous.

4. Make hidden air fresheners

There are plenty of unusual ways to clean with essential oils at home, and they also work amazingly to make a house smell nice without candles. All you need is oils in the scent of your choice, and felt pads, such as the Best Felt Furniture Pads X-PROTECTOR available at Amazon.

Then, add a few drops of oil to the felt pads before sticking them in hidden places around your home. For example, mask trash can smells by sticking them to the underside of the lid (although don't neglect cleaning a trash can first) or pop one behind your toilet cistern, perfect for getting rid of musty smells in the bathroom.

Using a few drops of a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil, available at Amazon, which is unscented, will help increase the longevity of your essential oil my making it last longer on the surface. Head of Solved Punteha van Terheyden uses an essential oil hack like this to make her bathroom smell luxurious.

It's also a great swap for toxic plug-in air fresheners.

5. Cook up a simmer pot

Finally, a simmer pot is one of the best, non-toxic ways to make a home smell nice when you're sensitive to fragrance. They're also perfect for changing the scents with the seasons – all you need to do is select seasonal fruits, herbs and flowers, add them to a pot of gently boiling water and let the magic unfold, filling your home with an all-natural, potent scent.

If you're in need of some inspiration, our guides on the best simmer pot recipes for fall and winter, and spring simmer pot recipes dive into the details.

And, in the kitchen, simmer pots also work well to neutralize kitchen odors, banishing lingering odors with a natural deodorizing effect.

They have made scented paraffin candles one of the many toxic household items I have stopped buying.

FAQs

How can I make my house smell nice all the time?

Asides from the obvious burning of your best candles, which may not be non-toxic, adding fresh flowers around your home adds bursts of color and fragrance in equal measures.

If you do still want to burn candles, our content editor and resident expert in non-toxic cleaning, Chiana Dickson, has put together a helpful guide on how to pick non-toxic candles, to take the guesswork out of making eco-friendly choices.

What is the best natural deodorizer for your house?

Nature's best deodorizers to use around your home include baking soda, activated charcoal, white vinegar and coffee grounds.

For example, you can use coffee and salt to deodorize your fridge, or baking soda to refresh your closet.

If you're interested in non-toxic living, it's crucial to know the cleaning ingredients to avoid, particularly if you struggle with allergies. There are plenty of non-toxic options such as plant-based Method cleaning products, which also double-up to make your home smell nice at the same time.