Pumpkin spice, chai tea, orange, nutmeg and clove — that’s how fall should smell. Right now, 2020 has brought many challenges, but your home doesn’t have to add to them. With a few simple steps you can create a cozy, inviting fall scent that’s also healthy and natural.
Living in Seattle this season, I open a window and often smell smoke — not the pleasant aroma of a fireplace or campfire, but the acrid, toxic haze from wildfires. Those outdoor pollutants don’t always stay outside. Pesticides, heavy metals, plastics and other chemicals can settle into household dust and surfaces. When we breathe them in, they can affect our health.
Our living spaces and our bodies are closely connected. Creating a warm, comforting atmosphere is wonderful, but it’s just as important to start with a clean home that supports well-being. Rather than reaching first for synthetic sprays or fragranced products that mask odors, begin with basic housekeeping to remove sources of unpleasant smells and unnecessary toxins. Below are seven practical steps to make your home smell fresh and cozy this fall.
Here are seven steps to make your home smell cozy and inviting.
1. Take out the trash.
Before you introduce pleasant scents, empty trash cans, recycling and compost bins. Removing refuse is the quickest way to eliminate persistent odors.
2. Clear out old food from the fridge.
Leftovers that are past their prime can create lingering smells that clash with cozy fall fragrances. Regularly discard expired items and wipe down shelves to keep the refrigerator fresh.
3. Dust and vacuum thoroughly.
Dust accumulates on surfaces and in rugs, and it contributes to musty odors. A good vacuum with a HEPA filter can remove dust and allergens effectively. Before trying to cover smells, clean rugs, carpets and upholstery so that scents you add will be pleasant, not masking underlying odors.
4. Wash musty or stale laundry promptly.
Letting laundry pile up invites odors. Doing a small amount of laundry daily keeps fabrics fresh and prevents mustiness from circulating through your home. Clean linens make any added scent feel natural and welcoming.
5. Avoid synthetic fragranced products.
Scented candles, packaged potpourri, hand soaps and many household products often list “fragrance” on their labels. These synthetic fragrances can release harmful chemicals. For a healthier home, opt out of products that rely on unknown fragrance blends and choose natural options instead.
6. Use simple, non-toxic cleaners.
Cleaning with harsh chemicals can damage indoor air quality. Stick to cleaners made from simple, identifiable ingredients. Many natural cleaners work well and can be personalized with a few drops of essential oils to create a warm fall aroma without introducing toxic compounds.
7. Scent your clean home naturally.
Once you’ve removed odor sources and cleaned surfaces, introduce natural scents. Simmer pots with orange peels, cinnamon sticks and cloves, a diffuser with seasonal essential oils, DIY toxin-free room sprays, or baking seasonal treats are all wholesome ways to add fall fragrance. These methods let you breathe deeply and enjoy the season without worrying about hidden chemicals.
Over the next weeks I’ll share simple cleaning and scenting recipes to help you make your home feel clean, cozy and healthy for fall. Stay tuned for easy, natural ideas you can try at home.
Catch up on my Fall Nesting 2020 Posts:
How to Get Inspired and Find Your Decor Style
Tips to Decorate Your Fall Living Room
Cozy Fall Throw Blankets
My Favorite Fall Decor in My Cozy Fall Shop
14 Ideas for a Cozy Fall Kitchen
Make Your Home the Coziest It Can Be (3 Take Away Tips)
Fall Puttering Playlist
Cozy Self-Care Corner Must-Haves
Four Essential Home Making Practices for Every Season
Fall Nesting and Doormats
How to Dwell Well This Fall
How to Decorate with Faux Fall Foliage
Click here for inspiration from previous year’s Fall Nesting Series!
