How do I make my home smell good for free?

Who knew your freshest air freshener was hidden in your fruit bowl!

There’s nothing quite like walking up in the morning  and being greeted by the lingering smell of last night’s fish or vegetable dish. For me, the worst offenders have to be cauliflower and broccoli. Before you even think about reaching for a synthetic air freshener, I want to share a simple recipe I use regularly. 

I’ve discovered that one of the best ways to make a home smell great isn't always  found in fancy bottle  but by using  everyday items to make my home feel amazing without spending a penny.

The Mediterranean Simmer Pot

Its is a simple solution for the kitchen or living room.

What You’ll Need

• A small pot, filled with water

• 1 orange (sliced or peeled)

• 1 lemon (sliced or peeled)

• 2–3 sage leaves

• 1–2 cinnamon sticks

• A handful of lavender

• A few sprigs of rosemary

What I do:

I fill the pot with water, then add the citrus slices and peels, the cinnamon sticks, sage leaves, lavender, and rosemary. I bring it to a gentle simmer on the stove and let it bubble away for 2–3 hours. The steam slowly releases a beautiful, natural fragrance that drifts through the kitchen and into the nearby rooms.

A Little Extra:

For an extra longer lasting boost, I sometimes add a few drops of orange essential oil but only after turning off the hob, as high heat can damage the oil’s properties. The gentle steam at the end helps the essential oil diffuse into the air beautifully.

Scent Smarter: A Quick Safety Note:

I always keep an eye on my simmer pot and top up with more water before the level gets too low.

You can top up the water and re-simmer the same mix the next day. After about two days, the ingredients start to lose their fragrance (and can smell a little off), so I replace them with a fresh batch.
This little trick is such an easy (and almost free!) way to keep your home smelling fresh and inviting.