When stored clothes start to smell stale…
Drawers and wardrobes are easy to overlook, but they are often where stored clothes and linen start to lose their freshness. Even freshly washed fabrics and linen can smell a little stale when they have been put away for a while. I usually use lavender in these smaller spaces, but with quinces in season and still quite understated , I wanted to try something a little different.
Quince is not the first fruit we think for home fragrance. Once cut, it releases a soft fruity aroma that can easily fill a kitchen, which is what made me curious to try it dried in a simple pot pourri and sachet.
Once dried , the scent is gentler but it adds a subtle fruity note that works beautifully with other ingredients.
Before getting into these scented recipes, here is the process I used to dry quince slices.
It is a simple but it does require a little patience, as quince takes time to dry fully.
How to Dry Quince Slices ( Step by Step)
1. SLICE THE QUINCE
Carefully slide the quince into thin rounds. The fruit is firm, so use a sharp knife and cut slowly.
2. LET THE SLICES AIR DRY - POST 24H
Spread the slices on a plate or tray and leave them in a dry air spot for 24 hours or so
NOTE: The white patches you see here are crystallised sugar, not mould. If your slices ever turn puffy or fuzzy that’s a sign of mould and in that case it is best to discard them.
3. OVEN-DRY TO REMOVE MOISTURE
Bake the slices at low heat (around 100 C) for a couple hours to help them dry evenly and prevent mould. You can do it just after slicing them.
Here I baked them 45min to prevent mould and decide to let it dry naturally.
4. LEAVE IT TO FINISH DRYING (1-2 WEEKS)
Let the slices rest for a week or more until they are completely dry and slightly crisp
Once our quince slides are fully dry, sort them by size: select the largest slices for the potpourri and the smaller bits for the scented sachet.
Scented Quince sachet
What You’ll Need:
Small dried quince pieces (a handful)
2 tablespoon dried lavender buds ( I got French lavender back home )
3-4 drops of essential oil (Sweet Orange or Bergamot are perfect
How to make:
Put quince pieces and lavender buds into your little fabric bag.
Add 3-4 drops of essential oil onto the quince slices so the scent clings to the fruit rather than staining the fabric
Close the bag and give it a shake.
How I use it:
I use these in drawers and other closed spaces that often need a gentle scent lift.
I used a scented sachet with a scented sheet underneath to keep drawers feeling fresher for longer
2. Simple Dried Quince Potpourri
What You’ll Need:
Larger dried quince slides
5-7 anise pods
1 cinnamon stick
Essential oil - You can choose Rose, Bergamot or Vanilla
A ramekin
A few dried rose petals (optional)
How to make:
1. Start placing the dried quince slices in a decorative bowl or shallow dish.
2. Tuck the star anise pods (they also look decorative).
3. Add cinnamon stick if you like.
4. Add a a couple drops of your chosen essential oil on some of the quince slices - they absorb oil beautifully.
You’ll have a lovely mix of fruit + spice + floral fragrance if you opt for the rose scent.
How I use it:
I tucked that small bowl into the bottom of the wardrobe, where the scent could release gently in an enclosed space, especially from the anise pods.
Final Thought
If you’ve tried a quicker way to dry quince… eventually with an air fryer, I’d love to hear how it worked for you!
