7 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Amazing

Here’s a technique that works better than baking soda to deodorize a refrigerator: Place a handful of charcoal briquettes in a disposable plastic container (with no lid) in the refrigerator or freezer. Once the offending smell has dissipated, simply discard the charcoal.

Pleasant-smelling whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves and citrus peels can be simmered in a small saucepan on the stove for an all-natural air freshener that eliminates any lingering cooking odors.

To absorb stubborn odors, leave a small bowl on the counter filled with white vinegar, baking soda or coffee grounds before you go to bed. Any of the three will naturally dissipate any remaining cooking smells by morning.

I usually make these old-fashioned pomander balls during the holiday season, but they are more than a Christmas decoration. The all-natural air fresheners can easily be made by piercing citrus fruits with a handful of cloves, and rolling the final product in a spice or two, like cinnamon and ground nutmeg. Hang pomander balls in a closet to ward off any stale air or pesky smells.

What could be greener than houseplants? Awesome cost-effective option to keep the air fresh is to adopt some fragrant houseplants, such as jasmine, lavender, eucalyptus, and gardenias. And in the kitchen, grow an array of herbs (for example, mint or rosemary) to make your home smell amazing.

Candles serve a double purpose: they reduce odors and give your home a cozy, inviting glow. Choose natural varieties made with bees, coconut or soy wax, and essential oils. Put them into the linen closet (but don’t light them), or anywhere fabrics might live and be able to absorb the scent.

While deep cleaning your kitchen, sprinkle baking soda in your trash can or use a deodorizing pack or pod under the can's liner. Finish off it off by using a disinfecting spray to kill the trash can bacteria.