Chances are you’re probably already running your air conditioning to combat the warm air moving in. Although the nice chilly breeze is a great way to cool down after a hot day it can really make your home begin to smell. With the lack of open windows a musky smell might begin to take over bedrooms leaving behind a stale sense in the home. Luckily, with a little aroma added to the mix your home will become inviting once again. However, there are some poor financial choices when it comes to buying scents for your home, but with a little guide to help you your home will be smelling like a dream in no time. So, stop plugging your nose every time you pass the litter pan or your teenagers dirty socks, instead fire up a little extra scent to create the perfect home environment.
1. Oil Diffuser
A diffuser can be one of the most important accessories you can buy when it comes to adding scent to your home. Diffusers are typically used for oils, but can be used to hold tea candles or potpourri if you are out of oils. There are a whole lot of diffusers on the market, so it is important to pay attention when it comes to buying one for the home as many can be surprisingly pricey. Generally, you should shop for a diffuser that is made of ceramic as it is easier to heat and tend to last longer than plastic diffusers. Of course, you will probably want to take appearance into account, but there’s plenty of cheap diffusers that can easily be decorated after you purchase them. You should probably try looking for a diffuser from your local discount or dollar store before you go on to buy one from a more expensive venue. You may even be able to make one in a pottery class which will allow you to your own artistic touch while saving some money.
2. Buy Oils in Bulk
When it comes to using oils for your scented needs it is incredibly important to try to buy these oils in bulk. Typically oils can run you a whole lot of money, especially if you’re looking at buying some of the more expensive brands on the market. However, if you skip buying the small bottles of oils you may actually end up saving money in the long run. Larger bottles are usually only a few cents more than the average size, so you will get a lot more use out of the larger container. Of course, there are also options where you can buy large packages of oils at a discounted price. This is usually one of the smartest options, especially if you tend to use the oils more than most. You should probably make sure that you are getting an assortment of scents before buying though, as often times many people will fall in love with smell and end up disgusted by it before they finish all of the oils in a package. This should also be considered when buying larger bottles as it is usually best to test the scent before a major purchase. Of course, if you have friends who also burn oils you may be able to trade scents for something they’re tired of.
3. Know Your Oils
One important thing about burning oils is to know which ones to burn at what period of time. There are certain smells that just don’t work during certain seasons or periods of the day and to burn them would make the household feel uncomfortable. There are also a good number of scents that are designed to affect your mood as well as how you feel physically. With a little research you should be able to plan what you burn with precision. This method is called aromatherapy and is popular amongst many households now. The best thing about this method is your home won’t smell while you find a simple way to ease the stress from the day while helping the kids settle down for a good night’s rest. You can cheaply pick up a used book on aromatherapy or you can find a lot of information for free online, so you can better plan out the oils you choose for your home.
4. Candles
If you’re looking for a quick way that lasts a while to get the scent you want then a candle might the answer to your solution. Candles are great because they can work as decorative items while bringing an incredible scent to the home. Most candles won’t cost you a whole lot, but there are some brands that might be a bit too pricey for the budget, so try to shop sales as much as possible. Candles can last a very long time and make it simple to switch from one scent to the next without any extra clean up. You may also find you can move candles from room to room to help remove smells in particular areas of the home. If you’re looking to save more money on candles, or just have little fun then you may want to consider making your own candles. Its a great craft for the whole family and can really change the way your home smells.
5. Avoid Plug Ins
A lot of people believe that the convenient plug in devices you can buy just about anywhere are the best way to enjoy a fresh home. However, these devices can really end up costing you more than you’d think if you continue using them on a daily basis. The plug ins tend to use electricity to heat them so that they can put off their scent. Although it might not take a whole to power them the price will eventually add up when you compare it to the use of candles or even burning oils. A lot of the time the plug ins can be originally bought at a special price that includes the actual plug and a scented plug in, which makes it seem like you won’t have to spend a lot of money on keeping up the plug in. However, when you go to buy the refills the grim price becomes apparent. It is even worse when you realize how quickly the plugs dry out. The worst aspect of the plug in is you can’t mix products from different brands which means you’re stuck buying one type of plug in. So, if you like a scent from another company you’ll have to buy their system too.
6. Decorate with Potpourri
Potpourri is a common craft items that many people love to use throughout the home. You can easily pick up potpourri in a bag or in different floral shapes at your local hobby store. The best thing about potpourri is it is totally simple to create elegant centerpieces that will make your home smell amazing. Whether you plan on getting creative it or using it in a hidden area potpourri tends to be a household favorite because it last for a long time and doesn’t cost a whole lot of money. Many people will place potpourri in a basket in the bathroom to help keep the air and linens smelling great for months. Other people will create beautiful wreaths or other interior designs with the scented chips to help add a fresh look and scent to the environment. Potpourri comes in an assortment of scents and some may even be colored, so you’ll have some fun finding your signature scent.
7. Utilize Incense
Incense is one of the best ways to get rid of lingering odors in a hurry. There’s an assortment of different scents you can buy with incense and they are generally so cheap that you can stock up for the month without worrying about hurting your family’s budget. Incense can be burned a few times so you won’t have to constantly worry about running out of the amazing smells. The best thing about incense is it will add a peaceful vibe to the home no matter what scent you choose to burn. Incense is particularly great when it comes to relieving odors after you cook a particularly pungent food like curry or Italian food. Most people prefer to buy a special incense holder before they burn the sticks which are usually pretty cheap. However, you can get creative about where you store your incense if you don’t want to make the extra purchase.
8. Baking Soda
Easing odors throughout the house can be as simple as sprinkling around a little baking soda in the problem area. This is the ideal way of keeping your house fresh for families who don’t like artificial odors or intense smells in the air. Baking soda can be found inexpensively in most stores so you shouldn’t have to go to great lengths to make your home feel fresh. Some of the best places to put baking soda is in the litter box, bottom of the trash can and in older shoes. You will probably notice a significant drop in the way your home smells soon after you do this. It might also be a good idea to keep a small box of baking soda in your refrigerator as it will help keep food odors down while keeping some of your food fresh. In order to completely remove some foul odors you may have to sprinkle the baking soda on the carpets and vacuum it up. This should reduce and musky odors in the air so you can enjoy your cool air without feeling too stale.
9. Make Your Own
If you’re looking to keep your home smelling great while still keeping a low budget then there’s a few easy ways you can enjoy a fresh home without all the fuss. One way it take a bar of soap that has a lighter scent you enjoy and shave it down. You can put these shavings in small boxes around the home that will produce a great smell for a few weeks. You could also make your own variation of potpourri using a light perfume or oils you use with a diffuser. Simply spray the scent onto strips of paper and place it somewhere around the home. There is also an assortment of kits that will allow you to make your own potpourri, candles, and even oils which could save you money while helping the family bond. Another great option is to pick flowers with a sweet smell, such as roses, and dry them out. The flowers will still put out a scent that will make the home cozy.
10. Shop Sales
Of course, nothing will save you quite as much money as finding an amazing sale on your favorite scented items. You can easily check online for sales in your area, or you may run across discounted or closeout items on some of your favorite sites. Make sure to keep an eye out for items you particularly loved so you can easily find the perfect scent for your home for less. If you’re unsure where to shop for some of your items then you may want to start at your local hobby store. These stores often have plenty of scented goods as well as the kits to make your own, so you may end up finding a little bit of everything to try out in your home this summer. You should also keep a look out for coupons that could help you save even more on your favorite scents.
It is important to have a comfortable home, especially during the household when everyone will spend more time in the house. With these simple tips you’ll be able to create a desirable scent that will keep everyone feeling refreshed whenever they’re at home. You’ll love entertaining guests without feeling like your home is stale.
