How do I make my house smell lovely?

When buying pot pourri, check the ingredients. I saw one in The Range which had formaldehyde in it....very toxic. It might be better to use an air purifier, which removes unpleasant smells and freshens the air. There is one from Advantage which is charcoal and lavender.

I agree with you,greeneyedgirl. I use none perfumed everything. I dry washing outside when possible,and I open windows up for a change of air.
Sometimes I'll pick some Rosemary put it in an old sock and use it in the washing machine drum,it's a natural antibacterial too.

Isn’t perfume banned from public places in some countries? What I do struggle with ( I don’t use a dishwasher) is getting rid of the smell of fish or onions from things that I’ve cooked it or stored it in so I end up soaking things in Milton.

I suffer from migraine and one trigger is artificial scents, especially if the smell is strong.

@M0nica
Good job we’re all different.

M0nica

What makes anyone think any artificial sweetening process would be successful?

The best smell in a house, is no smell at all or the smell of fresh air. There is nothing I like less than going into a house that stinks of artificial scents

I think some people overdo either zoflora or similar and also this perfumed sticks.

With zoflora just a couple of drops in water leaves a subtle smell, not overpowering at all.

I was addicted to Zoflora and used it everywhere.Then I got diagnosed with COPD, that was the end of all artificial smells for me.
The slightest whiff of one goes straight to my lungs and they seem to close up.I get very annoyed now with those adverts on telly showing models breathing in the latest fabric softener or those "pearls"and going into raptures over the "fresh"smell of their clean laundry. Damage not only your lungs but also your purse.
My windows are open frequently during the day,even in this cold weather.

What makes anyone think any artificial sweetening process would be successful?

The best smell in a house, is no smell at all or the smell of fresh air. There is nothing I like less than going into a house that stinks of artificial scents

I have some air diffusers which are good. They are a light too

grannyrebel7

How do I make my house smell lovely? I've tried everything pot pourri, air fresheners, essential oils. those reed things etc. But after a short while the smell just goes. I'm not saying my house smells horrible but just smells of nothing. I want to be able to open my front door to a really lovely smell every time I come home. I've been in other people's houses and they seem able to achieve this.

You can get used to smells around you, to the point where you just don’t smell them any more.
I’m sure, from what you’ve said about what you do to make the house smell lovely, that it actually does! Try asking a friend or relative what it smells like.

My Mum was Zoflora Queen! She had bowel cancer twice and a colostomy and was obsessed with keeping clean and hygienic and having the house smelling fresh and pleasant.

She had her favourite Zofloras and always kept a stock in.
All visitors remarked on how lovely everywhere smelled.
I have used it for years too. The orange one is lovely, so is the lemon and some if them now have very fancy names and are gorgeous.

I love all these suggestions as I want my house to smell nice, especially on entry - just like OP.
I have used many things in the past but nothing seems to actually last…
I bought a mini slow cooker (it’s tiny!!!) and fill it with water and add a spray or two of an essential oil. Obviously I keep an eye on the water level as it evaporates during the day. I just top it up with a kettle of hot water and another few drops of oil at night. This method currently suits me. (I can ‘hide’ the slow cooker in my hallway!). The perfume (orange oil) wafts upstairs too.

Arran sense of Scotland do a diffuser called After the Rain. I put mine in my sitting room in November and there is still more than half left. It still smells. It might seem expensive but it is excellent value for money.

I don't use any of these.

The reason why Zoflora is in so many older peoples homes is that it’s been around for over 100 years so most people have grown up with it. It’s anti viral and anti bacterial so I think a lot of people started using it during the pandemic ( I know I did).

I never found a reed diffuser any good. I use vanilla scented drops into a candle burner house smells lovely you can buy all sorts of scents. Sainsburys and MS do them in there homeware dept.

Oreo thank you for the update on Zoflora. I'll investigate next time I'm shopping.

Perhaps try simmering cinnamon sticks in water.

Don't allow the water to simmer dry.

I use essential oils, my favourite is orange oil

You get used to scents. You will become "nose blind" after a while do just keep changing the scents you use.

Simple tip . Pure essential oil such as lemongrass . Two drops into your toilet . Smells divine and lasts till the next flush.

TeamMorgan

Quick caution if using artificial fragrances: some are toxic to pets. A little research will keep everyone healthy and happy!

I started spraying peppermint everywhere after various insect/mouse infestations only to find that it is toxic to dogs. I was also scattering bay leaves around to deter flour mites only to find they were toxic to dogs also ( and my dog will eat anything…).

Agree with you. Same as the 'pearls' and softness in washing machine. Only smell nice when washed and still damp...up to.6 weeks the advert says! Really??? Who wears clothes fir 6 weeks! 😂😂

I stick with the old ways, and never use scented air fresheners, which I personally loathe. My choice is that I always dry my clothes outside on the line, even if I have to finish them off inside. Cant beat the clean air smell. Open windows for a time every day, depending on weather of course but try to open in the mornings where possible. Love the ordinary old proper furniture polish in lavender or the saddle soap smell. What is cleaned is fed and looks lovely and smells good. Always have a coffee smell as ground coffee is what I use. Enjoy the smell of cherry blossom shoe polish, and am very aware of whatever the smells are. Dont care for artificial supposed added perfumes. Do most of my cooking from scratch so of course get the cooking smells too. So am usually happy with the smell of my place.

Aldom

I thought Zoflora was a thing of the past. I've never used it, but I have been in someone's home, older person, years ago, they used it. Horrible smell.

There are many Zoflora scents now, a few are lovely.