Thanksgiving is just days away, and with it comes a blend of delicious aromas from the kitchen—plus a few less-welcome odors. Let’s talk about how to make your house smell great for the holiday, so your house feels inviting, warm, and ready to impress. From clever ways to remove stubborn odors to selecting the best home fragrances and seasonal fall candle scents, here’s everything you need to create the perfect aromatic backdrop for Thanksgiving!
Why Fragrance Matters for the Holidays
Nothing says “welcome” like a well-scented home. Think of it as setting the scene with cozy fall scents that guests won’t forget. From the nostalgic smell of Thanksgiving candles to the invigorating freshness of essential oil blends, your scent choices can make a lasting impression. So, let’s dive into how to enhance those aromas naturally and effectively, no overpowering sprays necessary.
How to Make Your House Smell Good Naturally
If you’re wondering how to make your house smell good naturally, you’re in luck. Start with classic tricks like simmer pots. Fill a saucepan with water and add cinnamon sticks, orange peels, and cloves. It’s a holiday scent that will leave guests marveling at the pleasant, inviting aroma.
You can also try a few essential oil combinations. Add drops of cinnamon, orange, and clove essential oils to a diffuser. This trio is autumn in a bottle—like taking a stroll through a leafy, fragrant forest! Another popular essential oil blend is rosemary, lemon, and vanilla for a clean yet cozy scent.
More on Essential Oils: The Best Combinations for Fall
Some of the best essential oils for Thanksgiving include cinnamon, clove, and eucalyptus, which add warmth and freshness. For a standout fragrance, blend these with cedarwood or vanilla. Here are a few tried-and-true essential oil combinations:
- Cinnamon + Clove + Orange: A cozy fall blend
- Vanilla + Cedarwood + Lavender: Soothing yet festive
- Eucalyptus + Peppermint: Perfect for a clean, refreshing touch
- Apple + Cinnamon + Nutmeg: Sweet and spicy, like a freshly baked pie
- Pumpkin Spice + Frankincense + Orange: Adds warmth to any room
These essential oil blends fill the air without any of the chemicals found in typical aerosol sprays.
Just a heads-up—some essential oils, such as tea tree and eucalyptus, aren’t safe for pets, so it’s best to keep them out of reach of furry family members.
How to Get Rid of Cooking Smell and Persistent Odors
After Thanksgiving dinner, strong food smells can linger, no matter how delicious they were. Here’s how to get rid of cooking smell and keep your space fresh:
- Ventilation is Key: Open windows or turn on exhaust fans while cooking.
- Simmer Vinegar and Water: This powerful duo can help neutralize odors. Just add a splash of vinegar to a simmering pot of water after cooking.
- Baking Soda’s Magic Touch: Does baking soda absorb odors? Yes! Place small bowls around the kitchen to absorb lingering smells. It’s an effortless, natural odor-buster. Plus, check out more creative ways to use baking soda for odor removal.
For general freshness, the kitchen isn’t the only place that needs a scent lift. To know how to keep your house smelling fresh, place baking soda in the fridge, closets, and other spaces to tackle sneaky odors.
How to Get Rid of Dog Smell (And Other Pet Odors)
Pets are family, but sometimes their scents linger a little too long, even with regular cleaning. If you find yourself thinking, “My house smells like dog no matter how much I clean,” it might be time to try some new tricks. Start with baking soda—a natural odor absorber. Sprinkle it over carpets, upholstery, and pet beds, let it sit for about 30 minutes, and then vacuum it up. This helps eliminate pet odors and refresh your space.
Here are other tried-and-true ways to get rid of dog smell and pet odors:
- Use White Vinegar and Water: Spray this mixture on pet areas (like beds) to neutralize odors naturally.
- Activated Charcoal: Place activated charcoal pouches near pet areas, as they’re known to absorb odors effectively.
And if you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn issue, here’s how to get rid of cat pee smell: try a vinegar-water solution to neutralize odors, followed by an enzyme cleaner that breaks down pet stains at the molecular level. Hydrogen peroxide can also be an effective choice for tougher areas, but be sure to spot-test first. Finally, make sure to wash any machine-washable fabrics your pet uses regularly to keep the scents under control.
Fall Candle Scents for a Festive Atmosphere
Candles are a classic way to add fragrance and ambiance. Opt for fall candle scents like pumpkin spice, vanilla, or sandalwood, which complement Thanksgiving’s cozy atmosphere. Many Thanksgiving candles include these aromas, creating that nostalgic, heartwarming feel.
Other festive options? Think of a maple and cinnamon candle for a rich, sweet scent or a chai spice candle with nutmeg and cardamom for something a bit spicier. Apple cider candles are also perfect for a subtle but warm scent.
For added safety, consider flameless candles or diffusers if you’ll have many guests around. Flameless candles still give off a warm glow and can be paired with essential oils to spread scent safely without the risk of open flames.
How to Remove Odor Before Guests Arrive
Hosting guests but forgot to air out the kitchen? Here’s how to get rid of food smells in your house quickly:
- Turn on the Stove Vent: It helps pull lingering smells out of the kitchen.
- Try an Air Purifier: Purifiers are a great investment for homes where cooking and hosting go hand-in-hand.
- Simmer Lemons and Herbs: Toss lemon slices and rosemary into a pot of water on the stove. This quickly freshens the air and adds a touch of natural fragrance!
If you’re in a pinch, you can also try these additional odor-removal tricks:
- Use Coffee Grounds: Coffee is a strong odor neutralizer. Leave a bowl of grounds in the kitchen after cooking.
- Light Beeswax or Soy Candles: They burn cleanly, helping clear the air and replace it with a gentle scent.
- Quick Clean of Soft Surfaces: Freshen up upholstery and fabric with a linen refresher spray or lightly mist with essential oils.
If you can spare enough time, a thorough pre-Thanksgiving cleaning can work wonders. Clean the trash bins, vacuum carpets, and launder fabrics that might trap scents. For a fresh touch, spray linen sprays on upholstery, pillows, and curtains. Baking soda is also your friend here—spread it over carpets, let it sit for an hour, then vacuum it up. This neutralizes odors effectively. You want to make sure that your room feels cleaner and fresher before you start layering on any fall scents.
Last-Minute Touches to Keep Your House Smelling Fresh All Day
Once you’ve taken care of cooking and pet odors, keep those fall scents lingering by refreshing throughout the day. A good mix of diffusers, candles, and natural scents will do the trick. Wondering how to keep your house smelling fresh even as the evening winds down? Here are a few pro tips:
- Layer Scents: Start with subtle scents (perhaps with an essential oil diffuser) and add stronger, more noticeable ones as needed (think candles or stovetop potpourri.)
- Use Linen Sprays: Lightly spritz the seating areas with a fragrance mist.
- Refresh with Essential Oils: Keep a bottle of diluted essential oils nearby for a quick scent boost on tablecloths or entryways.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is all about creating a cozy, welcoming environment—and scent is an unforgettable part of that experience. From fall candle scents to essential oil blends and simple, natural odor solutions, you’re now ready to make your home smell like the Thanksgiving haven it’s meant to be. With these tips, your guests (and pets!) will feel right at home in your beautifully scented space.
Need additional advice? Check out these tips and implement them throughout your home!
