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How to Make Your House Smell Good
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items Trying to candle your way out of house smells is like spraying perfume after a workout and calling it a shower. This list covers the unsexy stuff like odor elimination and air purification, laundry, cleaning products, and pet-specific smell issues. B...
Sections
7
Clear the Air: Odor Elimination
Soft Surfaces, Hard Truths: Laundry
The Heavy Lifters: Cleaning
Fur, Funk & Forgiveness: Pet Smells
The Bathroom Flex: Hand Soaps
Where the Compliments Come From: Candles and Oils
Clear the Air: Odor Elimination
The goal is to remove odors, not negotiate with them. These products do the unglamorous work so your candles don't have to fight for their lives.
I hate cleaning filters on air purifiers, so this was a game-changer.
Shark Never Change Air Purifier 5-Year Filter Life 650 sq ft HP152: HEPA, Electric, 5 Settings, 26W, 600-1500 sq ft
A mid-size option for smaller spaces.
Levoit Core 200s Smart Air Purifier Gray: 1-Year Warranty, 4 Settings, ETL & CARB Certified, 100-300 sq. ft.
A mini for the little spaces.
Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier with Night Light Cream White
These are so cheap and SO effective.
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber - 14oz: Non-Toxic, Air Freshener, Solid Form
Throw a few lemon slices and ice cubes in your garbage disposal.
Fresh Lemons - 2lb Bag - Good & Gather™
I have one of these in every closet, they make a VERY significant difference!
DampRid Hanging Bag Unscented Air Freshner - 46.2oz/3pk: Solid Form, Non-Powered
This on EVERY SOFT SURFACE in your house!
BRIOTECH HOCl Cleaner 500 PPM, 1 Gallon
Enzymes or don't bother. This cleans carpet like a DREAM.
OdoBan 3-in-1 Carpet Cleaner, 1 Gallon
Sometimes its just that your house is damp.
GE 50-Pints for Wet Rooms Up To 4500 sq. ft. Residential Dehumidifier with Bucket in Gray Wi-Fi, ENERGY STAR AWHL50LD
I love these in drawers with like socks and underwear, especially seasonal things that aren't rotated/used regularly.
Arm & Hammer Odor Busterz Air Fresheners - 3ct: No Fragrance Added, Fabric Refreshers, Ready to Use
Soft Surfaces, Hard Truths: Laundry
Many household odor problems are actually laundry problems - these are the products that keep your fabrics from betraying you.
Consumer Reports says its the best, and I can concur.
OxiClean MaxForce Laundry Stain Remover Spray - 12 fl oz: Phosphate-Free, Not for Wool or Silk
Go enzymes or go home!!
OdoBan Linen Scent Laundry & Air Freshener Liquid Disinfectant Cleaner - 128 fl oz: Multi-Surface, Upholstery, Non-Porous
The Original, the OG…
Persil Original HE Deep Cleaning Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent 64 Loads - 84 fl oz
The newcomer, taking my laundry by storm!
Ariel Laundry Detergent Original Laundry Detergents - 129 Loads
'When it doubt, blast it with bleach' --my Gram
Regular Bleach with Fabric Protection - 121 fl oz - up&up™
For when we don't actually want to blast it with bleach…
OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener and Stain Remover Powder - 3lbs: Bleach-Free, HE, Unscented
Don't come at me for the fabric softener. We all know modern washing machines are here for a good time, not a long time.
Suavitel Morning Sun Liquid Fabric Softener - 158 fl oz
Other than shaving the dog…THESE are what actually gets dog hair off your clothes.
Bounce Fresh Scent Pet Hair and Lint Guard Mega Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets - 130ct
The Heavy Lifters: Cleaning
This section isn't glamorous, but it's doing most of the heavy lifting. A good-smelling house starts with removing dirt, dust, and whatever mysteriously ends up on the floor.
I hate that I love this. But it works and you can pry it from my cold dead hands.
Rainbow Cleaning System
This holds a charge and the handheld part is so convenient.
BISSELL PowerClean Swivel Head Cordless Stick Vacuum 4342 10.5" Cleaning Path White
The best (non-Rainbow) carpet cleaner, especially if you have pets.
HOOVER SmartWash Pet Complete Automatic Corded Upright Carpet Cleaner Machine with Spot Stain Remover Wand Pet Carpet Shampooer FH53000
This is NOT for whole house carpet cleaning, but its perfect for a couch. Or dog puke. Or a couch with dog puke.
Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Carpet Cleaner
I don't think you need to spend $100+ on a robot vacuum. We've had this for over a year and it works beautifully.
Lefant M210 Pro Robot Vacuum 2200Pa Suction
I buy armloads of these when they're on sale - perfect for counters, wiping down the toilet, doing the doorknobs and lightswitches…
Clorox Scentiva Coconut & Waterlily Disinfecting Wipes - 75ct
OBSESSED. Plus, my kids fight over who gets to mop.
O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop and Bucket System: Portable, Non-Abrasive, Reusable, Extendable Handle
Don't buy the brand refills, these are amazing and a fraction of the price.
Mop Heads Replacement for Ocedar Spin Mop 2 Pack
I think dust has a smell. Fight me.
Swiffer Dusters Dusting Starter Kit - 6pc
I hate when brand name is the best, but the generic refills just aren't it.
Swiffer Dusters Multi-Surface Refills - Unscented - 10ct: Cotton Material
I was influenced, but its legit. Downtown Ocean Springs is my favorite, second choice is Saltwater Sol.
All Purpose Scented Cleaner
Influenced and 100% okay with it. I love this so much.
Mop Soap - Mississippi Candle Co.
This stuff punches above its weight.
Mr. Clean Freak Antibacterial Summer Citrus Starter Kit - 16 fl oz
A solid non-bleach cleaner.
Lemon All Purpose Disinfecting Cleaner without Bleach - 32 fl oz - up&up™: Spray Bottle, Liquid Form, Multi-Surface Application
If dishes need to sit (no judgment) spray this and it makes the later dishes task 10x easier.
Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap Spray - Fresh - 16oz
I prefer cheap on consumables, but this is one of the exceptions - you will use less, so buying the good stuff will save you money in the long run.
Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap - Original - 38 fl oz
This one, and only this one. Even if you don't have lime or rust.
Lysol Lime & Rust Toilet Bowl Cleaners - 2pk
It doesn't magically make the boys bathroom stay clean, but it helps.
Clorox Rain Clean Scent Ultra Clean Toilet Tablets - 9.88oz/4ct: Paraben-Free, Multi-Surface Cleaner, Eliminates Odors
Fur, Funk & Forgiveness: Pet Smells
Your dog lives here. Your guests don't need to know that the moment they walk through the door. These products help maintain plausible deniability.
You need a cleaner with ENZYMES. Trust me.
Rocco & Roxie Enzymatic Cleaner for Pet Urine Stain and Odor Eliminator - 32 fl oz
Important always, but even more with pets.
HOOVER SmartWash Pet Complete Automatic Corded Upright Carpet Cleaner Machine with Spot Stain Remover Wand Pet Carpet Shampooer FH53000
This is NOT for whole house carpet cleaning - but this size is perfect for a couch. Or dog puke. Or a couch with dog puke.
Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Carpet Cleaner
Other than shaving the dog…THESE are what actually gets dog hair off your clothes.
Bounce Fresh Scent Pet Hair and Lint Guard Mega Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets - 130ct
We have Basset hounds so when I talk about dog funk, I know ball. These are good for a weekly wipe down, dirty paws in mud season, etc.
Deodorizing Dog Wipes - 100ct - up&up™
This is the pinch hit when the regular Dog Spa appointment has to be canceled or postponed!
Marigold Cedarwood Waterless Dog Shampoo - 7oz - Kindfull™: Liquid, Hypoallergenic, For All Ages
Yes this is for dogs, but whatever synthetic fragrance the typical dog shampoo has is not my vibe. Sorry not sorry.
CHI Oatmeal Dog Shampoo Itchy Skin Relief 16oz
And yes, same for between-dog-spa visit spritzing.
CHI for Dogs Detangling Finishing Spray 10oz
The Bathroom Flex: Hand Soaps
Hand soap is the gateway drug to a good-smelling house. Choose wisely.
This is the year-round default choice if I don't have a seasonal preference.
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Hand Soap Lemon Verbena Scent - 12.5 fl oz
Hand soap in the kitchen has to be lemon. Always. I don't make the rules.
Raw Sugar Gentle Hand Wash - Lemon Sugar Love - 12 fl oz: Vegan, Gel Form, Pump Bottle, For Normal, Oily, Sensitive Skin
The only exception to the lemon in the kitchen…but kitchen only!
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Tomato Vine Hand Soap - 12.5 fl oz: Liquid, Pump Bottle, With Aloe, Paraben-Free
Boys bathroom: I like to take advantage of when they actually wash their hands and get some antibac in there too.
Softsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap Pump - Fresh Citrus - 11.25 fl oz
Birchwood is a dupe of my favorite winter scent, Sweater Weather by Bath & Body Works.
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Hand Soap - Birchwood - 12.5 fl oz
Springtime = Sweet Water hand soap!
Method Foaming Hand Soap - Sweet Water - 10 fl oz
My favorite fall hand soap scent, so cozy.
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Hand Soap - Golden Elm - 12.5 fl oz
I absolutely HATE when my hands smell like onions even after washing.
Kirk's Odor Neutralizing Hand Soap - Fragrance Free 12 oz
The best fresh spring or summer scent.
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Fresh Cut Grass Hand Soap - 12.5 fl oz: Liquid, Paraben-Free, Dye-Free, Phthalate-Free
Another fresh scent for summer!
Liquid Hand Soap - Lemon & Mint - 12 fl oz - Everspring™: Paraben-Free, Non-Toxic, Pump Bottle, Animal By-Product-Free
Not a hand soap, but still important. I used to always get the Original Citrus scent, but my Mom calls it Shitrus so we switched to this one.
Poo-Pourri Toilette Rouge Before-You-Go Toilet Spray - Jasmine, Amber & Cedarwood - 2 fl oz
Where the Compliments Come From: Candles and Oils
If you skipped the cleaning sections above and came straight here...don't do it. Trying to candle your way out of a funky house just gives you a house that smells like a funky candle.
A house with fresh flowers automatically gains approximately $87,000 in perceived value. No one has verified this scientifically, but I refuse to believe otherwise.
Fresh Flowers - Trader Joe's
For the plugin averse, this is the no-power-needed option. Through the house, these impart a nice scent.
Rustic Palo Santo Label Fiber Oil Reed Diffuser Black - Threshold™: Vetiver & Incense Aroma, No Battery Required
My favorite essential oil diffuser. Caution with pets, ensure your choice of oils is pet safe!
Ceramic Cutout 300ml Large Diffuser White - Threshold™: Ultrasonic, Aromatic, 8hr Run Time
Mississippi Candle Co. scents have me in a chokehold. I'm obsessed.
Diffuser Oil & Dryer Ball Oil: New All-in-One Bottle
Target candles are next level. They pack a scent punch, they burn beautifully, and they're cheap.
Fresh Linen and Sea Salt Jar Candle White 10oz - Threshold™
Target candles are next level. They pack a scent punch, they burn beautifully, and they're cheap.
2 Wick Glass Coconut Water and Orchid Jar Candle 14oz - Threshold™
Target candles are next level. They pack a scent punch, they burn beautifully, and they're cheap.
8oz Lidded Glass Jar Black Label Olive Leaf and Oud Candle - Threshold™: Soy & Coconut Wax Blend, 30hr Burn Time
Target candles are next level. They pack a scent punch, they burn beautifully, and they're cheap.
15oz Ceramic Jar 3-Wick Black Label Rustic Palo Santo Candle - Threshold™: Soy Wax Blend, Aromatic Clove & Vetiver
Target candles are next level. They pack a scent punch, they burn beautifully, and they're cheap.
Amber Glass Wooden Wick Coconut and Honey Jar Candle 8oz - Threshold™
Target candles are next level. They pack a scent punch, they burn beautifully, and they're cheap.
3 Wick Wooden Wick Ceramic Vanilla Teakwood Candle Gray 22oz - Threshold™
Good Smells on Autopilot: Pura Diffusers
The closest thing to putting a good-smelling house on autopilot. Just swap out the fragrance cartridges occasionally and accept the compliments.
The BIG one.
Pura Home Plus Smart Fragrance Diffuser White
The OG for a reason.
Pura V5 Diffuser Device White
Small in size, not in scent!
Pura Home Mini Smart Fragrance Diffuser
A lighter scent for spring/summer.
Pura Mersea 2pk Saltaire Smart Vial Fragrance Refills: Jasmine & Citrus Scented Essential Oil Duo for Aromatherapy
Love this for fall/winter.
Pura Guy Fox Soho 2pk Smart Vial Fragrance Refills: Blend with Bergamot & Amber Aroma
I'm a sucker for anything that is tea-scented.
Pura Apotheke Earl Gray Bitters Refill
I have a fake tree, so obv this is for Christmas season.
Pura Mersea 2pk Sea Pines Smart Vial Fragrance Refills: Pura Diffuser, Cedar & Pine Scented
Fruity summer goodness.
Pura 2pk Moodcast Beach Vacay Smart Vial Fragrance Refills
Summer in a bottle.
Pura Homesick Hawaii 2pk Smart Vial Fragrance Refills: Tropical Scented Oil with Coconut & Vanilla
This one is described as elegant, and its 110% true.
Pura x Studio McGee Home Scent Refill 2 Pack
Love this in the summer!
Pura & Mersea Home Scent Refill 2 Pack
The scent of a simmer pot, without the risk of me forgetting about it and setting fire to said simmer pot…
Pura Smart Home Scent Refill - 2 Pack