Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have need chemical-laden products to make your home smell terrific. There’s a time and a place for products like Febreze®, but when it comes to naturally deodorizing your home, there are plenty of other options. Unlike store-bought deodorizers, stove top potpourri and other natural room deodorizers don’t just smell terrific; in many cases, they bring many exciting health benefits to the table too. The best part is because they’re made entirely of natural ingredients, they are as safe and gentle as can be.
After experimenting with many combinations of herbs, spices, fruits, flowers and other ingredients, we’ve hand-picked 10 of our favorite recipes.
Instructions:
Unless otherwise noted, fill a large pot with fresh water. Add the ingredients, and bring the water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and add more water as needed. You can also use a crockpot on the low setting if you’d prefer.
1. Cider Mill Simmer
This refreshing stove top potpourri brings to mind brisk fall days. Clove is prized for its invigorating spiciness, stress-reducing properties and immune-boosting capabilities. Cinnamon offers a refreshing burst and is known for its anti-inflammatory and brain-boosting characteristics.
Ingredients:
1 apple, sliced
3 cinnamon sticks
Pinch of whole cloves
2. Refreshing, Heavenly Lemon
Add a burst of sunshine to your home with this delightful natural room deodorizer. Lemon’s incredible deodorizing capabilities will make the place smell as clean as a whistle. Bay leaves are known for their ability to discharge toxins from the body. The citrusy nature of orange nicely complements the lemon while adding a soothing effect.
Ingredients:
1 lemon, sliced
1 orange, sliced
1 tablespoon dried bay leaves
Pinch of whole cloves
3 cinnamon sticks
3. Beddy-Bye Time
Drift easily off to sleep with this relaxing stove top potpourri. Soothing lavender adds clean, floral elegance to the air. A member of the ginger family, cardamom is prized for its ability to counteract mental fatigue and nervous strain. Meanwhile, nutmeg adds a sweet, warm, spicy burst while enhancing the soothing properties of the other ingredients.
Ingredients:
2 sprigs of fresh lavender
Pinch of whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
Dash of dried nutmeg
Pinch of whole cardamom
4. High Alert
For times when a little boost of energy is needed, you can’t go wrong with this excellent natural room deodorizer. This wonderful medley includes refreshing, stimulating lemon as well as rosemary, which is known to help respiratory issues and boost mental activity. Meanwhile, vanilla adds a warm, cozy undertone while gently soothing the senses.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 lemon, sliced
2 fresh sprigs of rosemary
5. Hot Toddy
Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a scent that you can get wrapped up in like a warm, cozy blanket, this stove top potpourri ought to do the trick. Orange offers an invigorating burst of fresh scents while cloves and cinnamon boost the immune system and enhance mental acuity. Warm, inviting ginger adds a dash of spice while delivering proven pain relieving and digestion-enhancing properties.
Ingredients:
1 orange, sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
Pinch of whole cloves
2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
6. Alpine Bliss
Refreshing, invigorating and downright delightful, this recipe will eliminate unpleasant odors from the home while giving you the mental boost that you need to take on just about anything. Accents of cranberry, nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon add a homey touch while orange stimulates the senses. The addition of pine branches adds germ-eliminating properties to this exceptional potpourri.
Ingredients:
1 orange, sliced
Small handful of dried or fresh cranberries
Small pine branches or twigs
Dash of dried nutmeg
2 cinnamon sticks
Pinch of whole cloves
7. Cold-Buster
When you’re stuffed up due to a cold or allergies, give this stove top potpourri a whirl. Cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg lend this natural room deodorizer a cozy, homey ambiance that will comfort you when you’re under the weather. Lavender helps you relax and, with any luck, get some sleep. With its proven decongestant and expectorant qualities, anise is a terrific addition.
Ingredients:
Small pinch of dried anise
Fresh lavender sprigs
2 cinnamon sticks
Pinch of whole cloves
Dash of dried nutmeg
8. Brain Booster
For a great pick-me-up that also makes your home smell amazing, make sure to try this potpourri recipe. Eucalyptus acts as a natural decongestant, making this a great option for times when you’re a bit under the weather. Cooling, invigorating peppermint is a welcome addition. Lavender, rosemary and bay leaves soothe the senses while infusing the home with floral allure.
Ingredients:
Fresh lavender sprigs
3 drops eucalyptus oil
2 drops peppermint oil
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Small pinch dry bay leaves
9. Fall Harvest
Add a crackling fire and cups of hot cocoa to make this natural room deodorizer all the more special! Pumpkin, cider and fresh apple slices call to mind brisk, invigorating walks through crunchy leaves. Nutmeg, vanilla, cloves and cinnamon add a homey and relaxing feel while delivering a cornucopia of exciting health benefits for the body and mind.
Ingredients:
Substitute apple cider for water, or use a 1:1 ratio
3 cinnamon sticks
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 apple, sliced
Pinch of whole cloves
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of dried nutmeg
10. Refreshing Bouquet
You’ll fall instantly in love with the fresh, floral scents of this homemade stove top potpourri recipe. Eucalyptus heightens the alluring scent of fresh rose petals, and chamomile offers a soothing and sumptuous undertone.
Ingredients:
Small handful of fresh rose petals
3 drops of eucalyptus oil
Pinch of dried chamomile
Freshen and deodorize your home today!
As you can see, some of our favorite stove top potpourri recipes incorporate many of the same ingredients. After stocking up on the essentials, you’ll always have what you need to make your home smell amazing any time of year. After trying some out, broaden your horizons by coming up with your own recipes!