Written by Andrea Reviewed by Daniel

The £1 Hack That Makes Your Home Smell Incredible All Day Long

We all want our homes to smell fresh and inviting, but most of us don’t want to spend a fortune on fancy air fresheners and scented candles. The good news? You don’t have to. There’s a brilliant £1 trick that will keep your home smelling amazing all day long.

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The Budget Friendly Secret To A Fragrant Home

Let’s cut to the chase: bicarbonate of soda and essential oils are about to become your new best friends. This simple combo costs around £1 to make and works better than those pricey air fresheners that seem to vanish into thin air after 30 minutes.

Here’s why this works so well: bicarbonate of soda naturally absorbs bad odours instead of just masking them, while the essential oils release a gentle, consistent fragrance throughout the day.

How To Make Your £1 Home Fragrance

You’ll need:

A small jar (an old jam jar works perfectly)
Bicarbonate of soda (around 80p at most supermarkets)
Your favourite essential oil (many shops have budget options for £1)
A piece of fabric or paper to cover the top
A rubber band or string

The method couldn’t be simpler:

Fill your jar about halfway with bicarbonate of soda
Add 10 to 15 drops of your favourite essential oil
Cover the jar with fabric or paper and secure with a band or string
Poke a few holes in the top to let the scent escape
Give it a gentle shake every morning to reactivate the scent

Place these little jars in bathrooms, near the bin, or in any room that needs freshening up. When the scent starts to fade (usually after about two weeks), simply add a few more drops of oil and give it a shake.

Best Essential Oils For Different Rooms

Different rooms benefit from different scents. Here’s a quick guide:

Kitchen
Lemon, orange or grapefruit oils cut through cooking smells and leave a clean, fresh scent.
Bathroom
Eucalyptus, tea tree or lavender offer antibacterial properties along with a pleasant fragrance.
Living Room
Warm scents like vanilla, cinnamon or cedarwood create a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.
Bedroom
Lavender, chamomile or bergamot promote relaxation and better sleep.

More Budget Tricks For A Fragrant Home

While your bicarbonate of soda jars work their magic, try these additional budget friendly tips:

Simmer Pots
Boil a pot of water with citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, or herbs. The steam carries the scent throughout your home.
Coffee Grounds
Place used (dried) coffee grounds in a bowl in your fridge or cupboards to neutralise odours.
Dryer Sheets
Tuck dryer sheets behind radiators. When the heating comes on, they’ll release a fresh laundry scent.
Vodka Spray
Mix cheap vodka with water and a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle. Use it on soft furnishings (test on an inconspicuous area first).

Why This Works Better Than Commercial Air Fresheners

Many commercial air fresheners rely on chemicals that temporarily mask odours or numb your sense of smell. They also tend to fade quickly, leaving you constantly reaching for the spray can.

This natural method actually absorbs bad smells while slowly releasing a pleasant fragrance. It’s gentler on your respiratory system and won’t trigger headaches or allergies like some commercial products.

Best of all, it’s incredibly cost effective. That £1 investment can last for months with occasional refreshing, compared to constantly buying new air fresheners.

The Perfect Placement

For maximum impact, place your scent jars in these strategic locations:

Near entrance ways for an instant welcome
In wardrobes to keep clothes smelling fresh
Under the sink to combat musty smells
Near pet areas to neutralise animal odours
In the car for a refreshing drive

Give them a little shake whenever you pass by to boost the scent.

This simple hack proves you don’t need to spend loads of money to have a home that smells incredible. Sometimes the most effective solutions are the most affordable ones.

If you found this tip helpful, why not share it with your friends on Facebook or Pinterest? Everyone deserves a beautifully scented home without the hefty price tag.

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