Besides candles & sprays - favorite way to freshen up home?

finally:)

It's too cool and damp out to open the windows but I feel like the house air is stagnant and a little doggy smelling.  I just used baking soda on all the carpets but still want to freshen up home more.  

I like to boil or bake cinnamon but it's wrong time of time of year for that smell to me.  Is there anything else you use?

What are some other good ways to freshen up the home?

KurtsWife09

We run two air purifiers due to DH's allergies, otherwise I'd open the windows no matter the weather.

I also wash our drapes, scrub the carpets, wipe down walls, and wash our throw pillows and throws.  Anywhere smells may hide. 

belovedbride07

finally:):

I like to boil or bake cinnamon but it's wrong time of time of year for that smell to me.  Is there anything else you use?

I tried a recipe using lemon, rosemary, and vanilla extract a few weeks ago.  DH like the rosemary, but I thought it smelled kind of funky and won't be trying it again.

I just read about baking some vanilla extract, but after the previous experience, I'm kind of afraid to try!

I make a freshening spray that I found online using cheap vodka, water, and a few drops of lavender oil, and it works like a charm.  (However, we have a combo CO/gas meter, and sometimes the spray triggers it.)

ETA: And I just realized you didn't want sprays.  Oops!  LOL  

MrsC430

I like the Febreze Set & Refresh products. They last long and smell really good. My favorite scent is the Hawaiian Aloha kind.

 

Knitty

I just open all my windows for an hour or so, with the fans going, then close them all up again and turn the heater on for a bit.

UsedToBeGoldie

i love scentsy - so much safer than candles (and not black soot etc)

alehayes

I like to boil citrus peels.

MMP

I burn Yankee Candle tarts twenty-four hours a day in an electric tart burner. I change the tart once or twice a week.

bruins8624

I don't know if you use tarts but, they are far better than any candle and sprays for aroma. After spending so much money on candles and sprays I finally found a candle warmer. You just buy the wax for the top of them and they are the best. I do a warm apple and my home smells great. Also, you can buy electric warmers so that when you are not home the place still smells nice : ) Here' s a link:

http://www.amazon.com/Candle-Warmers-Etc-Illumination-Fragrance/dp/B003IT5KLO/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1336397937&sr=8-7

sagoon

I've always liked reed diffusers to give a nice scent but not be overwhelming.

flowerpower3

I use one of those wax warmer things.  It works great!

doeie04

I will turn down the heat and open the windows. One hour makes a total difference. Covering up smells really doesn't help much, in my opinion.

Monisestablished2012

Open the windows and let the fresh air come in.. sometimes we get fresh cut lawn smell.. or i will boil lemons in a pot and then let them simmer for an hour or two and my home smells really fresh.

SueBear

Everyone on these boards mocks the cinnamon broom, but it makes my house smell great, so I don't care!!!  (Not good for this time of year for you, but just FYI).

Also, have you considered cleaning with vinegar?  It smells vinegar-y for the first 1/2 hour, but then really cleans up the air and doesn't smell after that.  The acid neutralizes the odors, which are usually alkaline.

I also have a chemical free spray (orange mate?) that I use.  I have read that the chemicals in candles and room fresheners are really unhealthy / toxic so I try not to use them.

KentuckyKate

Houseplants do wonders to clean the air in your home, too.  Even little ones.

jo4janet

sagoon:

I've always liked reed diffusers to give a nice scent but not be overwhelming.

THIS and also what about some good old potpourri? Or those satchet packets that people put in drawers?