Make your House Smell Good
Believe it or not, the way your home smells can make all the difference between a great sale and having potential buyers turn away in disgust. The sense of smell is directly linked to the brain, so if buyers like the way your house smells, this is bound to make them see the house in a favorable light, and further the selling process to a great extent. Making your home smell nice barely requires any effort or expensive materials, and can easily be accomplished in order to encourage buyers to pay top dollar.
Regularly empty garbage cans
This is essential if you don’t want your home to smell like a dumpster. Garbage should be disposed of on a regular basis, because the smell of waste and leftover food will intensify over time, and develop into a powerful and unsavory odor which can spread throughout the house. Make it a habit to take out the trash regularly, and do not neglect to do so before showings.
Deodorize
In addition to placing baking soda in your refrigerator to get rid of unpleasant food smells, you can also use it around the house. Sprinkle it onto carpets and fabric furniture, and then vacuum it away, to get rid of dampness, odors, and pet smells. Deodorizing powder can also be used for this purpose.
Boil cinnamon or cedar
The smells of cinnamon and cedar are powerfully aromatic and refreshing, and can make a home smell great almost instantly. Place a pot of water on the stove, bring it up to a boil, and then add in a couple of cedar sprigs and two teaspoons of cinnamon. Let it boil for as long as you like, and the scented water that evaporates will spread throughout the house, refreshing the entire atmosphere.
Use lemon as your cleaner
Lemon has a fresh, sparkling, vibrant smell, which is sure to amp up the appeal of any house. A great way to reap the benefits of the scent of lemon is to mix it with water and baking soda, to create a potent, all-natural cleaner which can be used on pretty much any surface, and anywhere inside your house.
Light scented candles
The key to using scented candles is to make sure you choose subtle, understated fragrances, which fit in with the atmosphere of a house – e.g. candles with fragrances like Berry Burst, Tropical Mango, or Red Rose will release scents that will smell odd and inappropriate in your house. Instead, choose scented candles that smell like fresh laundry, cool ocean mist, or even baked goods.
Use a reed diffuser
These can be very potent so make sure you use them sparingly. The best thing about reed diffusers is that they provide a scent which is long lasting, and are very inconspicuous, as they come in decorative oil lamps or vases.
Set out some fresh flowers
Fresh flowers are a no-brainer when it comes to making your home smell good. Make sure you choose the fragrant varieties, instead of picking whatever looks good. In addition to freshening up the atmosphere of a home, fresh flowers are great for adding visual appeal.
Bake cookies or bread
A great way to make your home smell warm and inviting, the smell of baked goods adds a cozy touch to any home. You don’t need to make large quantities – even a tray of cookies, or a small cake or loaf of bread is enough to make your home smell irresistible.
Make coffee
Brewing a pot of fresh coffee can go a long way in making a home smell welcoming. The warm, rich aroma is appreciated by most people, even those who do not drink coffee.
Dab on some essential oils
Pick a subtle essential oil (lavender, peppermint, etc), dab some onto your fingers, and then apply it to places like the backs of couches, at the edges of rugs, or underneath beds. This will go a long way in making your home smell great.
