3 Easy, DIY Ways to Make Your House Smell Like Fall

What’s not to love about cooler weather: sweater weather, baking, colorful leaves, chilly nights snuggling under the covers, warm soups and stews. I just love it. I also love getting my house ready by making it smell nice. These three great ideas for making diy fall scents will make your house smell like the best season ever. And as the holidays get close, try these easy ways to make your home smell like Christmas.

1. Fall Potpourri with Dried Fruit + Nuts

The potpourri you buy at the store often has very artificial scents that can be overpowering, to put it mildly. Making it yourself is fun, and you can really customize it, using elements from your yard or garden.

Remember that the appeal of potpourri lies in not just a pleasant scent, but also an array of colors and textures. It can really brighten up a table when placed in a pretty bowl, or work as a deodorizer for the bathroom or kitchen.

And it makes a pretty seasonal gift. The amounts will vary according to personal preference and what’s available to you. Here’s what I put in mine:

Ingredients

—Dried apple slices

—Dried orange slices

—Whole nuts (with shells)

—Cinnamon sticks

—Whole cloves

—Juniper berries

—Dried rose hips

—Laurel (bay) leaves

—Pine cones

—Essential oils: cedar wood, clove, cinnamon, orange and pine are all great together

I just eyeball it and add bigger handfuls of the larger items (pine cones, cinnamon sticks, nuts, orange slices) and smaller handfuls of the smaller, colorful and highly scented items (rose hips, cloves, juniper berries, bay leaves, etc).

I put everything into a big jar, sprinkle with the essential oils and gently toss. Then it’s ready to put in small bowls to display or package up to give away.

How to dry apple and orange slices

If you’d prefer to dry your own apple and orange slices in the oven, start by preheating it to the lowest temperature (usually around 140-150°F / 60-65°C).

Wash and thoroughly drying the fruit. Slice apples into thin, uniform pieces, about ⅛ inch thick, and remove the cores and seeds. For oranges, cut them into similar ⅛ inch thick slices, removing any seeds. Arrange the slices in a single layer on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t overlap. Place the baking sheets in the oven and leave the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.

The drying process can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices and the humidity. Check the fruit periodically, turning the slices occasionally to ensure they dry evenly. When the slices are crisp and no longer sticky, they are ready to be removed from the oven. 

Just note that oven-dried fruit will only last about a week before it starts growing mold. At the first sight of mold, toss your potpourri in the trash and make a fresh batch.

2. Vanilla, Laurel + Rosemary Pot Simmer

Simmering a pot of aromatic herbs, fruit, and spices is an instant way of making diy fall scents that make a house feel and smell ready for fall. I like to put a pot on to simmer when I know guests will be arriving for dinner, or a party or even a quick visit.

Pot simmers are perfect for holiday entertaining. Everyone loves to walk into a home that smells good; it really sets a nice atmosphere. The key is to maintain a low boil, which allows the essential oils and fragrances from the fruit and spices to slowly release into the steam, filling your home with a warm, inviting scent. You can replenish the water as needed to keep the mixture simmering for hours. 

This is a little different than most pot simmers you’ve probably seen. The combination of vanilla, laurel (bay) leaves and rosemary might seem odd at first, but once you smell it, you’ll see just how perfect that combination is, particularly with the fresh oranges. It’s one of my favorite diy fall scents.

Ingredients

—1 quart water (more or less depending on pot size)

—4-5 laurel (bay) leaves

—1 small orange, thinly sliced

—1 large sprig fresh rosemary

—1 vanilla bean or 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For optimal scent release, slice the fruits thinly to increase their surface area. Place everything into a saucepan and cover with water; turn heat on to medium-high. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or up to several hours to make house smell nice. Can also be used in a mini-crock pot on low for longer. 

Regularly check the water level and add more as needed to prevent the pot from drying out. To avoid buildup and maintain freshness, clean the pot thoroughly after use. Lastly, consider using a pot you don’t mind dedicating to simmering, as some ingredients might impart residual scents or flavors.

When you’re done, the vanilla bean can be removed from the water, dried, and reused a few times before losing its potency.

3. Woodsy, Spicy Fall Room Spray

Even more instant than the pot simmer is a room spray made with essential oils. I keep a bottle handy to spritz the bathroom, kitchen, bedrooms and living room any time we need a little pick-me-up. It can also work as a linen spray.

This blend really brings a nice woodsy, spicy outdoorsy scent indoors when misted. Plus we’ve got 10 more diy fall scents to choose from!

Ingredients

—3 tablespoons vodka, ethyl alcohol or witch hazel

—10 drops juniper or cedar wood essential oil

—10 drops clary sage or rosemary essential oil

—10 drops bergamot or orange essential oil

—10 drops cinnamon or clove essential oil

—Water

Combine the vodka and essential oils in a spray bottle and shake well. Fill the rest of the spray bottle with water, leaving a little space at the top to allow for shaking. Secure the cap on the bottle and shake it well to mix the ingredients thoroughly.

Before using the spray, shake it again to ensure the essential oils and vodka are well combined with the water. To use, simply spray the mixture into the air or on surfaces, being careful to avoid fabrics that might be sensitive to essential oils. Store the spray in a cool, dark place to preserve its potency and enjoy the fresh, customized fragrance throughout your space. Makes 8 ounces.

Note: do not spray directly onto skin, and avoid getting spray in eyes or inhaling.

FAQ

Can I use a slow cooker for simmer pots?

Yes, a slow cooker can be an excellent alternative for making simmer pots, especially if you want to let the scents infuse for an extended period. Simply place your ingredients in the slow cooker, set it on low, and let it simmer. The slow cooker also allows for easy management of water levels since you can use the lid to trap moisture inside.

Can I reuse the ingredients in my simmer pot?

While you can reuse the ingredients for a short time, their scent will diminish with each use. After a few hours of simmering, the aromatic compounds will break down and not be quite as potent. For best results, it’s often recommended to replace with fresh ingredients after a day or two of use.

Can I use other types of alcohol in my room spray?

While vodka is commonly used because it has a neutral scent and is easy to find, other types of alcohol like rubbing alcohol can be used in a pinch. Just note that rubbing alcohol has a stronger odor and may affect the overall scent of your room spray. If you use rubbing alcohol, ensure it’s completely diluted to avoid any harsh smells.

Can I refresh my potpourri if the scent fades?

Yes, you can refresh your potpourri by adding a few drops of essential oil to the mixture. Stir the potpourri gently to distribute the oil evenly. If the potpourri appears dry or less fragrant, adding a small amount of rubbing alcohol or vodka can help enhance the scent. Regularly stirring the potpourri can also help redistribute the oils and maintain its fragrance.

Is it okay to use essential oils in homemade potpourri?

Sure! Essential oils can help enhance and customize the fragrance of homemade potpourri. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to the dried ingredients and mix thoroughly. 

How are you getting your home ready as the season changes?

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