Due to allergies and asthma related issues in our home, we don’t use any artificial air fresheners. Practically everything is unscented including our soaps, candles, detergents and more.
While incredibly helpful for sensitive noses, sometimes it feels (or smells) a little blah. I would appreciate a nice homey scent in the air; something to take out strong cooking smells or to just offer a cozy aroma. Yes, I think aromas can be cozy!
Enters in a natural solution — simmering some herbs and fruits in water.
I chose lemon and rosemary as a start due to my neighbor’s rosemary overflow in her summer garden. The scent is inviting, yet light…and very cozy indeed.
From what I’ve heard, this is the same mix Williams-Sonoma has simmering in their stores!
- 1 lemon, sliced
- sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups of water
- Simply mix all ingredients into a pot, simmer on low on the stovetop. As the water evaporates, feel free to add more.
- We used this over several days, adding more water as needed. Enjoy!
I’ll be trying a few other mixes of herbs and fruits. If they’re successful, I’ll share them with you!
post linked to Thrifty Thursdays and Frugal Photo Friday
Oh lovely! I’m trying this today.
Yummmmm! I’m baking pumpkin muffins right now, which also has the happy side effect of yummy smells, but I’m trying this soon!
Thank you for sharing Daniele! Ex-RAF hubby has allergies as well and I am always looking for something (else than baking/cooking) to make the house smell ‘homey’!
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy Autumn!
Thanks ladies! It’s so simple and so pleasant….enjoy. 🙂
I love this! My mother would do this same thing with the exact same ingredients. She also did some other combinations, and they were always SO incredibly simple. Now I’m remembering them all and wondering “why haven’t I done this in my home!”. :o)
[…] DomesticSerenity.org shows you how to make a homemade Lemon & Rosemary Air Freshener. […]
I read about this a few years ago- I simmer it in my cute little teapot and it does smell amazing!
Thanks for the idea… around the holidays I also like to do orange with water and cinnamon sticks and whole cloves 🙂
I’m going to try 1/2 of the recipe in my potpourri pot
Oooh, Donna – great idea!
I use these ingredients to marinate my lamb. Now I can use the leftover ingredients as air freshener. Great idea! thanks!
I have the smaller 2 cup and also a 1 quart crockpots that this is excellent for and you do not need to worry about the pot on the stove.
Love ur recipes!!! Thank u for sharing can’t wait try them. Also thought u might be interested in checking out my site. Essential oils r a great natural way to take care ur body and home. Would love for u to check it out and see what u think 😉
Is that vanilla, as in vanilla extract?
Thanks!
Yes, it is Asma! The stuff you buy in the bakery aisle. 🙂
Did this loved it, I even added a few lime slices, my home smelled wonderful. I work from home this actually help set a nice easy tranquil serene feeling about the place. I was relaxed the entire day. I too have asthma and allergies so I know the feeling with the sprays omgosh awful. This was too perfect for words.
Glad it worked so well for you TeaJae!!
[…] steel cookware! You’ve seen some of my set in the shrimp and veggie scampi recipe and lemon rosemary simmering pot […]
[…] DIY Natural Air Freshener: Lemon and Rosemary Simmering Pot by Domestic Serenity […]
Do you have to keep the flame on if you want the smell for few hours?
ps, love the idea!
[…] Here for more details and […]
[…] sprigs of rosemary and a dash of vanilla to a pot on the stove, and turn the heat to simmer. This DIY lemon rosemary air freshener is subtle, inviting, and replaces any stale kitchen smells from your day to day life. Simmer in the […]
[…] of rosemary and a touch of vanilla to a pot on the range, and switch the warmth to simmer. This DIY lemon rosemary air freshener is delicate, inviting, and replaces any stale kitchen smells out of your day to day life. Simmer in […]
[…] sprigs of rosemary and a dash of vanilla to a pot on the stove, and turn the heat to simmer. This DIY lemon rosemary air freshener is subtle, inviting, and replaces any stale kitchen smells from your day to day life. Simmer in the […]
My granddaughter tossed a fish head in the garbage can before I put the new bag in. I was talking with my head partially turned and I didn’t see it. Boy did I smell two days later when I got home!
This recipe might have saved my sanity. It definitely saved my kitchen.
Thank you!
[…] this really easy simmering pot in the morning and your home will smell delicious and fresh all day […]