How to Make Your House Smell Great Before a Showing

If you’re like many people, you know that prospective buyers use all their senses when they’re touring homes – and you know that your house has to smell great before a showing. But should you use artificial fragrance, baked goods, or something else, and how much scent is too much? This guide explains.

 

How to Make Your House Smell Great Before a Showing

It’s essential that you make your house smell great before a showing, but you have to be careful about it. You don’t want to put off prospective buyers by creating an overwhelming scent (especially an artificial one), but you don’t want to waste effort by not making your home fragrant enough. Here are the basics on making your house smell great before a showing:

 

• Opt for natural scents or “clean” scents.
• Avoid strong fragrances.
• Don’t use plug-ins or candles.
• Try to avoid chemical smells.
• Consider adding fragrant plants.
• Do a deep cleaning

Here’s a closer look at each. Remember, before you can create a great fragrance throughout your home, you have to neutralize any unpleasant odors. You can do that by sprinkling fabrics and carpets with baking soda, then vacuuming it away. You can also choose to hire a professional carpet and upholstery cleaner (or take a DIY approach, if that’s your forte).

 

Tip #1: Opt for natural scents or “clean” scents

Natural scents like citrus are associated with freshness and cleanliness. These scents are subtle yet effective in creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Citrus Scents: Lemon, orange, and grapefruit are great options. Try running a lemon or orange peel through your garbage disposal to release a pleasant aroma.
Clean Scents: Freshly washed laundry or a mild lavender scent can also be appealing. Use essential oils sparingly in diffusers or sprays.

Pro Tip: For a quick refresh, place a few drops of essential oil on cotton balls and hide them discreetly around the house.

 

Tip #2: Avoid strong fragrances

Don’t overdo the fragrance or choose synthetic sprays, incense, or an overpowering diffuser. Some smells are too extreme and can make prospective buyers think that you’re trying to cover something up – and that’s the last thing you want. Don’t pick anything that people either love or hate; that means patchouli, ylang-ylang, and sandalwood are off the table.

 

 

Tip #3: Don’t use plug-ins or candles

Plug-ins and candles can create overpowering scents that may not appeal to everyone, and they’re usually synthetic smelling, which can make buyers feel like you’re trying to hide a bad odor.  Additionally, leaving candles burning when you are not home poses a safety risk.

• Alternative: Bake something simple like cookies or bread. The warm, homey smell is universally appealing and leaves a lasting impression (and leave them on the kitchen counter so your buyers can enjoy them, too).

 

Tip #4: Try to avoid chemical smells

When preparing your home for a showing, it's essential to consider the types of scents you use. While the smell of a freshly scrubbed bathroom may be pleasant to you, it might not have the same effect on prospective buyers. In fact, some people are very sensitive to chemical smells, and overusing them can be off-putting. 

Chemical odors from cleaning products can trigger allergies, asthma, and headaches in some people. Even if the scents are mild, they can still cause discomfort. Prospective buyers might associate these smells with harsh chemicals and a lack of environmental friendliness, which can negatively impact their perception of your home.

 

 

Tip #5: Consider adding fragrant plants

When it comes to creating a welcoming and pleasant aroma in your home, fragrant plants can be an excellent choice. Not only do they add a touch of natural beauty and greenery to your space, but they also release delightful scents that can enhance the overall atmosphere. Here’s a closer look at some of the best fragrant plants to consider and how to incorporate them effectively into your home before a showing.

Roses

Roses are classic and timeless, known for their captivating fragrance. A vase of freshly cut roses can instantly uplift the ambiance of any room.

• Placement Tips: Place vases of roses in key areas such as the living room, dining room, and master bedroom. Choose colors that complement your home’s decor to create a cohesive look.
• Care Tips: Change the water daily and trim the stems slightly to keep the roses fresh for longer.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus leaves have a clean, invigorating scent that can fill a room with a refreshing aroma. They are also visually appealing with their silvery-green leaves.

• Placement Tips: Eucalyptus branches can be placed in vases or hung in small bundles in bathrooms and entryways. They can also be added to floral arrangements for an added layer of fragrance.
• Care Tips: Eucalyptus is hardy and can last a long time. Simply keep the stems in water and change it regularly.

Lavender

Lavender is renowned for its calming and soothing properties. Its gentle fragrance can make your home feel serene and inviting.

• Placement Tips: Place small pots of lavender on windowsills, coffee tables, and bedside tables. Lavender sachets can also be placed in closets and drawers to freshen up clothes and linens.
• Care Tips: Lavender prefers a sunny spot and well-drained soil. Water it sparingly to avoid overwatering.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a versatile herb with a strong, pleasant scent. It not only smells wonderful but also adds a culinary touch to your kitchen.

• Placement Tips: Keep potted rosemary in the kitchen or near the dining area. It can also be used as a decorative centerpiece for your dining table.
• Care Tips: Rosemary thrives in bright light and should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch.