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Mike Kearns

Scent Hacks With Food

eventPosted on: 2024-01-30

updateUpdated on: 2024-01-31 16:15:45 by Mike Kearns

scheduleEstimated reading time: 5 minutes, 48 seconds

Table of Contents

Food Scents

I love food scents like everyone else. Those smells stop you in your tracks. For me, the smell of cinnamon is deeply embedded with the memory of my grandmother making homemade cinnamon rolls. There are many ways to create food scents where you least expect them without preparing any food or cooking cinnamon rolls. I put cotton balls in a small ramekin and then pour in 1 tablespoon of vanilla. Then place it under the seat of my car as a car freshener that lasts for weeks. Cinnamon, cloves, and water heated on a back burner makes magnificent baking smells. Purchasing scented chemical fragrances can become expensive. However, a cost-effective alternative is using common kitchen food items, which are easily accessible and serve as a convenient substitute, so there's the hack. Saving money using the scents from food items rather than chemical sprays.

Cotton Balls In A Bowl

Cotton Balls In A Bowl

Coffee Scents

I've been diving into this new world of using coffee grounds as a natural deodorizer. I'm pretty new to this, but I'm learning a lot and it's super exciting. So, in my fridge, I tried placing a bowl of coffee grounds and guess what? It really works in getting rid of those food smells. I've been changing it every few weeks, and it keeps things smelling fresh.

Then, I thought, why not try it in my closets and cupboards? They always had this musty smell. I put some coffee grounds in a cloth, made a little pouch, and hung it up. It was like an instant upgrade. It's such a small thing, but it makes a big difference.

And here's something cool – I put a sachet of coffee grounds in my car. It's like having a fresh coffee aroma on the go. It makes my daily drives so much more pleasant.

After cooking, especially with garlic or onions, my hands used to hold onto those smells. Not anymore, though. I scrub them with coffee grounds and it's like magic – no more food smells and my hands feel great.

I also have a pet, and you know, pet areas can get a bit smelly. Sprinkling some coffee grounds there really helps with the odor. I'm careful to keep it out of reach of my furry friend, of course.

It's been quite the adventure, discovering all these uses for coffee grounds. It's like giving a second life to my morning coffee leftovers!

Used Coffee Grounds In A Bowl

Used Coffee Grounds In A Bowl

Lemon and Citrus Scents

Using lemon and other citrus peels is an awesome scent hack, too. It turns out, the oils in these peels are super fragrant and refreshing. I tried boiling some in water, and wow, it really freshened up my entire place. The aroma is just so clean and uplifting.

I didn't stop there. I also dried some citrus peels and tucked them into my closets and drawers. You wouldn't believe the difference it makes. Every time I open them now, I'm greeted with this natural, zesty scent. It's like a little burst of sunshine.

I'm still pretty new at this, but I'm having a blast experimenting with these natural scents. Who knew something as simple as citrus peels could be such a game changer?

Lemon And Citrus Peels

Lemon And Citrus Peels

Herb Scents

Herbs like rosemary, lavender, and mint have been a real revelation in my scent experiments. They don't just smell amazing – they also bring this calming effect that's so refreshing. I tried simmering a mix of these herbs in water, and it turned into a fantastic natural room freshener. The scent it spreads through the house is so soothing and earthy.

But I didn't just stop at simmering. I also dried some lavender and made these little sachets. I placed them in my linen closets and drawers, and it's like they've brought new life to my clothes and sheets. Every time I open them, there's this subtle, pleasant fragrance of lavender that makes everything feel more luxurious. It's amazing how these simple herbs can transform the feel of a space.

Rosemary Lavender Mint Herbs

Rosemary Lavender Mint Herbs

Remove House Odors

Baking soda has been a bit of a game-changer for me in my quest to tackle household odors. It's well-known for its odor-absorbing properties, and I've put that to the test. I placed a small container of it in my fridge and another one in the bathroom. It's impressive how effective it is at neutralizing those lingering smells. It's like a silent, invisible worker, constantly keeping things fresh.

But that's not all. I found out you can sprinkle baking soda on carpets, too. So, before vacuuming, I gave it a try. It worked wonders in freshening up the room. It's such a simple step, but the difference it makes in the freshness of the carpet and, consequently, the whole room is quite noticeable. Baking soda is now a staple in my cleaning routine – it's amazing how something so common has so many uses!

A Small Wooden Bowl Of Baking Soda

A Small Wooden Bowl Of Baking Soda

Baking Spice Scents

Exploring the world of scents, I've stumbled upon the rich aromas of spices like clove, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Simmering these spices in water is like unlocking a treasure trove of fragrances. It fills my home with this warm, inviting scent that's just perfect. It's especially delightful during the colder months – the aroma creates a cozy, almost festive atmosphere.

There's something about these spices that's so comforting. The cinnamon brings a sweet, woodsy scent, while the clove adds a depth with its spicy, slightly bitter aroma. And star anise? It has this unique licorice-like fragrance that blends in beautifully. Together, they make my place feel like a warm embrace on a chilly day. It's not just a scent; it's an experience that makes my home feel more welcoming.

Cloves Cinnamon Sticks Star Anise

Cloves Cinnamon Sticks Star Anise

Vanilla Scent

In addition to using vanilla extract in my car, I've been trying vanilla extract as a home fragrance. Works just as well. I discovered a clever trick: placing a few drops of vanilla extract on a light bulb. When the light is turned on, the heat from the bulb gently warms the vanilla, causing it to release its sweet, comforting aroma into the air.

This method has been a game-changer for me. The scent of vanilla fills the room with a wonderful, all-natural fragrance. It's amazing how something as simple as vanilla extract can transform the atmosphere of a space. The best part is the absence of chemicals – it's just the pure, delightful smell of vanilla, creating a soothing and inviting ambiance in my home. This subtle yet effective approach really enhances the overall mood, especially in the evenings when the lights create both a visual and sensory experience.

Vanilla Extract On A Table With Cinnamon And Star Anise

Vanilla Extract On A Table With Cinnamon And Star Anise

Roasting Nuts

Walking into a bar that has roasted nuts warming up in a heater is a game-changer for someone like me, who's just starting to dabble DIY scents and appreciating the simpler pleasures. The moment I step in, the aroma hits me—it's like nothing else. There's this rich, nutty scent in the air that's both comforting and inviting, almost like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a chilly evening.

I tried it at home.

I never realized before how much smell could add to my home's atmosphere, but here, with the roasted almonds, walnuts, and pecans gently heating, it's clear. It makes the whole space feel more welcoming, more like a place you want to stay and relax in. For a scent-novice like myself, it's fascinating to see how something as simple as roasting nuts can transform not just their taste but their health benefits too. I've read that nuts are packed with good fats and nutrients, and toasting them can make those benefits more accessible.

Roasted Pecans Walnuts Peanuts And Cashews

Roasted Pecans Walnuts Peanuts And Cashews

Scented Pine Cones

Embarking on a simple project to enhance my living space for the holidays, I decided to create scented pine cones, a straightforward task with a remarkable outcome. This venture was not just about decoration but also about infusing my home with a scent that resonates with a more rugged, masculine vibe.

I gathered pine cones, a task that felt like a nod to nature's bounty, and selected essential oils that exude a manly essence. Cedarwood, with its woodsy, grounding aroma, peppermint for a refreshing kick, and sandalwood, known for its rich, deep scent, were my choices. Applying these oils to the pine cones, I was crafting not just a decorative element but a personal ambiance enhancer.

Placing these scented pine cones around my space, they served as both a visual and olfactory ornamentation. They lent a rustic charm to my decor and filled the air with a robust, earthy fragrance, perfect for the holiday season but also fitting for any time of the year.

This endeavor, simple in its execution, was deeply satisfying. It proved that with just a few natural elements and a bit of creativity, it's possible to craft something that not only looks good but also carries a scent that makes a statement, embodying a sense of strength and serenity.

Pine Cones On A Reclaimed Wood Table

Pine Cones On A Reclaimed Wood Table

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