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Secrets to a good-smelling entryway, according to a professional cleaner
These easy cleaning tips and practical home buys will help you achieve a fresher, more welcoming space.
Never underestimate the power of scent, especially when it comes to your home's entrance. "It’s important to have a good-smelling entryway because it sets the tone, not only for visitors, but for anyone living in the space," says Jessica Samson, a former professional cleaner with The Maids. "When you have a good-smelling entryway, it can also evoke positive feelings — depending on the scent, a sense of calm, nostalgia or excitement and happiness."
Scent is so important that real estate agents are known to rely on certain smells, such as fresh-baked cookies, to entice potential buyers. But finding delicious fragrances for your home is only half the battle. The other half is preventing foul odors from developing in the first place, and that means keeping moisture from items you leave by your front door in check. "Everything should be left to dry out properly before storing in the entryway, including shoes, coats and anything else that gets wet," Samson says.
Then comes the fun part — the fragrance boost! Below, discover everything you need for an aromatic entryway you'll love coming home to day after day.
More ways to refresh your space:
Zest it up
If your goal is for your entryway to smell fresh and clean, opt for citrusy scents, like lemon, grapefruit or orange — or a combination! These brighter scents are uplifting and great for parties, Samson says. It's easy to find candles and diffusers that are citrus-forward or blend these fragrances with floral or woodsy notes for something more complex.
Caldrea makes luxe bath and home products, so at $12, this spray is a bargain. Lemon and neroli (which is distilled from the blossoms of bitter orange trees) are mixed with juniper, cardamom and verbena for a fragrance that'll wake up your space. Bonus: You can also use this to mist bedsheets, car seats and even clothing!
Reed diffusers are an easy way to achieve a lasting scent, and this one gets raves for its strong fragrance. More than 1,200 shoppers awarded it a 5-star rating, with one fan referring to it as a clean and fresh (versus overpowering). "I use these at work in my office and at home. Everyone gives compliments and sensitive people are not bothered by this scent!"
Decorative jar candles have been trending for a while now, and for good reason: They go on double duty as beautiful decor! This one in particular has a citrusy, fruity scent and, at 18 ounces, should burn for 100 hours. Light it for only 15 minutes a day and it'll last you all year.
Or, calm it down
For a more soothing entryway, Samson recommends incorporating scents like sandalwood and lavender that will make you — and your guests — say aaah. This is especially helpful if you find yourself frantically coming and going because it will (hopefully) encourage you to take a moment and pause.
Add a few drops of this essential lavender oil to an aroma diffuser and you'll transport yourself directly from your front door to the spa. This bottle gets an astonishing 84,200 five-star reviews, with shoppers raving about the pure scents and value for the price.
Who needs a sandalwood-scented candle when you can have the real thing? As soon as you get home, place these sticks in a fire-proof holder and light a match to them to release a woodsy, calming air.
For a more modern take on potpourri, place these bouquets of lavender in a vase or pitcher and leave them on your console table. Shoppers called out their lovely, light fragrance — and because they're already dried, you don't need to worry about them wilting.
Use a deodorizer
A reliable disinfectant or deodorizing spray can come in handy for quickly nipping airborne odors and sprucing up your entry. "Try to look for sprays that don’t just cover up the odors, but attack and eliminate the source so you’re not left with a fusion of funks, but rather air that’s truly clean," Samson says. "You can then layer a room spray to add a fragrant note to spruce things up, in general or when you’re expecting company."
The company behind Poo-Pourri makes an equally powerful room and fabric spray that promises to eliminate odors, including cigarette smoke, within a minute. This one is scented with pineapple and pear for a yummy blend of fresh and fruity.
There's a reason Febreze is a popular choice when it comes to fresheners: It captures odor molecules rather than just masking them. The brand also offers a Fresh-Baked Vanilla scent for those looking to sweeten things up (or, ya know, sell a house.)
Let nature in
According to Samson, "incorporating plants can improve your entryway air quality, as certain species double as a natural filter for airborne pollutants." Researchers at the University of Florida say aloe vera, peace lilies and spider plants are among houseplants that boast air-cleaning capabilities. Mix in your favorite flowers, such as gardenias, sweet peas or lilies, for an extra fragrance boost and another welcoming touch.
Not only is aloe vera a great indoor-air purifier, but the gel inside the leaves can heal and soothe cuts and burns. Don't have a green thumb? Aloe is a succulent, so it can get by with minimal water and attention.
This petite plant looks like a traditional spider plant, but it gets a volume boost from leaves that grow in a swirling, curling habit. Prepare to water it and repot it as soon as it arrives.
Get air flowing
On nicer days, don’t discount what a little ventilation can do. "If you’re able, try to crack doors or windows occasionally, especially when it’s sunny and, most importantly, not raining, to air out your entryway," she advises. "You can also utilize fans, such as small, standing or ceiling options, depending on your space. Purifier-fan hybrids are another great resource for eliminating pollutants while keeping the area dry."
A vintage-style table fan would make an adorable addition to an entry table, and this one is more than good looks. It has two speeds and more than 5,200 shoppers gave it five stars for its impressive power.
Dreo
Need a little coverage? This oscillating tower is a No. 1 bestseller backed by more than 24,200 reviewers for its sleek style and far reach (up to 25 feet!). Available in gray, black, silver and white, complete with four speeds.
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.