I have a small secret I have been keeping from you all. Normally, I run here to tell you all my favorite tips, tricks, and recipes, but there’s one that I’ve been keeping to myself and I am FINALLY ready to share it with you: It’s how I keep my house smelling fresh and clean.
I am always complimented on how fresh and clean my house smells. Everyone assumes I spray something or burn a candle, but as they look around my house they don’t see either and it makes them even more curious. Now, you’re probably wondering what my routine is to keep my house smelling amazing all the time…
It all starts with preparation. The first step in my routine is turning on my air purifier. As my air purifier is running, I prep the rest of my routine. I use the Express Clean feature on my Sharp Air Purifier (FPX50UW), a feature that runs for 60 minutes on Max. The triple filtration system helps clean the air that passes through the filters in three ways. The washable, micro-screen pre-filter traps dust and other large airborne particles. The activated carbon deodorizing filter helps reduce some common household odors. Finally, the True HEPA filter effectively captures 99.97% of particles from the air that passes through the filter from 0.3 microns and larger.
The next step in the routine is where you can customize how you want your area to smell. Say goodbye to candles and air freshener cans, and say hello to Simmer Pots! I’ve been using Simmer Pots to create a captivating aroma that lingers throughout my house.
I have spent a ton of money on different products to try to get my house to smell like a dream and nothing compares to the results of this routine. Not only does it create a refreshing smell, but it is easy and won’t break the bank!
What is a Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot, also known as stovetop potpourri, uses a mixture of ingredients such as fruit, herbs, and spices, combined with water, to release a scent into the air. The ingredients are added to a pot and then covered with water. As the mixture simmers, the scent is released into the air (and is almost as good as the smell of fresh chocolate chip cookies baking).
Be sure to keep an eye on your simmer pot, stirring and adding more water when necessary (I stir and add a little more water every 30 minutes to ensure everything is fully covered).
Simmer Pots for Spring and Summer
Instructions:
Place all the ingredients into a medium-sized pot and fill with water. Bring the mixture to a boil for a few minutes. Use the Simmer Enhancer option on your Sharp Induction Cooktop to simmer the mixture for as long as you like. Add more water as needed. I usually let my mixture simmer for 2-3 hours before turning off the cooktop and allowing the mixture to cool. (Never leave a simmer pot unattended.)
The Simmer Enhancer option on the Sharp Induction Cooktop and the Precise Low Power option on the Sharp Radiant Cooktop is perfect for your favorite recipes, including stovetop potpourri. These incredible features provide low, even, and consistent performance. Optimize your simmering experience with cooktops that are made to handle your most delicate soups and sauces.
If you are looking to reuse the same scent throughout the week, bottle the cooled mixture into a glass jar and place it in your refrigerator. When you want to re-scent your home, reheat the mixture in a pot on your cooktop and enjoy.
Ingredients:
Now that we know what a simmer pot is and how they work, let’s dive into some recipes that smell amazing. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite seasonal combinations I’ve recently tried (and LOVED) from InstruPix, Gathering Dreams, and Winstead Wandering:
- sliced citrus fruits, 6 oz. pineapple juice, and 1 tablespoon coconut extract (InstruPix)
- 2 sliced lemons, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and rosemary bushes (Gathering Dreams)
- 2 lemons sliced and squeezed, 1 teaspoon coconut extract, and 3-4 sliced strawberries (Winstead Wandering)
- 2 sliced limes, 3-4 sprigs of thyme, 1/2 teaspoon mint extract, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (InstruPix)
If you’re feeling up for the challenge, create a simmer pot recipe of your own! Use your favorite fruits, herbs, spices, and essential oils to make your very own creation. Customize and alter recipes to fit your needs. When the weather cools down and you’re searching for a cozy scent to ring in the fall weather, try a recipe that includes cinnamon, cranberries, or other seasonal items!
Now that my secret to an amazing-smelling house is out, feel free to share your favorite tips and tricks with us by connecting with us on social using #SharpHome on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
