There’s nothing cozier than a home that smells like the holidays. Warm cinnamon, citrus, pine, and clove fill the air, making everything feel calm and welcoming. Create that scent naturally with simmer pots, using no synthetic fragrances or pricey candles required. In fact, it’s one of our favorite non-toxic holiday home fragrance ideas!
First, a simmer pot is exactly what it sounds like: a small pan of water filled with fruits, herbs, and spices that you warm gently on the stove. As the water steams, it releases a beautiful aroma that fills your home while adding a hint of humidity to dry winter air. They’re simple, low-cost, and completely natural. Additionally, some recipes double as tea.
Simmer Pots are the ultimate non-toxic holiday home fragrance.
When you heat water with aromatic ingredients, the steam lifts the scent molecules into the air. So within minutes, your whole home smells incredible. Because the ingredients are natural, you get a cleaner, lighter fragrance that lingers softly instead of feeling heavy or artificial.
Simply fill a small pot with water, add your ingredients, and simmer on the lowest setting. Then refill with water as needed, and enjoy for hours. Additionally, the steam helps rehydrate dry air, making your home feel cleaner and more breathable.
When we make these at home, we start with the biggest pot in our pantry and fill it halfway with water.
Classic Holiday Blend
If you want your home to smell like fresh-baked memories, this one’s a favorite.
- Orange slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
- Star anise
- A splash of vanilla extract
This stovetop potpourri combination is sweet, spicy, and warm. Also, it tastes great as a tea once it warms up.
Forest Fresh Blend
Next, bring the outdoors in with this crisp, green mix that smells like a winter hike in the pines.
- Fresh pine needles or cedar sprigs
- Rosemary
- Lemon or grapefruit slices
- A few juniper berries
This one instantly freshens a space without feeling heavy.
Citrus Fresh Blend
When the winter days feel short and gray, this bright simmer pot boosts your mood and your air.
- Lemon or orange slices
- A handful of cranberries
- A few sprigs of thyme or mint
- A small piece of ginger
It’s uplifting, cheerful, and gives your home a subtle spa-like scent. You can even pour a cup into a mug and sip it like tea once it cools.
Simmer a Cozy Herbal Blend.
This one’s perfect for quiet evenings, reading, or winding down after guests leave.
- Sliced apple or pear
- Cinnamon sticks
- Chamomile or dried lavender
- A dash of nutmeg
It’s a calming mix that gently fills the air while creating a relaxing atmosphere. Plus, it doubles as a sleepytime tea.
Last, you’ll love this Sweet Morning Blend for a non-toxic holiday home fragrance.
If you love the smell of baking but don’t want to turn on the oven, this one’s for you.
- Vanilla bean or a few drops of vanilla extract
- Coffee beans or cocoa nibs
- Orange peel
- A pinch of cinnamon
It smells like dessert in the best way. As a bonus, you can reuse the ingredients once or twice before tossing them in your compost.
Simple tips for the best simmer pot experience.
- Keep the heat low, just enough to produce gentle steam.
- Check the water level occasionally so it doesn’t boil dry.
- Refill with water to maintain temperature.
- Also try combining leftovers like citrus rinds, apple peels, and herbs from cooking.
Why we love a non-toxic holiday home fragrance.
Simmer pots are the easiest, healthiest way to make your home smell incredible. They add natural humidity during dry winter months, cost almost nothing, and use ingredients you already have on hand. Also, they’re safe around kids and pets, and the scent feels clean, not overwhelming.
At Lemon Fresh Cleaners, we’re all about bringing freshness into your home the natural way. A simmer pot is a small daily ritual that makes your space feel cozy, calm, and beautifully cared for.
