17 Easy Ways to Make your Home Smell like Fall

Let’s chat about how to make your home smell like fall. Isn’t Fall like the sensory smorgasbord of seasons, with a scent to satisfy every olfactory craving?

If you’re looking to find your signature fall fragrance, think of the classic autumnal hits: cinnamon, for a warm, spicy vibe; maple, for a sweet and cozy feeling; cloves, for a bit of spicy-sweet goodness; sandalwood, for a cozy, woodsy scent; and pumpkin spice, for that quintessential fall flavor. Not to mention the more subtle yet evocative aromas like apple cider and the crackling of a bonfire.

Bringing the scents of autumn into our homes is like opening a portal to the crisp and colorful world outside, without having to leave the warmth of our homes. It’s a chance to bottle up that autumnal magic, like capturing the scent of a pumpkin patch or a leaf-strewn forest trail and diffusing it throughout our living spaces.

But creating a fragrant autumnal experience doesn’t have to involve artificial or chemical means. Instead, we can embrace the authentic and natural side of the season by using wholesome, organic ingredients. After all, natural ways to scent our home with fall goodness are the bee’s knees. They’re not just good for our nose, they’re also kind to the planet. 

So no harsh chemicals or plastic bottles in the list here, just pure, natural goodness that we can feel good about using. Plus, they’re an economical choice, since a little goes a long way and we can reuse the same oils over and over again. And the best part: natural fall scents just make our home smell so delicious. It’s like a warm, cozy hug for our olfactory senses.

1. Autumn Simmer Pot

Fall means cozy scents, and simmer pots are the perfect things to dial it up. They’re easy to use – just boil water and add spices – and the personalisation options are endless. You can add ginger for a spicy kick, nutmeg for a warm and cozy feel, or orange and lemon peel for a bright and zesty twist.

Simmer pots are the ultimate fall scent hack, and you can create any cozy scent you want. It’s simple, easy, and oh-so-cozy.

A simmer pot is also a great option for entertaining, as it creates a welcoming and warm ambiance without being overpowering or overwhelming. Plus, for those who are sensitive to artificial fragrances, a simmer pot is a natural, chemical-free alternative that won’t trigger headaches or other unwanted symptoms. It’s a win-win!

Your guests will be impressed by the cozy fall atmosphere, and you’ll be happy knowing that you’re providing a healthy, all-natural experience.

Here’s how easy it is to do it: Just bring a saucepan of water to a boil, then add ingredients like apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, cranberries, nutmeg, vanilla, and more, and keep the water at a simmer to fill your home with a beautiful autumnal aroma. (Note: You may need to add water about every 30 minutes or so.) You can reuse the simmer pots too. Just put the ingredients in a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

These are some yummy simmer pot recipes that’ll make your home smell like a fall wonderland:

• Classic Apple Cider Simmer Pot: Sliced apples, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cardamom pods create a warm and inviting aroma.
• Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot: Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg create a spicy and sweet scent that’s perfect for fall.
• Cranberry Cinnamon Simmer Pot: Fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices create a tart and cozy aroma.
• Maple Pecan Simmer Pot: Maple syrup, chopped pecans, and a touch of vanilla extract create a rich and decadent scent.
• Apple Butter Simmer Pot: Apples, cinnamon, cloves, and brown sugar create a warm and comforting scent.

2. Play with Essential Oils

Essential oils are a great way to infuse your home with the comforting scents of Fall.

They offer highly concentrated oils extracted from a variety of plants—so you can achieve just about any fall scent that you can dream up. For a little inspiration, one great fall essential oil combination is orange, cinnamon and ginger. Or you can go for an earthier aroma with cedarwood, fir and frankincense. And then there’s clove, nutmeg, patchouli and vetiver. Like I said earlier, there’s something for everyone.

Perhaps the best way to spread the scent of essential oils throughout any space is with a diffuser, but you can also combine essential oils with water in a mister bottle and spritz your couch or pillows. (If you have pets, just make sure the oils are pet-safe.)

Some of the best essential oils for fall are cinnamon, clove, orange, eucalyptus, basil, cardamom, ginger, cedarwood, balsam, frankincense and sage. Just experiment until you hit that right note.

3. Bake a Fall Dessert

Making an autumn dessert is a win-win. Your house smells amazing and  you get to eat it afterward. So how about baking  some tasty treats infused with seasonal spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are the holy trinity of fall flavors. Think: an apple pie with a buttery crust and a hint of cinnamon, a moist pumpkin bread bursting with nutmeg, a pecan pie oozing with caramel and butter, and gingersnap cookies with a zesty kick.

Let’s not forget baked apples –  the quintessential fall aroma, filling our homes with a medley of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. It’s like the scent of a cozy sweater, the aroma of a crackling fire, and the essence of fall leaves all wrapped into one. And baked apples are so simple to make, that just about anyone can whip ’em up! Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

4. Use Fall potpourri

Potpourri doubles as home decor and a way to make your house smell like Fall.

It looks lovely set out in a pretty bowl or tray. Why not up your fall-aroma game with a homemade potpourri that’ll make your home smell like a fall wonderland. 

Consider making a DIY autumnal potpourri by mixing and matching your favorite fall scents. While you can pick what you want to include, the instructions are quite simple: Just start by thinly slicing a combination of citrus and other harvest-time fruits, such as oranges, apples or pears. Then dehydrate the fruit slices on a low setting in your oven until the slices are thoroughly dried.

After allowing the fruit to cool, mix it up with your preferred fall spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, pumpkin pie spice or even a few drops of essential oils. You can even add in some full cinnamon sticks for good measure. Mix everything together, and pop it into a cheesecloth or muslin bag. 

Place the potpourri in a bowl or decorative basket, and bam! Your home will be filled with a warm, spicy, and inviting aroma of a crisp fall day.

5. Make Apple Butter 

Making apple butter in your slow cooker will fill your entire house with the scent of autumn. This stuff is the real deal – it’s like spreading autumnal bliss on toast or biscuits. Simply mix chopped apples, cinnamon, brown sugar and apple cider in your trusty slow cooker, and just like that – your house will smell like an orchard in fall.

Here’s a no-fuss apple butter recipe that will leave your house smelling like fall goodness:

6. Try out Wax Melts

And then there are wax melts. All the wonderful scent of candles, but without the flame.

You just toss 1-2 in your wax melt warmer and enjoy the scent all day long. Not only are candles and wax melts available in just about any scent combination you can imagine, but you can also search for natural, chemical-free options. 

If you’re motivated enough to DIY your own scented wax melts, you can do that by mixing melted beeswax pastilles, coconut oil and essential oils;  and then cooling tablespoon-fulls on parchment paper.

Pro tip: To ensure the scent lasts for longer, warm your melts in an electric melter rather than burning them over a candle. While it may take slightly longer for the scent to disperse, it will last for an extended period.  

7. Go for Fall Scented Cleaning Products

Why not make cleaning more enjoyable by using products that will make your whole house smell like Fall? A fall-scented cleaning is the ultimate multi-tasking move. Here’s a super simple DIY recipe that’ll leave your space smelling like a cozy autumn dream:

1. In a glass spray bottle, mix 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and 20 drops of cinnamon essential oil.
2. Shake it up, and you’ve got a natural cleaning spray that smells like a fall harvest.
3. Bonus: This recipe is safe for kids, pets, and the environment. No harsh chemicals or funky smells – just pure autumnal goodness! 

For an orange homemade all-purpose cleaner just follow these easy instructions: First, pour some water and vodka into a bottle (make sure it’s clean, obvi!), like half water and half vodka.  Next, drop in some orange essential oil, maybe 30 drops or so, depending on how strong you want the smell. Once that’s all mixed up, give the bottle a vigorous shake, like you’re trying to get all the bubbles out of a snow globe. Then, just spray it on your surfaces, wipe it down, and bam!

8. Hang a Scented Garland

You can make a beautiful Fall garland that smells great too. It will look so pretty and festive hanging across your mantle, and fill the room with a happy scent. Dried orange slices, bay leaves, and cinnamon sticks would make a perfect fall garland. 

When you combine orange with sweet spices like cinnamon and cloves, the resulting scent is quite magical. Infuse the long-lasting smell into your home and get the added joy of a great decor piece by creating your very own cinnamon-scented orange garland. 

The process is similar to that of making potpourri: Start by thinly slicing oranges and gently pressing out the juice with paper towels. Then dehydrate the slices in the oven by baking on low heat until they’re dried. Once the slices are cool, toss with cinnamon and cloves. Finally, string the spiced orange slices on a long strand of twine and display!

9. Make Cinnamon Pinecones

Take your pinecone decor to the next level by adding your favorite fall aroma; it will make the pinecones act a bit like a natural diffuser. The process is quite similar to making potpourri: Simply collect pinecones, brush off any dirt and bake them in an oven. Once they’re thoroughly cooled, toss the pinecones with spices or essential oils, such as cinnamon, cloves, orange zest and the like. 

Pinecones have such a nice Fall aesthetic – they look so pretty in a bowl or tray. And you can leave them out for holidays too. You can buy some pinecones in a bag, or pick them up on a walk around your neighborhood.

Here’s step-by-step guide on how to make pinecones smell just like cinnamon: 

1. Place pinecones on a foil-lined sheet tray
2. Bake in the oven at 200℉ for 45 minutes
3. Combine 20 drops of cinnamon essential oil with ¼ cup water in a spray bottle
4. Place pinecones in a gallon Ziploc bag, then spritz them with essential oil mixture
5. Seal bag and let sit for 4 hours
6. Once you can see that all the moisture is gone from the bag, they’re ready!

10. Blend a Fall Room Spray

The combination of spicy, earthy, and woodsy scents can help transport you to a crisp fall day, even if it’s actually 90 degrees outside. You can start by experimenting with different essential oil combinations to find the perfect scent for your home.

Here’s a simple DIY recipe to get you rolling:

Ingredients:

• 1 4-ounce spray bottle
• 1 tablespoon of witch hazel or a pinch of epsom salt
• 15 drops of Grapefruit essential oil
• 15 drops of Northern Lights Black Spruce essential oil
• 10 drops of Ginger essential oil
• 5 drops of Clove essential oil
• 5 drops of Frankincense essential oil

All you need to do is combine all of these ingredients in a spray bottle and shake it up. You can spritz this mix around your home to create a delightful, fall-inspired ambiance. Plus, the essential oils can also have therapeutic properties that can promote relaxation and positivity. Go ahead and mix it up!

11. Make a Pumpkin Spice Candle

Making a pumpkin spice candle is easy and fun. Once you’ve mastered the process, you can create several candles and share them with friends or sell them at local markets.

Non-toxic candles are the way to go and here’s how to make them:

• Gather your supplies: soy wax flakes, non-toxic candle wicks, glass jars, fall-scented essential oils (like pumpkin spice or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove), and a double boiler.
• Melt the soy wax flakes in the double boiler, following the instructions on the package.
• Once melted, remove from heat and add your essential oils, stirring until fully incorporated.
• Secure the wick to the bottom of the jar or tin using a glue dot or double-sided tape.
• Slowly pour the wax mixture into the jar, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top.
• Allow the candle to cool completely and harden, then trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting

And there you have it – a 100% natural and non-toxic pumpkin spice candle that’ll fill your home with fall goodness.

12. Make Mulled Wine

Try making some mulled wine or warm cider and rum punch in your simmering pot.

The smell and the taste really bring on the ‘fall feels.’ The aroma of mulled wine is a perfect blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, which as you know are nothing but classic fall scents. 

As the wine heats up, those warm spices infuse the air with a rich, classic aroma that just screams fall.  Plus, the sweet, fruity scent of the wine itself adds a delicious layer to the overall fragrance. Pair the mulled wine with the sound of rain on the windows and you’ve got yourself a fall vibe worthy of a Hallmark movie.

How about making your own homemade mulling spices? You can then just add those warm, spicy flavors to any drink and you’ll feel like you’re snuggled up next to a crackling fire. And let’s be real, it’s way cheaper (and way cooler) than buying those pre-made mixes.

13. Get a Fall Linen Spray

Freshen up your bedding, towels, and throw blankets with a fall-scent linen spray.

Here’s the 2-step process to make your own:

1. In a jar, combine 1/2 cup of water and ½ cup witch hazel (or vodka) 
2. Add in 10 drops each of 3-4 different fall essential oils, shake thoroughly, and pour into a small spray bottle. 
3. Just spray.

14. Mix Some DIY Fire Starters

If you have a fireplace, try making homemade fire starters. Once placed in the fire, they’ll release beautiful fall fragrance into your home. Homemade fire starters are a cheap and easy way to add some cozy, fall aromas to your home. Here’s one way to make them:

1. Melt soy wax in a double boiler.
2. Add a few drops of your favorite fall essential oils (think cinnamon, clove, or nutmeg).
3. Using tongs, dip pinecones (or dryer lint) into the wax until fully coated.
4. Place the coated pinecones on wax paper to dry.

Voila, presto, alakazam! You’ve got a homemade fire starter that’ll not only make your home smell cozy and autumnal, but it’ll also provide a slow and steady burn to get your fire started. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly and eco-friendly gift idea.

15. Brew up some Apple Cider

Create a multi-sensory feast for your home by simmering up a pot of homemade apple cider. Head to the store or a local market and grab some fresh apples (preferably the sweet and juicy kind), then add some classic fall spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices to the mix. Slowly simmer that sweet, spiced concoction on the stove or in a slow cooker, and soon your home will be filled with the heavenly aroma of warm apples and cozy spices.

16.  Whip-up a Sweet Orange Scrub

There’s just something about the sweet, zesty fragrance of orange essential oil that’s downright heavenly. It’s the perfect aroma to capture the essence of autumn, while also giving you a little pick-me-up. This DIY body scrub is a breeze to make and a treat to use:

• Combine 1 ½ cups sugar with ½ cup coconut oil and 20 drops of orange essential oil. If coconut oil is hard, place it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to melt into liquid. 
• Add 1 tsp of orange zest (the outer skin of an orange, grated or finely chopped).
• Optional: for a fall-inspired color, add 1 drop of red food coloring and 2 drops of yellow food coloring.
• Mix it all together, and voila! You’ve got a homemade body scrub that’ll leave you smelling like autumn.

Slather it on in the shower and let the citrusy goodness work its magic on your skin. You’ll emerge feeling smooth, refreshed, and oh-so-good! Plus, your bathroom will smell like a citrus grove – bonus points for that.

17. Make a Fall Spice Hand Soap

Just grab your boring, fragrance-free hand soap, plop it in a fancy dispenser, and add a dash of your favorite autumnal essential oils. Stir it up like a cauldron and BOOM – you’ve got a handmade fall hand soap that’ll make your bathroom smell like a cozy autumn cottage in no time. 

And the best part? You can put a bottle in every bathroom in the house for that autumn-y scent everywhere you go. Here’s a simple recipe for a DIY fall-scented hand soap to get your home smelling like a crisp autumn day:

1. Take 4 ounces of organic castile soap (it’s gentle and non-drying)
2. Add 10 drops each of organic myrtle, clove, black pepper, cardamom, and pink pepper essential oils (they’ll give it that cozy, woodsy aroma). If pumpkin spice is your thing then substitute that for essential oils.
3. Mix everything together and pour into a bottle with a foaming pump (it’ll give you that luxurious lather).

Your guests will think you’ve been brewing a pot of mulled cider or baking an apple pie!  

When it comes to giving your home that autumnal aroma, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The key is to find the scents that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, whether it’s a classic pumpkin spice or a more unique blend. All you have to do is surrender to your inner scent guru and let the fragrance find you. The more you experiment, the sooner you’ll find your fall scent sweet spot. 

And to those who already found it. Time to spill the tea on your fall signature scent? Give us the deets on the scent that captures the essence of autumn for you and makes your home feel cozy and warm. I am curious – is it cinnamon, cedar, pumpkin pie, or something else entirely?

P.S. Attention all autumn lovers! I’ve got the lowdown on how to amp up your mornings and evenings with some fall-inspired goodness, plus a handy-dandy guide on making your home extra cozy for the season. Don’t miss out on the fall fun!