How to Make Your Home Smell Like Winter Without Toxic Chemicals
From fresh pine trees and peppermint to warm vanilla and spiced cranberry, winter is the season of cozy, inviting scents that make your home feel magical. But before you reach for those store-bought candles or air fresheners, you may want to think twice. Most synthetic fragrances are filled with toxic chemicals.
Instead, you can try these all-natural ways to fill your home with the delightful aromas of winter—all without harmful ingredients.
Winter Home Scents Are Filled with Toxic Chemicals
The moment temperatures drop and holiday lights appear, I’m ready for all things winter—chunky knit blankets, peppermint mochas, and the comforting scents of the season.
But here’s the not-so-festive news: those cozy-smelling products often contain synthetic fragrances that are bad for your health. Many have short terms effects and even long terms effects on your health.
The worst offenders?
- Candles
- Wax Melts
- Plug-in air fresheners
- Room sprays
- Potpourri
In fact, most products with the term “fragrance” on the label are actually loaded with harmful endocrine disruptors. These chemicals have been linked to issues like inflammatory responses, heart rate and blood pressure changes, asthma, migraines, and even hormonal imbalances. There is even early research indicating the possible exacerbation of dementia.
If you have kids and/or pets, avoiding these toxic products is even more important. Many “fragrances” are toxic to pets, especially cats. And, unfortunately, some essential oils can be toxic to your furry family members, too.
Ready to replace those chemicals with safe, natural options? Let’s explore five ways to make your house smell like winter, without the toxins.
5 All-Natural Ways to Make Your Home Smell Like Winter
The easiest swap you can make is to use natural ingredients instead of synthetic ones. You’ll still get all the cozy winter vibes, without worrying about harmful chemicals in your home.
Here are some of my favorite ways to create natural winter scents:
1. All-Natural Simmer Pot Recipes for Winter
Simmer pots are my go-to for creating natural scents that fill the whole house. It’s as simple as adding fragrant ingredients to a pot of simmering water and letting the aroma spread throughout your home.
Ever since I moved into my first apartment, I’ve loved keeping a pot simmering on the stove during the holidays. Filling it with orange peels, cinnamon sticks, and cloves instantly made my space feel warm and inviting. It’s a simple tradition I’ve carried with me ever since—and it’s perfect for creating cozy winter vibes!
A Few of My Favorite Winter Simmer Pot Recipes:
Add the ingredients to 4 cups of water and simmer on low heat. Or you can double the recipe and use a crockpot on low for an all-day aroma.
- 1 orange peel, 3 cinnamon sticks, 2 tablespoons whole cloves, and 2 star anise
- 1 sliced apple, 1 sprig fresh rosemary, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 lemon slices, 1 teaspoon almond extract, and 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 sliced lemon, 1 sliced orange, 1 1/2 cups cranberries, 1 1/2 cups chopped pine or spruce needles, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, and 1 teaspoon good-quality vanilla extract. My personal favorite!
Pro Tip: After simmering, compost the ingredients to recycle them into nutrient-rich soil for your garden. You can also refrigerate them for a second use or dry them out and store in an airtight container for potpourri.
2. Non-Toxic Winter Scented Candles
Who doesn’t love the warm glow of candles on a cold winter evening? The problem is that many store-bought candles contain paraffin, synthetic fragrances, and even lead in the wicks.
For a candle to truly be non-toxic, it should be phthalate-free and made with 100% naturally derived essential oils. Look for candles made with soy or beeswax instead of paraffin as well.
Here are a few of my favorite cozy winter options:
- Peppermint Bark: A refreshing blend of peppermint and vanilla
- Spiced Cranberry: A festive mix of cranberry, orange, and cinnamon
- Winter Pine: A fresh pine scent that feels like a Christmas tree farm
3. DIY Cinnamon-Scented Pinecones
This quick and easy DIY is perfect for adding both scent and seasonal decor to your home. All you need are pinecones (you can collect them for free outside!), cinnamon essential oil, and a ziplock bag.
Instructions:
- Place a few pinecones in a large ziplock bag.
- Add a few drops of cinnamon essential oil.
- Seal the bag and let it sit overnight to let the oil soak in.
- Arrange the pinecones in a decorative bowl or on your mantle out of reach of little hands or paws.
4. Winter Essential Oil Blends for Your Diffuser
Essential oils are a great way to fill your home with natural scents. They’re safe for humans, effective, and incredibly versatile.
Note: do your research before using essential oils if you have cats or other pets as certain ones can be dangerous.
Try these blends for a cozy winter atmosphere:
- Gingerbread Cookies: 5 drops ginger, 3 drops cinnamon, 2 drops clove
- Peppermint Hot Cocoa: 3 drops peppermint, 3 drops vanilla, 2 drops cocoa absolute
- Winter Wonderland: 4 drops fir needle, 3 drops eucalyptus, 2 drops spearmint
- Fireside: 3 drops cinnamon, 2 drops sweet orange, 2 drops allspice (optional), 1 drop clove bud, 1 drop nutmeg
5. Winter Scented Carpet Refresher
This simple DIY freshens up carpets while adding a hint of winter fragrance. Bonus: It’s a great gift idea for holiday hosts!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup Borax
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 30 drops essential oil (try pine or peppermint!)
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Sprinkle over your carpet, let it sit for 10 minutes, and vacuum it up.
There you have it—non-toxic winter fragrance ideas to keep your home smelling cozy and festive all season long. Whether you’re hosting holiday parties or curling up with a good book by the fire, these natural scents will make your space feel warm, inviting, and safe for the whole family.
Show Me What You’ve Got!
Did you try one of these ideas? Share your favorite winter scent blend in the comments! I’d love to see how you’re making your home cozy this winter!
