Everyone loves a cozy and inviting home. A pleasant aroma helps create that vibe. There are so many ways to freshen up your home with a scent that fits you. Today we will talk about the pros and cons of each and if it's worth it to use them at all. 

Please keep in mind these are my opinions and personal experiences. Every home and everyone is different. That's what makes the world such a beautiful place!

Air Fresheners

This is probably the easiest way to create an instant welcoming vibe. Just simply spray it into the air and voila...instant aroma! 

Air fresheners are also pretty cost effective depending on which brand you purchase. I typically purchase Glade from Walmart since it fits my budget (less than $1). I love Febreeze because the scent seems to last longer. But my wallet doesn't love it as much. My favorite Glade scents are Fall Night Long, Cashmere Woods, and Clean Linen.

Careful of some off brand ones, however. I've tried a few from Dollar Tree and after one use they went right into the trash. They smelled more like lightly scented chemicals than fresh laundry. 

While simple spray air fresheners are quick, cheap, and easy...they aren't all sunshine and roses. They tend to fade away rather quickly, in my opinion. I also notice that when I use them too often my son's asthma starts to act up. Granted he is basically allergic to life but constant use also affects my husband and myself. 

Essential Oils

This is a trend I took forever to try! We will talk about the main reason in a moment. But first, let's chat about the good side of essential oils. 

They are pretty natural and can be used in a variety of ways. 

You can purchase a diffuser which is my favorite way to use my essential oils. A little water and a few drops of your favorite scent and you are set for a while. The diffuser slowly pushes the smell into the air so your room will be left smelling fresh the whole time the diffuser is running. 

You can also add them to the inside of toilet paper rolls or even in a spray bottle with water for a diy room spray. There are many more ways to use these oils for room fragrance. 

The main downside I find with essential oils is they can be pricey at first. If you want to use a diffuser they can run you anywhere from 15 bucks and up unless you find a great deal. While $15 isn't a ton of money...it can break the bank depending on your extra spending funds. Also, the essential oils themselves cost at least 4 or 5 bucks each. So if you want multiple scents you are looking at quite an investment. 

You also have to be careful with some essentials oils. There are quite a few not recommended for use around dogs and children. Since we have 2 dogs there are some scents I'd love to use but can't for their safety. So I find myself limited to only a few options. 

Candles

I don't know about you but I LOVE candles! There is so much variety and you can find them really cheap. I usually grab candles from Dollar Tree for small rooms and Walmart for larger areas. Of course, these cost effective options don't last as long as a $25 Yankee candle but I simply can't justify spending that much! 

I go for the same fragrances as my favorite air fresheners. I like clean scents and fall fragrances. This is also one area where I buy scents like Vanilla Icing because my husband loves when our home smells like freshly baked goods. 

Candles also create a beautiful ambiance when lit in the evening and can instantly relax you. They bring warmth to a room and you can match scents based on seasons and personal preferences.

One downside to candles is the open flame. If you have small children they can be a hazard. Even when kept high up they are a fall risk. No one wants singed hair (my daughter can tell you about that one) or a burnt carpet.

I sometimes forget to check on them and let them burn too far. The soot enters the air and can affect everyone's breathing especially if they have asthma (again my son). I also hate the after smell when you blow out a candle. So I opt for candles with lids that will catch the soot smell. 

Final Thoughts 

So what's the final verdict? I personally like all 3 options! I use each in my home during different times and for different reasons. 

For example, if I'm having last minute company I may spray air freshener before they arrive. If I know I'm going to be running errands and want a pleasant aroma where I return home, I'll go for my diffuser. When I'm wanting to relax on the couch I light my favorite candle and enjoy.

However, I try not to use any of the options everyday! Instead, I opt for scented cleaners like Mrs. Meyers or my favorite Walmart cleaning product. 

I find these leave a nice scent in the air for days after cleaning. I also vacuum frequently, make sure to launder linens like our slipcover and bedding, and take out trash regularly. 

These simple steps can help keep your home smelling fresh without any of the cons of artificial fragrances.