I recently returned home after spending a week with my kids and my grands. We get together every year. This was out 3rd annual trip and I hope top continue this tradition. I had the blues that sets in when I return. So I decided to clean before going back to work. The first thing I wanted to tackle was improving the smell. I have dogs and know that we can become nose blind to our fur babies.
If you’re like me, you love walking into a home that smells good — warm, inviting, and
fresh. But as a dog mom, I’m picky about what I use. A lot of store-bought air fresheners,
plug-ins, and candles are packed with chemicals (and sometimes essential oils) that can
actually be harmful to our pets.
So, today I’m sharing some of my favorite non-toxic, dog-safe ways to keep your home
smelling amazing — without risking your fur baby’s health.
- Start with Odor Removal, Not Masking
The cleanest air freshener is… no bad smells to cover up in the first place.
- Baking Soda Jars – Put an open jar in places like behind your couch, near the litter box (if
you have cats), or in closets. Replace once a month. - Activated Charcoal Bags – I love these because they actually absorb odors. Toss one in each
room and recharge in the sun every month. - HEPA + Activated Carbon Air Purifier – This keeps pet dander, dust, and smells under
control 24/7.
- Add Safe Natural Scents
Not all “natural” scents are safe for dogs, so here’s what works:
- Simmer Pots – My favorite! Add water to a pot and toss in seasonal combos like:
- Apple slices + cinnamon sticks
- Lemon slices + rosemary sprigs
- Orange peel + cloves
Let it simmer on low, and your whole house will smell cozy. - Herb Pots – Basil, rosemary, and thyme not only smell fresh but look cute in the kitchen.
- Match Your Scents to the Season
Switch things up so your home always feels fresh and in tune with the time of year:
- Spring – Lemon + basil simmer pot, fresh-cut roses (pet-safe).
- Summer – Orange + mint simmer pot, bowls of sliced citrus in the entryway.
- Fall – Apple + cinnamon simmer pot, bake pumpkin dog treats (smells amazing AND your
dog benefits). - Winter – Orange peel + cinnamon + cloves simmer pot, pinecones in a bowl for a subtle
woodsy touch.
- Keep It Pet-Friendly
Even with natural options, remember:
- Ventilate your space.
- Don’t use strong essential oils for long periods.
- Make sure your dog can leave the room if they want.
Bottom line: You can have a home that smells like a dream without risking your pup’s
health. A little baking soda, a few herbs, and a cozy simmer pot go a long way — and your
dog will thank you for keeping it safe.
What’s your favorite way to freshen up your home naturally? Drop it in the comments —
I’m always looking for new ideas! ��
If you are interested in the charcoal bags I will put the link here . I have used these for the past 2 years and really like them. I lay them out in the sun to refresh them.
justagirlthatlovessweettea 