6 things people with nice-smelling sunrooms always do

Sunrooms can be a sanctuary of relaxation or socialization and are the bridge between the indoors and the outdoors, so ensuring it is fragrant involves a combination of tactics people with nice-smelling sunrooms use to balance the natural conditions of this space.

Whether you use your sunroom as a cozy reading nook, a vibrant indoor garden, or a dining space to observe the changing of the seasons, make it an inviting space by ensuring it smells fresh and uplifting.

Our experts have recommended their top tips for making your sunroom smell nice, including some cleaning tips, natural aromatic additions, and some hidden tricks people with nice-smelling homes use.

Things people with nice-smelling sunrooms always do

This versatile space can be used for a whole host of activities, blending indoor comfort with the captivating beauty of the outdoors. What could be more fitting than enhancing it with a fusion of both household cleaning techniques and natural fragrant methods?

1. Ensure proper ventilation

‘People with pleasant-smelling sunrooms have mastered the art of maintaining air circulation in these sun-filled spaces,' says Kerry Sherin, home improvement expert at Ownerly. 'They ensure their sunrooms get sufficient fresh air, preventing the build-up of stuffy smells, potential mold growth, and harmful volatile organic compounds that might otherwise ruin the bright and cheerful ambiance. 

'The strategic placement of windows and vents to maximize airflow is simple, but this strategy makes all the difference.'

Regularly ensure that there is a good flow of fresh air by opening windows and doors periodically to let out stale air and introduce new, fresh air.

Kerry Sherin continues, 'Utilize versatile tools like air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters. These advanced devices act as an invisible protector, single-handedly sweeping up any tiny particles or allergens that dare to compromise the purity of the sunroom's air. 

'This not only ensures cleanliness and freshness but also promotes a healthy environment. And remember, it's not just about the scent; it's about the healthy environment you're embracing.’ You can check out our guide for the best air purifiers in 2023.

While you may want to fill your sunroom to the brim with furniture, decor, and plants, avoid overcrowding the space, since this can lead to poor air circulation and trapped odors.

2. Be mindful of humidity and moisture

Sunrooms, more than many other living spaces in the home, can have high levels of humidity and condensation due to temperature changes. If not properly maintained, this can lead to musty smells, the build-up of moisture, or even the development of mold. While infusing your sunroom with fragrances is key to making it nice-smelling, using dehumidifiers or introducing moisture-absorbing plants can help stabilize any imbalances that can cause odors.

Kerry Sherin advises, ‘Regularly check for and immediately address any moisture buildup in a sunroom. Heightened moisture content can not only be debilitating to your furniture and plants, but it can also create an ideal environment for mold and mildew. These culprits are notorious for producing a musty odor. 

'Therefore, keeping humidity levels in check and swiftly handling any water collection is key to having a sunroom that is inviting with a fresh aroma.'

By ventilating your sunroom and using plants that banish condensation, you can keep your sunroom smelling fresh.

3. Incorporate fragrant plants

Incorporating fragrant plants into your sunroom will improve air quality and act as natural fragrances to infuse subtle scents into your home.  

'Fragrant plants not only provide a pleasing aroma but also release oxygen and absorb pollutants,' explains Hashi Mohamed, president of Ivy Cleans. 'Proper care, including regular watering and pruning, helps maintain their scent and health.’

People with nice-smelling sunrooms use fresh flowers, herbs, indoor plants, citrus trees or potpourri to add natural, pleasant scents. 

‘Select fragrant indoor plants like jasmine, lavender, citrus trees, or herbs such as rosemary and mint. These not only add a delightful scent but also thrive in the sunlight typically found in sunrooms,' recommends Angela Rubin from Hellamaid.

'Consider dedicating a section of your sunroom to a herb garden. Herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano provide both fragrance and culinary benefits. Citrus trees not only provide a fresh scent but also bear fruit. Their blossoms and fruit add a lovely fragrance and visual appeal to the sunroom.

'Finally, incorporate fragrant flowering plants like gardenias, lilies, or orchids. Their blossoms will infuse the sunroom with a sweet and refreshing aroma.’ Remember to regularly change out bouquets with fresh flowers.

Angela Rubin

Hellamaid is an award-winning cleaning company in Canada that's been featured on multiple global media brands.

4. Maintain cleanliness

Regular cleaning removes potential sources of odors and allergens, ensuring a fresh and pleasant atmosphere.

‘You'd be amazed at how quickly dust, pollen, and other particulates can etch their territory in a room, particularly in a sunroom, where the outdoors and indoors often intertwine,' explains Kerry Sherin. 'It can become a unique playground for soil from your potted greens, plant materials you've tenderly nurtured, and your favorite indoor elements like snug wicker furniture and cozy throws. 

'Use natural or gentle cleaning solutions because the overuse of harsh chemicals can harm plants and leave an unpleasant odor. By following a simple yet effective routine of frequent and gentle cleaning, you can keep your sunroom not only looking splendid but also smelling wonderfully fresh.

Regularly clean and periodically replace fabrics such as cushions, rugs and curtains since these can trap odors. 

You can use natural deodorizers such as baking soda mixed with essential oils (one cup of baking soda to thirty drops of essential oils), such as oregano oil which has antibacterial properties, or lavender for a sweet fragrance, to clean these items. You can find oregano oil and lavender oil at Amazon. You can also consider using fabric sprays made from natural ingredients, such as this Attirecare plant-based odor neutralizer fabric spray.

If you have pets in your sunroom, regularly clean up after them, including vacuuming pet hair, and cleaning beds or litter boxes to prevent odors. Ensure to use pet-friendly cleaning products.

5. Fragrance layering

To add fragrances to your sunroom, combine scents in a way that they complement each other by fragrance layering. Incorporate scented accessories and decor into your sunroom that complements the overall ambiance.

Create a balance with different fragrances and methods to create a signature scent in your sunroom, for instance, if you have a citrusy candle, you can pair it with a floral diffuser oil. 

‘People with nice-smelling sunrooms infuse the air with essential oils because they are an effective method to introduce a captivating scent in your sunroom,' advises Jacky Chou, principal and director at Archute. 'You can employ various methods, such as a diffuser, a spritz bottle, or even a simple cotton ball, to disperse these oils into the air. 

'The beauty of essential oils lies in the ability to concoct your own personalized blend by mixing and matching different oils. Opt for essential oils with a strong aromatic presence, like zesty citrus, sultry florals, and earthy herbs, including orange, lemon, grapefruit, rose, geranium, basil, and thyme.’ 

These can be used to make candles, a reed diffuser, and homemade fragrance spray to add personalized scents to upholstery to make it smell nice.

Scented accessories enhance the atmosphere, creating a more relaxing and enjoyable environment, and can also be customized to suit personal preferences and change with the seasons or occasions.

Principal and Director at Archute

Principal and Director at Archute

Jacky Chou

Jacky Chou is the Principal and Director at Archute, an editorial magazine about architecture, home and garden. They have been referenced by The New York Times, Bustle, House & Home, Bloomberg, and Angi. Jacky also his own an online interior design company as well called Laurel & Wolf.

6. Use natural candles

‘Candles offer far more than just their olfactory benefits,' says Kerry Sherin. 'They have an innate ability to transform a space, infusing it with a cozy and relaxing ambiance that is often hard to replicate. 

'However, it's essential to exercise caution when selecting candles. Soy or beeswax candles have fragrances that are less likely to produce detrimental by-products.' 

Mohammed Ahmed, interior designer and founder of The Home Guidance Blog adds, 'Unlike traditional candles, beeswax candles emit a light, natural honey scent and do not produce toxic byproducts or soot. They also last longer!'

'Just like every aspect of home improvement and care, ensuring a nice-smelling sunroom is a meticulous process requiring knowledge and thoughtful decision-making,' continues Kerry Sherin. 'So, as you make your choices, remember to prioritize quality over cost.'

We recommend these twisty taper candles, from Anthropologie, made with beeswax and soy wax.

Mohammad Ahmed

Mohammad Ahmed is an Interior Designer and Home Expert. He did his bachelors degree in Interior Designing at the University of Minnesota in 2013 and since then has worked as an interior designer in various companies, designing functional and beautiful spaces for clients.  In addition to his interior and exterior design skills, Mohammad is also Home expert with a talent for creating bespoke furniture and other accessories. He has been featured in popular publications such as Forbes, Yahoo, Realtor, Real Homes, Bustle, and Living etc. for his exceptional design tips.

FAQs

Keep any shoes in your sunroom organized in a designated area for shoes, like a shoe rack or closet with scented drawer liners and natural deodorizers such as cedar blocks to contain odors.

Creating a nice-smelling sunroom requires maintaining a clean environment to keep it fresh and adding fragrant elements integrated into the decor to create an inviting and refreshing environment.