Published: 2025-08-09 05:31:59 | Views: 6
I’m often asked how I keep my home smelling fresh when it’s sweltering outside, so I’ve pulled together my favourite warm-weather hacks to keep things clean, calm, and beautifully scented.
Bins are a big culprit in the heat, especially food waste bins. My top tip? Empty them daily and give them a good rinse with hot soapy water or disinfectant. Then, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda in the bottom of the bin or bag to absorb nasty odours. Want to go one step further? Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for a gentle, uplifting aroma every time you lift the lid.
Let’s be honest: no one wants a sweaty pile of washing hanging around! In the summer, laundry builds up quickly, damp towels, gym kits, swimwear… it all starts to pong fast. Wash regularly and don’t let items fester in the basket. Add a laundry cleanser or a splash of white vinegar to your wash for extra freshness, it helps kill bacteria and leaves fabrics super clean.
After each laundry cycle, leave your washing machine door and detergent drawer slightly open. This simple trick helps the inside dry out and stops that musty, stale smell we all dread, especially during humid weather. Your future self will thank you!
We sweat more in our sleep during hot nights, so bedding needs changing more often than usual. Aim for every few days during a heatwave. Before remaking the bed, let the mattress and pillows air out. Finish with a light spritz of linen spray made with essential oils, lavender and eucalyptus are my go-tos for a clean, calming scent.
Stale air is a no-no in the summer. Open your windows each morning to let the breeze in, especially in stuffier spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. For an extra cooling hack, pop a bowl of ice water in front of your fan and let it blow chilled air around the room. Add a few drops of essential oil to a cotton pad and place it behind the fan for a subtle scent boost.
Natural ingredients can work wonders when it comes to neutralising smells. Try placing small bowls of bicarbonate of soda, coffee grounds, or activated charcoal in areas prone to odours; they’ll quietly work away in the background. For a gorgeous homemade air freshener, simmer citrus peels and a few sprigs of rosemary or mint on the hob. It smells divine!
Don’t forget about your cushions, curtains, rugs, and sofas. These can trap smells in humid weather. Give them a light mist with a fabric refresher and a gentle vacuum to lift lingering odours. If the sun’s out, pop cushions and throws outside for a few hours; the UV rays act as a natural disinfectant and will leave them smelling sun-kissed and fresh.
With these simple steps, your home will feel cool, clean, and beautifully fragrant even when the heat is on! Stay fresh, stay fabulous.
ITV This Morning's Lynsey Crombie @lynsey_queenofclean is the UK's No1 home expert and TV presenter. Lynsey's best-selling book 'The 15 Minute Clean' is available to buy from AMAZON