A good-smelling home is always in season, and there’s no shortage of options, from sprays to plug-ins to candles and diffusers. But the latest innovation is by way of DIY with simmer pots. You can customize these creations with items you already have in your fridge or pantry, letting you get as creative as you like. Get ready to make a new tradition with DIY simmer pots to make your home smell amazing.

So, what is a simmer pot?

Simmer pots are just a mixture of water, natural ingredients, and fragrant spices, all simmered on low heat on your stove or in a crock pot. As the concoction gently simmers, it releases a delightful aroma, creating a welcoming ambiance in your home. It’s like a tiny cauldron of good, cozy vibes.

All-Natural Fragrance

One of the main benefits of DIY simmer pots is that they are completely natural. You won’t find any artificial fragrances or chemicals here, unless you add them yourself. And doesn’t it feel good to know what you’re breathing in? Now, you get to enjoy the pure and authentic scents of nature. No more worrying about open flames or harmful chemicals in the air.

With simmer pots, you can enjoy the comforting and alluring scents without any of the risks associated with candles or deodorizers. They are especially great for homes with children or pets, providing peace of mind along with a pleasant aroma.

Customizable Scent

When you use fresh herbs like rosemary or mint, or maybe some dried lavender and chamomile, you’re bringing the essence of nature into your home without any effort. You can play around with different kinds based on the season, like introducing bright citrus flavors to energize your summer day or vanilla bean with nutmeg and cinnamon to take your holidays at home to the next level.

Cost-Effective

It’s also a budget-friendly alternative to expensive scented candles and electric diffusers. With just a few basic ingredients, you can enjoy long-lasting fragrance without breaking the bank.

Good for the Environment

By using natural ingredients and reusing the same pot multiple times, you reduce waste and your environmental footprint.
Unlike scented candles that often come in disposable containers or plug-in diffusers that consume electricity, simmer pots are a sustainable option. You can create the perfect fragrance while being mindful of the planet.

5 Easy DIY Simmer Pot Recipes

Ready to create your very own simmer pot? Here are a few ideas. First, you’ll need the following:

• A small pot, saucepan, or crock pot
• Water
• Spices, fresh or dried herbs, sliced citrus of your choice

Follow these steps to make your simmer pot:

• Fill the pot with water, leaving some space at the top.
• Add your chosen herbs, citrus fruits, and spices to the water. Feel free to get creative here—mix and match ingredients to create your own signature fragrance.
• Place the pot on the stove and set it to the lowest heat setting.
• Allow the mixture to simmer, releasing its beautiful fragrance into your home for hours.
• Make sure to keep an eye on the water level, adding more as needed to prevent it from drying out—the bigger the pot, the better.

1. Citrusy Dreams

• Sliced lemon or lime
• Sliced orange
• Fresh mint leaves

2. Cozy Comfort

• Apple slices
• Cinnamon sticks
• Cloves

3. Evening Unwind

• Lavender buds
• Chamomile flowers
• Rosemary sprigs

4. Fresh and Floral

• Lavender buds
• Fresh rose petals
• Lemon slices

5. Woodsy Retreat

• Cedarwood chips
• Pine needles
• Vanilla extract

How long should you let simmer pots sit?

Really, you can let them simmer for as little or as long as you like, depending on your preference and the intensity of fragrance you want. If you’re looking for a quick burst of fragrance to freshen up your space, you can simmer your pot for as little as 15-30 minutes. This is perfect for a speedy refreshment before guests arrive or if you simply want to change the scent in the room. For a more sustained aroma, consider letting your simmer pot go for a few hours. This is an excellent choice when you want to enjoy the fragrance throughout an afternoon or evening. Or, if you’re aiming for an all-day aromatic experience, you can keep your simmer pot going for as long as you’re at home.