How do you make sure your listing smells nice?

[Stephanie]

Hi everyone, 

The way a house smells when you first step in through the door might not be something everyone actively thinks about, but it is really important. Our sense of smell is often used as an indicator of how clean or welcoming a place is. 

There are many ways to make sure your listing smells inviting: whether it’s open windows, scented cleaning products, essential oil diffusers, air fresheners, candles, or natural things such as potpourri or plants.

We’d love to hear your tips: how do you make sure your listing smells nice for your guests?

Thanks, 

Stephanie

[Dina47]

I checked into a beautiful Airbnb in Vancouver BC..   but what ruined it was the strong scent of Bounce Fabric Softener.  I had to sleep with my shirt over my nose... it was on everything.. linens, towels.  

[Stacey413]

Yes! Just had this experience. I only stayed one night, gave the (beautiful!) airbnb 5 stars, AND privately messaged the host asking what she treated the sheets and towels with. It was Downey scented beads. I was wakeful all night, and the smell even transferred to my skin when I used their (excessively treated) towels. Big no-no on the sheets, IMHO! 

[Laura2484]

While smells are such a personal choice @Stephanie ,we tend to use environmental friendly household cleaners that are non fragrant or mild smelling. In the bathroom after it has been cleaned I add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to one or two rolls of toilet paper that is kept in a cane basket , or left in the cupboard in the bathroom to keep these rooms smelling fresh.

Every room is aired , duvets and pillows taken out to be shaken and left in the sun. While covers and blankets are laundered and hung out to dry, it is hugely satisfying when all the beds are made with fresh clean bedding , the clean towels are all folded , vacuumed floors and surfaces wiped down clean and the cleaning chores are completed til the next guest check outs. I do use diffusers, put fresh herbs and cut flowers in vases too and if some guests are sensitive to these smells they can easily be put outside or into another room.

Like most hosts, when all is done and the final inspection complete I know guests just appreciate walking in to such a clean and cared for place.

There have been so many great posts, thanks for sharing everyone!👍🏾

[Mike-And-Helen0]

@Laura2484 @Stephanie @Dina47 @Kevin1322 @Jeanie12 if you want isopropyl alcohol in the UK it is surgical spirit (which smells fabulous to me).

[Carol-and-Bernie0]

I’m a big proponent of opening windows before a guest arrives and immediately after. No matter the season. Fresh air.

[Chastity3]

I open up those windows or sliding glass doors to air out the place. I do use essential oils air fresheners throughout my home and other property and have had no complaints so far. I use OdoBan Disinfectant to spray down couches, chairs, curtains, and other frabrics.

[Laura976]

Wow!  I come from such a different perspective!  
I hate it when I walk into a room and it is filled with fake chemical perfume smell!  I frequently stay in hotels for work and am always so disappointed that I can’t air that smell out by opening the windows. 
Smelly bedding is also awful and generally makes me itchy with my sensitive skin. I’m sure that I am not alone. 
Keep in mind that all those chemical cleaners are bad for your health and cancer causing. We use “Free and Clear” cleaners from Seventh Generation or Ecos. We are at the beach and do worry about the day when someone decides to boil crab in the house!  I guess that’s when we run out and buy an ozone machine!

[Sarah977]

@Laura976  Isn't a beach house supposed to smell like crab? :-))) I also hate fake chemical smells and even a lot of natural essential oils. What smells good to me might not smell good to my guests. My bedding and towels get washed in mild detergent meant for baby clothes and then hung on the line in the fresh air and sunshine. No fabric softeners or dryer sheets. I do wash the floors and the bathroom with a citrus smelling cleaner, but I don't do same day turnovers and make sure I have it all clean in time to air the room out with open doors and windows for several hours before a guest's arrival.

To me, a place smelling nice means it doesn't smell moldy or bad in any way. Marketing companies have managed to convince people that "fresh and clean" smell comes in a bottle.

[Stacey413]

Definitely need to steer clear of any added chemicals for sheets and towels. But one thing we've now instituted is adding 1/2 C of vinegar to the rinse cycle for sheets and towels -- it naturally keeps them soft to the touch, and comes out neutral, no scent!