One of the worst parts about cleaning is the smell of cleaner. The smell of ammonia often lingers after a good deep clean. No one likes that nor should they be subjected to it. Finding the best smelling cleaning products can be a huge hassle.
It also involves coordinating smells. You don’t want to end up with conflicting smells. That defeats the purpose! So in our review of the best smelling cleaning products we are going to judge based on a few different criteria
- Overall smell
- Quality of clean
- Number/Diversity of smells for products
- Cost
- Availability
- Gentle Ingredients – you shouldn’t have to sacrifice for your nose
Join us as we take an olfactory adventure through the cleaning isle!
Understanding the Science of Smell
Before we can look at the cleaning products it’s important to understand what makes them smell good.
Cleaning products often contain fragrances, such as essential oils, to make them smell good. These fragrances mask unpleasant odors or to make the product more appealing.
The power of scent is well documented. Certain smells can evoke memories and emotions, as well as influence our behavior. The smell of coffee can increase alertness, while the smell of lavender can be calming. Aromatherapy harnesses these smells to create a sense of balance and wellbeing.
With the rise of aromatherapy, dialing in the smells we are taking into our life is more important than ever. Different scents can target specific health issues, such as stress and anxiety. Aromatherapy is based on the science of essential oils. These natural plant based extracts contain many beneficial compounds. Personalized blends tailored to our individual needs, make aromatherapy a powerful tool.
Our olfactory receptors located in the nose and are responsible for detecting odors. When we inhale, these receptors identify the aroma molecules, sending a signal to the brain. This connection causes the psychological and physiological effects of smell.
Certain smells can trigger a response in the body, such as relaxation or alertness. Research suggests that certain aromas are more likely to produce positive responses. Natural smells such as lavender and peppermint are two examples. Others may produce negative responses, such as strong, synthetic odors.
When it comes to choosing the right scents for aromatherapy, personal preference matters. Not everyone has the same tastes so recognizing what smells you like will help you get started.
Once you have identified your preferences, it’s important to understand essential oils. Essential oils are concentrated, meaning a small amount can create a powerful effect. Each essential oil has unique properties. Understanding the benefits of scent allows you to pair it with others for synergy. Products that have a wide variety of scents offer more options for a synergistic combination.
We always recommend essential oils for scenting your cleaning products. The oils tends to be longer lasting because they soak into the material being cleaned. This leaves a lasting, pleasant scent.
Best Smelling Cleaning Products – The Best Brands
We’ve discovered some great eco friendly cleaning products you can make at home. You can infuse these with your own essential oils.
If you’d prefer to not be making your own supplies there excellent brands we can recommend. They make cleaning products with complimentary scents. You can have the coordination without having to think about it.
We are recommending brands because individual items would make the list too long. We’d love to hear your thoughts on individual items on social media.
Mrs. Meyers🔗
The true queen of cleaning, Mrs. Meyers is actually a real person. She has written cleaning guides so comprehensive they include washing your curtains in the bathtub. If anyone knows cleaning, it’s her.
Mrs. Meyers makes all sorts of cleaning products:
- Multi-Purpose Cleaner/Scrub
- Dish Soaps
- Hand Soap (Liquid and Bar)
- Laundry Detergent
- And Scented Candles
At the time of writing she has a few categories of scents
- Floral (Honeysuckle, Peony, Geranium, Bluebell)
- Watery (Rainwater)
- Herbaceous (Basil, Lavender, Rosemary)
- Fruity (Plum Berry, Apple, Rhubarb)
- Citrus (Lemon Verbena, Clementine)
- Gourmand (Oat Blossom)
- And Woody (Birchwood)
- There are also often limited edition seasonal scents
Pros of Mrs. Meyers
- Excellent variety of scents scented with essential oils
- Excellent options of different cleaning supplies
- Biodegradable formula minimized environmental impact
- Refill options available for more of a bulk purchase
- Does a great job of cleaning
- Excellent price point
- All purpose cleaner comes in a nice spray bottle
Cons of Mrs. Meyers
- Some scents smell a little artificial
- Large variation in prices between scents
- Some products have chemicals that can dry out hands
Seventh Generation🔗
Seventh Generation is a cleaning product company committed to sustainability and environmental protection. They believe that cleaning products should be effective and safe for people, animals, and the planet.
Their mission is to create a world where everyone has access to safe and effective cleaning products. They also believe cleaning products should be made from sustainable, plant-based ingredients.
Seventh Generation uses natural essential oils to create products. Their products are free from synthetic fragrances and dyes.
They also focus on reducing the amount of plastic packaging used for their products. Their packaging is made from recycled and renewable materials.
Seventh Generation prides itself on being a cruelty-free company. Their products are not tested on animals.
They offer a wide range of cleaning products, including household cleaning sprays, laundry detergent, fabric softener, dish soap, hand soap, surface wipes, and more.
Pros of Seventh Generation
- Eco friendly company focused on creating safe sustainable products while minimizing waste
- Wide variety of products
- Clean smelling neutral smells that are excellent for neurodivergent individuals who are sensitive to smells.
- Does an excellent job cleaning
- Easy on dry/sensitive hands
Cons of Seventh Generation
- Some people had issues with getting grease off with the dishwashing liquid
- Not much variety in their scents
Cleancult🔗
Cleancult is a company that is focused on creating a better way to clean. They offer refillable cleaning products packed with natural, plant-based ingredients and essential oils. The idea behind Cleancult is to reduce the amount of waste created by single-use plastic cleaning containers.
Cleancult designs their products to be gentle on the environment, as well as on your skin. They are free from synthetic fragrances and dyes, and are never tested on animals. Instead, the company relies on natural essential oils for their pleasant scents.
The products available from Cleancult include laundry detergent, surface cleaner, dish soap, hand soap, and more. They offer refillable containers for their products, so you can reduce your waste.
The scents available from Cleancult are pleasant and natural, with a range of options. The scents are not overpowering, and they are perfect for those who are sensitive to smells.
Cleancult is a great option for those looking for an eco-friendly, natural, and effective cleaning product. The company’s commitment to sustainability and reducing waste is admirable. The products are gentle and effective.
Pros of Cleancult
- Eco friendly packaging
- Variety of pleasant scents:
- Juniper Sandalwood
- Wild Lavender, Sea Minerals
- Lemon verbena
- Lemongrass
- and many more
- Good variety of cleaners for dishes, laundry and hand soap
- They also sale reusable containers for their products that are stylish and functional
Cons of Cleancult
- You need a reusable container
- Dish soap doesn’t get as sudsy as you might like
Puracy🔗
Puracy is a company that specializes in natural cleaning products. The company was founded by a team of doctors, chemists, and engineers. They set out to create the best natural cleaning products available.
Puracy is a great company that offers natural and effective cleaning products for every room in the home. Their formulas are gentle on surfaces and free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Puracy also offers a range of products. Each product uses naturally-derived ingredients for maximum cleaning power without harsh chemicals.
The company also takes sustainability seriously. They use recyclable packaging and partner with Carbonfund.org to offset their carbon footprint. Puracy products are Cruelty-Free and safe for use around kids and pets. Plus, they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee – if you’re not completely satisfied with any product, they’ll refund your purchase.
Pros of Puracy
- Plant based ingredients are gentle on skin
- eco friendly packaging
- Wide variety of products and product bundles
Cons of Puracy
- Can be more expensive than other brands
- Some of their products require a reusable container that needs a separate purchase
Method🔗
Method produces eco-friendly, plant-based cleaning products designed to be effective and safe for use in the home. Their natural ingredients don’t involve the use of harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances.
Method products do not contain any animal by-products and are never tested on animals. All their products are biodegradable, recyclable and free from phosphates and chlorine.
They are available in a variety of scents, like lavender and eucalyptus, designed to be pleasant to use and powerful enough to get the job done.
The company commits to providing safe and effective cleaning products that are good for both the environment and people. They strive for sustainability through their production process. They use renewable energy sources whenever possible, minimize waste, and use sustainable packaging materials like recycled plastic bottles and recycled paper labels.
Their containers are stylish and eye-catching, making them perfect for any kitchen or bathroom.
Pros of Method
- Plant based ingredients are gentle on skin
- Variety of pleasant scents – Lavender, Citrus, Eucalyptus, and Mint
- Extensive product lines
- Cleaners – Dishwashing, Hand Soap, Laundry Detergent
- Bodywash, Shampoo, Conditioner
- Specific bathroom cleaner and floor cleaners
- Wipes
- Reusable containers for their products that are stylish and eye-catching
- multipurpose cleaner comes in a nice spray bottle
Cons of Method
- Some scents are more artificial than natural
- Can be more expensive than other brands
Final tips for a fresh-smelling home
Now that you’ve chosen the best smelling cleaning products for your home, here are some more tips for a fresh-smelling home:
- Develop a regular cleaning routine: If you don’t let bad odors accumulate it goes a long way to maintaining that fresh, clean smell in your home.
- Open the windows. Fresh air is one of the best ways to keep your home smelling fresh.
- Use natural air fresheners. Natural air fresheners, such as essential oils and herbs, can help keep your home smelling clean and fresh.
- Vacuum. Regular vacuuming can help remove dust and debris that can cause unpleasant odors.
- Use baking soda. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber
- Clean the air filters. Dirty air filters can cause unpleasant odors
- Clean up spills and messes immediately. Spills and messes can cause bad odors
- Place house plants around the house. House plants can help purify the air and keep your home smelling fresh.