There's something magical about walking into a home filled with the inviting aroma of freshly baked goods or fragrant spices wafting through the air. While lighting candles or using air fresheners are common ways to add pleasant scents to your home, there's a simpler and more natural alternative that doesn't use harmful chemicals: simmer pots.
What Is a Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot, also known as a stove simmer, is a simple and natural way to fill your home with delightful aromas. It involves simmering a combination of water and aromatic ingredients, like fruits, spices, and herbs, on the stovetop. As the mixture gently heats, it releases fragrant vapors, creating a welcoming ambiance throughout your space.
Unlike air fresheners, simmer pots are sustainable and extremely cost-effective. Many of the ingredients are items you already have in the kitchen. Additionally, you can use fruit peels and other food scraps for the simmer pot.
With that in mind, here are the best simmer pot recipes to get your home smelling fresh and heavenly.
Best Simmer Pot Recipes
To make a simmer pot, fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the ingredients from one of the recipes below. Let the mixture boil for a few minutes before turning the heat down to a simmer. Add water as needed.
Lemon & Orange Simmer Pot
Ingredients:
1 lemon (sliced)
1 orange (sliced)
2 to 3 cinnamon sticks
1 to 2 tablespoons whole cloves
2 bay leaves
Cinnamon Apple Simmer Pot
Ingredients:
2 apples (sliced) or apple peels
3 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon whole cloves
Orange rinds
Coffee & Vanilla Simmer Pot
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coffee beans
- 1 vanilla bean (split) or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
Soothing Herbal Simmer Pot
Ingredients:
1 handful of fresh rosemary springs
1 handful of fresh lavender or 6 to 8 drops of pure lavender essential oil
1 branch of fresh eucalyptus
All-Citrus Simmer Pot
Ingredients:
1 lemon (sliced) or lime
4 springs of thyme
A handful of mint leaves
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
If you don't want to use a saucepan, you can also use a Crock-Pot or a slow cooker. Additionally, you can add as much or as little ingredients of your chosen recipe. For stronger scents, add more ingredients.
