Simmer pots are a growing trend in home fragrance – offering a natural, subtle alternative to candles and air fresheners. Experts recommend them for their gentle scent and low-waste approach. Here’s how to create your own, with a focus on simplicity and effectiveness.
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What is a Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot is exactly what it sounds like: a pot of water heated on the stove with aromatic ingredients. The gentle warmth releases natural scents into the air, creating a cozy, ambient fragrance. This isn’t a new idea; simmering botanicals to freshen homes dates back centuries, long before commercial air fresheners existed. Today, it’s gaining popularity as people seek slower, more intentional ways to scent their homes, especially during colder months.
The Expert-Recommended 3-Ingredient Winter Blend
For a quick start, home fragrance expert Jo-Ann Nitzsche suggests a simple yet effective combination: dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. The blend is easy to prepare and provides a warm, inviting scent.
To make it:
- Combine your ingredients in a small to medium-sized saucepan filled with cold water.
- Heat gently until simmering – avoid a rolling boil.
- Add more water as it evaporates to keep the ingredients submerged.
The pot can be reused for about two days, until the fragrance fades. Once spent, compost the fruit and spices (remove woody items like cinnamon sticks first, as they take longer to break down).
“Simmer pots offer a softer, more ambient scent than candles, and one that builds gradually rather than hitting you all at once.” – Jo-Ann Nitzsche, home fragrance expert.
Beyond the Basics: Ingredient Ideas
While the three-ingredient blend is a great starting point, you can experiment with other scents. Cleaning expert Elizabeth Shields recommends vanilla extract, orange peels, and lemon peels for a bright, citrusy fragrance. The key is to avoid using simmer pots to mask odors, as they’re best suited for enhancing already clean spaces.
Here are some other ideas:
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
- Pine needles
- Citrus rinds (lemon, grapefruit)
- Spices (cloves, nutmeg)
Final Thoughts
Simmer pots offer a simple, low-waste way to naturally scent your home. With just three ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s both effective and sustainable. Whether you stick to the expert-recommended blend or experiment with your own, simmer pots are a welcome addition to any cozy winter routine.
