it's ok to cheat

I'm a bit obsessed with the smell of my house. If I had it my way, I could have my windows open year-round. But the Method Aroma Pill is a close second to fresh air, and it's my new favorite product. I have the "Sweet Water" scent plugged in behind a couch and it smells like someone just vacuumed, air-dried the rugs, and polished the furniture, all the time. Happiness.

Other favorite house-funk remedies: Febreeze, boiling water with orange and lemon slices and cinnamon, and sprinkling baking soda on the carpets about 30 minutes before vacuuming.

Here are a few other ideas for making your place smell clean:

• Make your own rug deodorizer at CasaSugar
• 13 things to make your house smell good at Diva Spot
• 8 surprising household deodorizers at Real Simple