A crazy-smelling apartment: the trick is in scented curtains that smell better and longer than any air freshener and a 5-star hotel

Curtains are like silent household heroes – they hang silently and endure everything life (and cooking) throws their way. From spaghetti steam to Saturday cigarette smoke – they catch it all. And while they are usually a symbol of elegance and coziness, they can quickly become a source of... well, aromas of the past. So - the trick is in fragrant curtains - and the way to a fragrant home.

Fabrics suck smells like sponges: cigarette smoke, humidity, baked fish with lemon... all of this eventually turns into a smell that even grandma's moth-eaten chest would reject. Mustiness, oxidized fat and tempting dust? A combination that is great for writing a 19th century detective story, but not for your living room. The trick is in scented curtains - and the way to a fragrant apartment.

Tip: Ventilate, shake, and (in an ideal world) don't cook garlicky dishes under curtains. But if you do, baking soda and white vinegar will be your new best friends. They'll keep your curtains fresh, and you can invite your mother-in-law over for a visit.

Washing curtains for a long-lasting pleasant scent – the secret is in fragrant curtains

Proper washing: Gentle washing at low temperatures is not only a mantra for silk panties, but also for curtains. If your curtains are more regal in nature (read: silk, lace, vintage chic), pamper them by hand - or send them for a "spa treatment" at the dry cleaners. For other brave fabrics, the rule is: the addition of white vinegar can work wonders - it freshens, softens and destroys odors. And don't worry - the curtains won't smell like vinaigrette.

Fragrant additives: Fabric softeners are a classic. Although some demonize them as “death to the washing machine,” when used correctly, they behave like a true gentleman – they scent, soften, and don’t weigh down. If you’re more of an eco-conscious person, vinegar with essential oils is a wonderful compromise between “green conscience” and perfumed interior design.

Laundry perfumes and beads: Ah, the new obsession of the home improvement world. Brands like Giovanni, Horomia and Puella offer scents that last longer than the average New Year's resolution. With a little laundry perfume, your curtains will smell so intoxicating that you'll check every time you blow a breeze to see if someone has given you a fresh bouquet. And Lenor beads? If there is an olfactory reincarnation of Chanel No. 5 for household fabrics – this is it. One of the main secrets of scented curtains.

Commercial products – scent in a bottle

Have you ever wanted your curtains to smell like “summer in Provence” or “autumn in Milan”? With fabric softeners labeled “parfum de luxe” and “aromatherapy,” it’s possible. A visit to DM or Müller can be almost therapeutic—so many scents, so many options! (And if anyone tells you you’re wasting money on fabric softeners, tell them you’re investing in “the emotional atmosphere of your home.”)

Linen perfumes are almost on par with niche fragrances—the only difference is that they’re worn by curtains, not wrists. Fabric sprays like Febreze or the luxurious Italian Horomia are a magical solution for those days when you want freshness but don’t have a vacuum cleaner in hand. One spray and voila—your living room smells like a chic Italian boutique.

How to keep the smell going between washes? Tricks that work

The smell of freshness is not the exclusive property of detergents – maintaining the smell between washes is an art. Fabric sprays are the first aid here: fast, effective and (if you choose the right one) safe even for your precious ikebana curtains. But if you swear by the “old school”, lavender sachets and natural diffusers are a sophisticated, almost poetic solution. Who says that curtains can only be scented with industrial chemicals?

Regular ventilation is the foundation – without it there is no smell, no freshness, no will to live. Well, maybe we are exaggerating a bit in the last one. But really – ventilation > everything.

DIY perfumes – for the alchemists among us

If you're more of a DIY type, homemade sprays offer countless possibilities. With a few drops of essential oils and a little magic (read: witch hazel or vodka), you can create a perfume that will not only scent your curtains but also wow your guests. And bonus? Phthalate-free, so you don't have to worry about your kids or cat falling asleep in a cloud of synthetic fumes.

This citrus-herbal spray made with lemon, orange, and rosemary is almost like drinking lemonade for your curtains – refreshing, homemade, healthy. Well, almost. Detailed recipe at the end of this post.

fragrant curtains — Photo: Janja Prijatelj / Ai art

Finally: Curtains are more than just fabric on a window. They are ambiance. They are the scent of your home. With a little effort and a few scent tricks, they will smell so good that you will open the door with pride. Or with the thought: “Just in case someone asks what I use.”

🌿 Homemade spray with the scent of Provence (for curtains)

Ingridients:

420 ml distilled water (about 1 ¾ cups)
20 drops of lavender essential oil (100 % natural, no additives)
30 ml witch hazel extract – helps mix oils with water and fixes the scent
15 ml vegetable glycerin (1 tablespoon) – for longer lasting scent on fabric
Empty spray bottle (500 ml)

Preparation:

The trick that will save your skin from sunburn – and dermatologists are silent about it – will elevate you to the status of a fashion goddess, like TikTokers

Pour into a clean bottle. distilled water.
Add frost-free and vegetable glycerin.
Drip lavender essential oil (20 drops).
A bottle shake wellto combine the ingredients.
Spray onto curtains from a distance of approximately 30cm – moderately so that the fabric is not soaked.

Usage:

Spray on curtains 1-2 times a week or as needed.
Use after cooking or when visiting to make the room smell fresh again.
Test on an inconspicuous part of the curtainsbefore using for the first time, especially with silk or dark fabrics.

Scented curtains: simple tricks for lasting freshness

Curtains are silent witnesses to the life in your home – they absorb the smells of cooking, smoke and humidity. But with a few simple tricks, you can make sure they always smell like freshly washed laundry.

1. Horomia laundry perfumes
The Italian brand Horomia offers concentrated laundry perfumes that give your curtains a long-lasting and pleasant scent. You can choose from different scents, such as “White” and “Blue”, which will add a touch of elegance to your home.

2. Lenor Unstoppables Scented Beads
For intense freshness, try Lenor Unstoppables beads. Add them to the washing machine along with your curtains and enjoy a scent that lasts up to 12 weeks.

3. Febreze Fabric Fresheners
When there's no time to do laundry, Febreze fabric fresheners quickly and effectively eliminate unpleasant odors and freshen your curtains. Available in a variety of scents, like "Cotton Fresh," your home will feel fresh.

4. Natural homemade spray with lavender essential oil
For those who love natural solutions, here's a simple recipe: mix distilled water, a few drops of 100% natural lavender essential oil, wintergreen extract, and vegetable glycerin. The spray refreshes curtains and adds a soothing scent.

By using these products, your curtains will always be fresh and pleasantly scented, and your home will enchant guests with the scent of cleanliness and warmth.