From Pumpkin Spice to Pine: Seasonal Cleaning Tips for Fall and Winter Scents

Fall and winter bring cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and—of course—the irresistible scents that define the season. From the spicy warmth of pumpkin and cinnamon to the fresh, crisp smell of pine, these aromas create a cozy atmosphere that makes everyone feel right at home. But there’s more to filling your space with seasonal scents than just lighting a candle or plugging in an air freshener. At The Dust Devils, we believe that a clean, fresh-smelling home is the best canvas for seasonal decor.

Here’s our guide to making your home smell like the holidays without skipping a beat on cleanliness—because scent and sparkle should go hand-in-hand!

1. Start with a Fresh, Clean Slate

Before you fill your home with pumpkin spice and pine, it’s essential to have a clean base. Think of it as clearing the stage for the main act! Any lingering odors (we’re looking at you, last week’s taco night) will compete with your seasonal scents, so start by giving your home a thorough clean.

Dust Devils’ Tip: Focus on high-traffic areas like the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms. Wipe down counters, mop floors, and vacuum any areas that trap dust and odors. A clean home lets those fall and winter scents shine!

2. Incorporate Natural Scents While You Clean

Believe it or not, cleaning can smell fantastic if you use the right ingredients! Many natural cleaning products are infused with essential oils like orange, peppermint, and cinnamon, which are perfect for the season.

DIY Tip: Mix a few drops of cinnamon or clove essential oil with water and white vinegar for a natural, seasonal cleaner that’s safe for most surfaces. Not only will it make your home sparkle, but it’ll leave a warm, spicy scent in its wake.

Dust Devils’ Tip: If DIY isn’t your thing, we offer home cleaning services to leave your home looking (and smelling) fabulous.

3. Try a Stovetop Simmer Pot for Instant Coziness

One of the easiest ways to fill your home with seasonal fragrance is by making a stovetop simmer pot. It’s like the holiday gift that keeps on giving—just add ingredients, let them simmer, and enjoy as the aroma spreads through your space.

Our Favorite Combos:

• For Fall: Cinnamon sticks, orange peels, and whole cloves.
• For Winter: Pine needles, star anise, and a splash of vanilla.

Dust Devils’ Tip: Let the simmer pot run during gatherings to keep your home smelling amazing. Just be sure to add water as it simmers down so you don’t accidentally scorch the pot (and the scent).

4. Embrace Seasonal Scented Cleaning Products

Seasonal scented cleaning products make your housework feel a little less, well, work-like. Choose products with fall scents like apple cider, cranberry, or spiced pumpkin for autumn cleaning, and transition to pine, peppermint, or eucalyptus for winter freshness.

Dust Devils’ Tip: Not all scented cleaners are created equal—some leave strong chemical smells. We opt for high-quality, natural cleaners that smell great and leave no harsh residue. If you’d like your cleaning to smell like a walk through a winter wonderland, just ask!

5. Freshen Fabrics with DIY Scented Sprays

Upholstery, curtains, and rugs tend to hold onto smells. Keep your home smelling fresh by spritzing fabrics with a seasonal scented spray.

DIY Fabric Spray:

• Mix 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol, and 10–15 drops of essential oil (try a blend like orange and clove for fall, or peppermint and fir for winter).
• Shake well and spritz onto fabric surfaces for a refreshing boost.

Dust Devils’ Tip: Regular vacuuming also helps reduce lingering smells, so your fabric spray has a clean surface to cling to!

6. Add Scented Pine Cones to Your Decor

Pine cones are like nature’s potpourri! They’re festive, easy to find, and can be naturally scented to add holiday cheer to any room. Arrange them in a bowl on the coffee table, in the entryway, or even around the fireplace for a rustic touch.

DIY Scented Pine Cones: Simply sprinkle a few drops of pine or cinnamon essential oil over them and let them dry for a few hours. The scent will last for weeks!

Dust Devils’ Tip: If you’re short on time, pre-scented pine cones are often available at craft stores during the fall and winter seasons.

7. Use Baking Soda for a Quick Scent Refresh

Baking soda is the unsung hero of holiday prep. Not only does it clean, but it also neutralizes odors, making it an ideal base before adding seasonal scents.

Dust Devils’ Tip: Place a bowl of baking soda in musty areas (like closets or under the sink) to absorb lingering smells. You can even add a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda before setting it out—it’ll double as a subtle air freshener.

8. Simmer Spices to Refresh the Garbage Disposal

Kitchen odors often lurk where we least expect them, like the garbage disposal. But you can quickly freshen it up with a few holiday spices.

How-To: Pour a handful of baking soda down the disposal, followed by a splash of white vinegar. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then flush with hot water. Finish by grinding a lemon slice or a few cloves—instant holiday freshness!

Dust Devils’ Tip: We include this as part of our kitchen clean-ups because a fresh-smelling kitchen is the heart of any holiday home

9. Choose Candles Wisely

Candles are a seasonal classic, but make sure to select high-quality options. Cheap candles can leave an oily film on surfaces and release unwanted chemicals into the air. Go for soy or beeswax candles with natural scents to keep the holiday cheer safe and clean.

Our Favorite Scents: For fall, try candles with notes of vanilla, nutmeg, or sandalwood. For winter, look for pine, cedar, or peppermint..

10. Ventilate and Refresh Regularly

Finally, remember to keep your air fresh by opening windows whenever possible. Yes, it’s chilly, but a few minutes of fresh air circulation can make a huge difference in how well seasonal scents linger.

Dust Devils’ Tip: When we clean, we make sure to ventilate each room, so the scents we introduce can shine. Your seasonal decor will have the perfect fresh-air foundation it deserves.

Let The Dust Devils Bring the Scent of the Season to You!

The best way to enjoy seasonal scents is in a clean, inviting home. At The Dust Devils, we’re experts in preparing your space for the holidays with a touch of sparkle and freshness. Whether you need help with a seasonal deep clean, a post-party refresh, or a monthly upkeep plan, we’re here to make sure your home smells as wonderful as it looks.

Ready to Elevate Your Seasonal Scents?

Contact The Dust Devils, Indianapolis’ favorite house cleaning service, to schedule a holiday refresh. We’ll handle the cleaning, so you can focus on enjoying the delicious aromas of the season with your loved ones!