Vanilla and cinnamon are a classic combination. The resulting fragrance has warm and welcoming notes reminiscent of freshly baked cookies. In fact, many real estate agents recommend owners of homes for sale to cook vanilla and cinnamon over the fire before a potential buyer arrives. Unfortunately they don't always explain how to create this fragrance. Fortunately, there are several very simple methods to make it happen.
Ingrediants
Room Fragrance Prepared in the Stove
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 6 whole cloves (optional)
- Waterfall
Fragrance for environments in spray
- Distilled water
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 6 drops of vanilla essential oil
- 6 drops of cinnamon essential oil
Room Fragrance for Diffusers with Sticks
- 60 ml of water
- 3 tablespoons of vodka
- 6 drops of vanilla essential oil
- 6 drops of cinnamon essential oil
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare a Fragrance for Environments on Fire
Step 1. Pour some water into a small saucepan three quarters full and bring it to a boil
The fragrance will remain in the air only as long as the stove is on. It's a great option if you want to freshen up your home before guests arrive.
It is preferable that the saucepan is as small as possible. In this way the fragrance will be more concentrated
Step 2. Add cinnamon and vanilla extract
If you're using a larger saucepan, you'll want to double or even triple the doses of vanilla and cinnamon. Add 6 whole cloves to enrich and intensify the fragrance.
Step 3. Let it boil for one minute, then turn the knob to low and simmer
Boiling allows the spices to release their fragrance, while simmering will keep the mixture warm and fragrant. In fact, it would lose its fragrance if it were to cool down.
Step 4. Every 30 minutes pour more water into the saucepan until it reaches the rim of the saucepan
Remember to keep an eye on it. If the water evaporates, the saucepan will burn. There is no need to add more vanilla, cinnamon or cloves.
Step 5. Try putting the mixture on display
This fragrance is temporary, but you can still put it on display by pouring it into another container (previously heated). First boil the mixture, then try one of the following methods:
- Pour it into a 500ml glass jar and place it on a candle warmer, leaving it uncovered.
- Pour it into a fondue pot or pour it into a glass jar and place it on a warmer. Light the candle under the bowl and enjoy the fragrance.
- If you'd rather avoid using the stove, keep the mixture hot in a slow cooker. Keep it uncovered and set the temperature to low.
Step 6. Use the fragrance for as long as you like, then store it in a jar
You will be able to reuse it for another 2-3 times. After that the smell will fade and you will need to prepare another one.
Method 2 of 3: Prepare a Spray Room Fragrance
Step 1. Use a funnel to pour the baking soda into a small spray bottle
If you don't have a funnel, you can make a simple and practical one by rolling a sheet of paper into a cone. Baking soda has excellent deodorizing properties.
Use a glass bottle if possible. Essential oils can deteriorate certain types of plastics
Step 2. Add essential oils
You can use equal parts of vanilla and cinnamon essential oil or use larger amounts of one or the other. For example, if you really like the smell of vanilla, you could use 7 drops of vanilla essential oil and 5 drops of cinnamon. In total, you will need 12 drops of oil.
Step 3. Close the bottle and shake it to mix the ingredients
This will help you distribute the essential oils in the baking soda. Keep shaking it until you no longer see any lumps in the baking soda.
Step 4. Open the bottle and finish filling it with water
If possible, try to use distilled or filtered water. The one from the tap contains too many minerals and chemicals, which can ruin the spray.
Step 5. Close the bottle, shake it to mix the ingredients, and spray the spray around a room or on upholstered furniture
The baking soda and oils will separate over time, so you'll need to shake the bottle every time you want to use the spray.
Method 3 of 3: Prepare a Room Fragrance for Diffusers with Sticks
Step 1. Pour the water into an aroma diffuser bottle
If possible, try to use distilled water, as tap water contains too many chemicals and minerals, which can negatively affect the final result. If necessary, use a funnel to help you pour the water into the bottle.
If you can't find an aroma diffuser bottle, any bottle with a short, thin neck (like a perfume bottle) will do. Make sure it's glass, as essential oils tend to deteriorate some types of plastics
Step 2. Add about 3 tablespoons of vodka
If you can't find it, you can also try witch hazel water or isopropyl alcohol instead.
Step 3. Add essential oils
You can use equal parts of vanilla and cinnamon essential oil or experiment with different proportions. For example, you could use 7 drops of cinnamon essential oil and 5 of vanilla. You will need 12 drops in total.
Step 4. Close the bottle and shake it to mix
Close the bottle with a cork or finger. If it has a screw cap, use it. Shake it quickly and vigorously to mix the ingredients well, then reopen it.
Step 5. Place reed or bamboo sticks in the bottle and let them absorb the liquid
You may not feel any fragrance at first, but there is still one step missing. For now, all you have to do is dip the sticks into the bottle.
Step 6. Turn the sticks so that the ends that have absorbed the liquid are facing outwards
Remove the sticks from the bottle and turn them over. Slip the dry ends into the bottle and place it on a table. The room will gradually be pervaded by a delicate fragrance based on vanilla and cinnamon.
Turn the sticks once a week
Advice
- The larger the room, the harder it will be to perfume it.
- If you use larger quantities of cinnamon and vanilla for the cooking method, while decreasing the water, the fragrance will be more intense.
- Try these methods with other herbs and essential oils!
- Essential oils can be found in herbalist's shops, in some art supply stores and online.
- For the cooking method, try adding other herbs and spices to the pot. Dried orange peel, allspice, cloves, and star anise are all great options!
