As winter slips away and spring rushes in, you may find yourself dusting off the snow and preparing for sunnier days ahead with a bit of spring cleaning. First, you’ll need to grab your tools – broom, mop, duster, and (believe it or not) extracts! Nielsen-Massey® Vanillas and Flavors make a wonderful, aromatic addition to the spring-cleaning process!
Fresh and natural, vanilla extract can be used to fill your home with a sweet smell without using harsh chemical air fresheners. Whether you are looking to freshen up a small space, the entire home, or even just the kitchen sink disposal, vanilla extract can do the job.
Please note that our vanillas and flavor extracts are intended for baking purposes, and other use cases should be executed with caution.
Cleaning with Vanilla and Flavor Extracts
Freshen up the Kitchen
Ditch chemical fragrances when cleaning and reach for your vanilla products. Add a few drops of vanilla extract to a damp sponge to wipe up your sink, the inside of your microwave, or the shelves of your refrigerator. Be sure to work with a clean sponge before switching from appliance to appliance for best results.
If your microwave is still smelling less than pleasant, try pouring a small amount of vanilla extract (about 2 teaspoons) in a microwave-safe bowl and heating for about 30-60 seconds. This should replace the smell with the sweet smell of vanilla and baked goods.
Get Rid of Odors Without Chemicals
The garbage disposal can be known for the lingering smells of left-over food caught below. Use an empty ice tray and fill the cavities with lemon wedges, water, and a dash of vanilla, lemon, orange, or peppermint extract. Freeze until solid. Drop a few cubes into the disposal and let it run until the smell is replaced. Ice cubes are also an effective way to sharpen the blades of your garbage disposal.
Hands left smelly after all that cleaning? Add a couple of drops of peppermint extract to a paper towel and use it to dry your hands after washing them. Once the chores are all done, it’s time to make sure the clean scent sticks around.
Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh with Vanilla and Flavor Extracts
DIY Air Freshener
Simply take a cotton ball and soak it in 1-2 teaspoons of Pure Vanilla Extract for a classic sweet, mellow scent. Try Tahitian Pure Vanilla Extract for a vanilla scent with fruity notes. Place the vanilla-soaked cotton ball in a small bowl and place it in the desired spot for freshening. Be sure to keep the soaked cotton ball in a bowl as vanilla extract can cause stains. We recommend this option for small spaces like cupboards, the refrigerator or under a seat in the car.
DIY Room Mist
To make a DIY room mist, all you need is your favorite extract, a cup of water and a spray bottle. Whether you love Pure Vanilla Extract or the fragrant Orange Extract, try adding 3 tablespoons to a cup of water and mist as desired. Mix the two for a dreamy and creamy, sweet orange blend. Try mixing and matching other flavors like Pure Lemon Extract and Rose Water to create your desired scent.
How to Make a Simmer Pot
Simmer pots are cleaning’s latest trend. They are like having dessert after a long day – the perfect way to elevate your mood! After you have finished a deep clean, keep the house smelling fresh with just a few ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
Start by filling a pot with water and placing it over low heat. Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract or your favorite flavor extracts, like Rose Water, Pure Lemon Extract, Orange Blossom Water, or Pure Peppermint Extract. Add in complementary ingredients to get your desired fragrance, like citrus peels, pear or apple skins, rosemary, cinnamon, ginger, pumpkin spice or peppercorns. Try William-Sonoma’s Signature Simmer Pot Recipe for a fool-proof way to get great smelling results.
Brighten Up with Vanilla
Lastly, let the vanilla scent really shine by adding a drop or two of pure vanilla extract to a cotton swab and dabbing it onto the outside of a lightbulb. When you turn on the light, your home will begin to smell like warm vanilla and freshly baked goods without any synthetic candles or air fresheners. Do not overheat.
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