What to Use, How Much, and Why It Matters
A clean home should smell clean—but not like a chemical spill. Adding the right scent to your cleaning supplies can elevate the experience for clients, making the space feel fresher, calmer, and more finished. But it’s important to choose the right scents and use the right amount so it doesn’t overpower or irritate.

Why Scent Matters
- Smell is the strongest sense tied to memory and emotion.
- A light, fresh scent can make a home feel cleaner, even before clients notice what you scrubbed.
- Certain essential oils even have natural antibacterial or antifungal properties.
Most Popular Cleaning Scents (Client-Friendly & Safe)
🍋 Lemon
- Crisp, clean, and energizing
- Familiar and universally liked
- Natural degreaser and mood booster
Good for: kitchen sprays, floor cleaners, bathroom surface wipes
🪻 Lavender
- Calming and soft, not too sharp
- Helps create a peaceful, spa-like atmosphere
Good for: bedroom sprays, fabric refreshers, all-purpose cleaners
🌲 Eucalyptus
- Fresh, sharp, and minty-woodsy
- Clears the air and opens the lungs
Good for: bathroom sprays, toilet bombs, shower tile cleaner
🍊 Orange or Sweet Citrus
- Uplifting and cheerful
- Pairs well with vinegar-based cleaners to cut the smell
Good for: all-purpose sprays, glass cleaner, mopping solutions
🌿 Peppermint
- Clean and cool, but can be intense—use sparingly
- Natural pest repellent (ants and spiders hate it)
Good for: entryways, baseboards, trash cans, summer cleaning
How Much to Use
General rule:
- 15–30 drops of essential oil per 16 oz (2 cups) of liquid cleaner
- Start with less, especially for stronger oils like peppermint or eucalyptus
- For mopping buckets or large batches, use 10–20 drops per gallon
Important: Shake before each use—essential oils and water don’t mix naturally.
Tips for Scenting Safely
- Always use 100% pure essential oils (not fragrance oils)
- Avoid overpowering blends—subtle is better
- Test the scent in your own space before using it in a client’s home
- Offer unscented options for clients with allergies or sensitivities
Best Places to Add Scent
- All-purpose sprays
- Floor cleaners (in mop bucket or solution)
- Glass cleaner (citrus works well here)
- Trash can deodorizers (baking soda + oil combo)
- Dryer balls or towel sprays (lavender or lemon)
Final Word
A hint of the right scent can take your cleaning to the next level—but don’t overdo it. Stick with clean, familiar scents like citrus, lavender, and mint, and keep it light. You’re not trying to replace the air freshener aisle—you’re just adding a subtle finishing touch that says: this space is clean, cared for, and ready to breathe in.
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