As soon as January hits, I switch up my simmer scent from my favorite cranberry and orange one to a lemon one!! It feels fresh, yet still cozy. Perfect for January winter days. To refresh your home in the new year.

If you're looking for a non-toxic and simple way to scent your space, a homemade stovetop simmer pot is the perfect solution and my go-to way to make my home smell welcoming and warm! Here, combining lemon, rosemary, and cinnamon, this will be like a DIY air freshener for your home. It will fill it with a warm, inviting aroma while avoiding the synthetic chemicals found in most candles and air fresheners. Plus, it’s an incredibly easy to make and customizable to suit your preferences!!! I just love it!

Why I LOVE a Stovetop Scent?

Unlike artificial air fresheners, stovetop scents rely on natural ingredients and free of harmful chemicals. Making them safe for your family and the environment - two things that are important to me. And you likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen (or garden!). A stovetop simmer pot is also a sustainable option, as it allows you to use up leftover produce or herbs before they go to waste. One of my friends recently used the rest of an apple and orange from breakfast to make one and I just loved that!

The Benefits of Lemon, Rosemary, and Cinnamon

This particular combination of three ingredients offers more than just a pleasant fragrance for your home.

Lemon: This citrus fruit is known for its bright, citrusy scent. Lemon also helps eliminate odors and promotes a sense of freshness and cleanliness. Why I love using it for a new year simmer scent!
Rosemary: This particular herb adds an earthy, herbal note and it is often associated with relaxation and mental clarity. Yes, please.
Cinnamon: This spice is warm and comforting. I find that cinnamon brings a cozy touch to your home and also pairs beautifully with the citrus and herb!

I find that together, those three ingredients are the perfect amount of fresh yet also cozy and relaxing!

Lemon, Rosemary, Cinnamon Simmering Stovetop Scent

The ingredients

1 lemon, sliced
2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary (or 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary)
2-3 cinnamon sticks
4-5 cups of water

Optional additions!!

A teaspoon of vanilla extract for added warmth
A few whole cloves for a spicy kick
Orange slices for a sweeter citrus note

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the lemon into thin rounds and gather your rosemary and cinnamon sticks. If you’re using additional ingredients, have them ready as well.
Combine in a Pot: Place all the ingredients in a small to medium-sized pot and add 4-5 cups of water, enough to cover the ingredients.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered, adding more water as needed to prevent it from drying out. You can keep the pot simmering for several hours, as long as you periodically check the water level.
Reuse and Compost: Once you’re done, you can refrigerate the mixture and reuse it for a couple of days. When it’s time to dispose of it, compost the ingredients to reduce waste!!

My Simmering tips!

Use a slow cooker or small crockpot if you don’t want to monitor the stove.
Experiment with different ingredient combinations to create your signature scent! I have tried different variations over the years and usually land on one that I keep doing over and over!
Keep an eye on the water level to ensure the pot doesn’t run dry.

I hope you give this a try and enjoy a cozy, naturally scented home that sets the tone for a bright and uplifting year ahead!!! If you do it, be sure to tag me at @urban.apron so I can see it and we can connect!