Walk into any luxury guesthouse and the first thing you notice — before the décor, before the welcome drink — is the scent. That subtle, inviting fragrance that whispers “relax, you’re somewhere special.”
At 19 on Bloekom, we’ve perfected the art of creating an atmosphere that guests remember. Here are our top 10 secrets to making your home smell absolutely divine.
1. Start With a Clean Slate
No amount of fragrance can mask a musty home. Before adding any scents:
- Open windows daily for at least 15 minutes
- Wash curtains and soft furnishings regularly
- Clean carpets and rugs (baking soda before vacuuming works wonders)
- Empty bins daily
2. The Hotel Lobby Trick: Reed Diffusers
Reed diffusers provide consistent, subtle fragrance without flames or electricity. Place them in:
- Entrance hallways (first impression!)
- Bathrooms
- Living areas
Pro tip: Flip the reeds every few days to refresh the scent.
3. Simmer Pots: The Natural Air Freshener
Fill a pot with water and add any combination of:
- Cinnamon sticks + orange peels (warm, inviting)
- Lavender + lemon (fresh, calming)
- Rosemary + vanilla extract (sophisticated)
- Apple slices + cloves (perfect for winter)
Simmer on low and let the steam carry the fragrance through your home.
4. Invest in Quality Linen Spray
We spray our sheets, towels, and curtains with a light linen mist before guests arrive. You can make your own:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 2 tablespoons vodka (helps scent last)
- 15-20 drops essential oil
Shake well, spray lightly, let dry.
5. The Coffee Trick
Place a small bowl of fresh coffee beans in your living area. They absorb odours while releasing that comforting café aroma everyone loves.
6. Bake Something
Nothing says “welcome home” like the smell of baking. Even if you’re not a baker:
- Warm a few drops of vanilla extract in the oven (150°C for 20 mins)
- Bake ready-made cookies
- Toast cinnamon on a baking tray
7. Indoor Plants That Purify
Certain plants naturally clean the air and add subtle freshness:
- Jasmine (sweet, relaxing)
- Eucalyptus (clean, spa-like)
- Lavender (calming)
- Mint (fresh, energising)
8. Strategic Candle Placement
Candles aren’t just for ambiance — they’re scent powerhouses. Our approach:
- Burn for 1 hour before guests arrive, then extinguish
- The warm wax continues releasing scent without smoke
- Place near (but not in) doorways so scent greets visitors
9. The Fabric Softener Hack
Mix 1 part fabric softener with 3 parts water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist carpets, upholstery, and curtains. As people walk and sit, the scent releases.
10. Essential Oil in Your Vacuum
Drop a few drops of essential oil onto a cotton ball and vacuum it up first. As you clean, the warm air releases the fragrance throughout your home.
Our Signature Scent Combinations
At 19 on Bloekom, we rotate our scents seasonally:
- Summer: Lemongrass + mint
- Autumn: Cinnamon + orange
- Winter: Vanilla + clove
- Spring: Lavender + eucalyptus
Experience It Yourself
Want to experience a perfectly scented, welcoming space? Book a stay at 19 on Bloekom and breathe in the difference.