4 Effortless Simmer Pot Recipes To Make Your Home Smell Amazing

Spring is a time of renewal, and what better way to refresh your home than with the lovely scents of springtime potpourri? Not only is potpourri a great alternative to candles, but the ingredients are so simple that you probably already have them sitting around the house. Whether you’re looking for a way to brighten up your home after a long winter, or you’re simply in the mood for a new scent, springtime potpourri is the perfect solution. Today, I’m sharing a few simmer pot recipes you can try this spring.

What is a Simmer Pot?

A simmer pot, also known as stovetop potpourri, is a pot of water and fresh ingredients that produce a beautiful aroma to keep your home smelling fragrant. As the ingredients simmer on your stovetop (usually at a very low temperature), they release natural aromas that leave your home smelling fresh and cozy. Think of it as a natural air freshener! I love using a simmer pot as a natural alternative to scented candles, they’re also very easy and inexpensive to put together. 

What Can I Simmer To Make My House Smell Good?

Simmer pots are one of my favorite ways to incorporate fragrance into our home, especially when we have company coming over. I love how easy they are to put together! You can truly use any fruits, herbs, and spices you have on hand and they always smell amazing.

When putting together your simmer pot, think about the ingredients you currently have in your home and any items you can quickly collect outside. Once you have all of the ingredients you want to use, you’ll simply fill a small pot (this pot is a favorite of ours!) with water and bring it to a boil. 

Once the water comes to a boil, add the ingredients you want to use and continue to boil for a few minutes before turning the heat down to a simmer. While a simmer pot can stay on your stovetop for a while, make sure to keep an eye on it and add water as needed! 

If you are going to be using a slow cooker, fill the pot most of the way with water, add your ingredients, put the lid back on, and turn to high. Once you have steam rolling off the lid, take it off and set it to low or simmer. Add water as needed and always keep it at least halfway full.

Some of my favorite simmer pot ingredients are citrus, cranberries, whole spices, herbs, and flowers. To help you get started, I’m sharing some of my favorite summer simmer pot recipes below!

4 Effortless Simmer Pot Recipes To Make Your Home Smell Amazing

Citrus Spice Delight (pictured)

This concoction of cozy cinnamon and springtime citrus is perfect for that transitional time from winter to spring. This is one of our favorites for spring and is constantly on our stovetop while tackling spring projects!

• 2 sliced lemons
• 2 sprigs of mint
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cups of water

Simmer this recipe while you perform your annual spring cleaning for an invigorating refresh.

Orange Ginger Renewal

This spring simmer pot recipe wakes up your senses and revitalizes your home for sunny new beginnings.

• ¼ cup of sliced ginger root
• 2 sliced oranges
• 4 cups of water

Ginger Lime Refresher

A bright and clean stovetop potpourri scent that shoos away the winter blues.

• 3 sliced limes
• 3 sprigs of mint
• 2 sprigs thyme
• ¼ cup of sliced ginger root
• 4 cups of water

Grapefruit Ginger Zest

This simmer pot recipe gives off a crisp and awakening aroma, the perfect salute to clear spring mornings.

• 2 sliced grapefruits
• 2 sprigs of mint
• ¼ cup of sliced ginger root
• 4 cups of water

How Long Does Stovetop Potpourri Last?

Not only does stovetop potpourri smell absolutely delicious, but it also stays fragrant and you can use the same potpourri for multiple days. Typically, I get the most fragrant aromas on day one but I can use the same batch for three to four days. If you’re planning on using the same simmer pot for multiple days, make sure you keep an eye on the water levels (never let it get below halfway) and always keep the lid on when not in use. 

Stovetop potpourri is a simple and affordable way to freshen up your home with the delightful scents of the season. So try it out and let me know your favorite one!

Love this post and want more? Here’s my favorite fall stovetop potpourri recipe!