Nothing beats stepping into a home that smells warm, cozy, and inviting—and simmer pots are one of the easiest ways to make that magic happen.
Also called “stovetop potpourri,” simmer pots use real, natural ingredients like citrus, herbs, spices, and fruits to gently perfume your home without chemicals, artificial sprays, or overpowering candles.
Whether you want your house to smell like fall baking, a citrus grove, a luxury spa, or a festive holiday market, there’s a simmer pot recipe here for every mood.
Below you’ll find everything you need:
✔ What simmer pots are
✔ How to use them safely
✔ Tips to make scents last longer
What Is a Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot is exactly what it sounds like: a pot of water filled with aromatic ingredients that gently simmers on the stovetop (or in a slow cooker). As it warms, it releases a long-lasting, natural fragrance throughout your home.
People love simmer pots because they’re:
– Non-toxic
– Cheap to make
– Customizable
– Cozy and nostalgic
– Perfect for holidays, guests, and everyday mood-setting
How to Use a Simmer Pot
Using a simmer pot is incredibly simple:
- Fill a pot ¾ full with water.
- Add your chosen fruits, herbs, and spices.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce to the lowest simmer.
- Add water every 30–45 minutes so it doesn’t evaporate.
You can simmer for hours, refreshing ingredients as needed.
Simmer Pot Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh citrus for the strongest scent.
- Add whole spices (not powdered) to avoid cloudiness.
- Use a mini slow cooker for all-day fragrance with zero supervision.
- Freeze ingredient combos into ready-to-use simmer pot bags.
- Use distilled water if you want a cleaner, longer scent.
15+ Simmering Pot Recipes That Make Your Home Smell Incredible
Below are complete recipes formatted in the same depth as SpongeHacks.
If you want more, I can extend to 25+.
1. Cozy Winter Orange & Clove
A warm, comforting blend that smells like holiday hugs and homemade baked goods.
Ingredients:
- 1 orange (sliced)
- 1 tbsp whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups cranberries (optional)
Instructions:
Add ingredients to a pot of simmering water and keep heat low. Refill water as needed.
Smells Like: A cozy holiday kitchen with mulled spices.
Optional Add-Ins: Star anise, nutmeg, or cardamom pods.
2. Lemon Fresh Clean-House Blend
Perfect for cleaning day or when guests are coming over.
Ingredients:
- 2 lemons (sliced)
- Fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp vanilla
- A few eucalyptus leaves (or a drop of oil)
Instructions:
Simmer on low and let the citrus oils perfume the air.
Smells Like: Crisp, bright, clean, and energizing.
Optional Add-Ins: Lavender buds, lime slices.
3. Fall Apple Pie Simmer Pot
This classic fall blend instantly feels like October.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple (sliced)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp allspice berries
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1 orange peel
Instructions:
Simmer ingredients on low heat.
Smells Like: A warm apple pie baking in the oven.
Optional Add-Ins: A splash of maple syrup.
4. Spa Day Eucalyptus Mint
Clean, refreshing, and perfect for opening sinuses.
Ingredients:
- Fresh eucalyptus
- Fresh mint
- 1 lime (sliced)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- A few basil leaves
Smells Like: A luxury spa or steam room.
Optional Add-Ins: Lemon slices or a sprig of rosemary.
5. Christmas Market Cranberry Spice
Rich, fruity, and festive.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 orange (sliced)
- 1 tbsp cloves
- 1–2 star anise
Smells Like: A Christmas market full of mulled wine and winter treats.
Optional Add-Ins: Pine sprigs.
6. Spring Garden Herbal Blend
Fresh and botanical.
Ingredients:
- Fresh lavender
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh rosemary
- 1 lemon (sliced)
Smells Like: A blooming herb garden in springtime.
Optional Add-Ins: Mint or basil.
7. Summer Citrus Burst
A bright, cheerful scent for warm days.
Ingredients:
- 1 grapefruit (sliced)
- 1 orange
- 1 lemon
- Fresh mint
Smells Like: A sunlit citrus grove.
Optional Add-Ins: Lime or a splash of orange juice.
8. Vanilla Chai Latte simmer pot
Warm, sweet, and luxurious.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cardamom pods
- 1 tsp allspice berries
- 1 small nub ginger (sliced)
Smells Like: A cozy coffee shop.
Optional Add-Ins: A splash of almond extract.
9. Forest Cabin Pine & Cedar
Earthy and grounding.
Ingredients:
- Pine sprigs
- Cedar twigs
- Bay leaves
- 1 orange peel
Smells Like: Fresh forest air after rain.
Optional Add-Ins: Cinnamon or clove.
10. Romantic Rose & Citrus
Soft, floral, and refreshing.
Ingredients:
- Fresh rose petals
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- ½ orange (sliced)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Smells Like: A clean, lightly floral luxury candle.
Optional Add-Ins: Lavender buds or hibiscus.
11. Gingerbread House Blend
Sweet, warm holiday nostalgia.
Ingredients:
- Fresh ginger
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
- Vanilla
- Brown sugar (just a pinch)
Smells Like: Warm gingerbread baking.
Optional Add-Ins: Nutmeg.
12. Cozy Reading Nook Blend
Soft and comforting.
Ingredients:
- Apple slices
- Vanilla
- Cinnamon
- Rosemary
Smells Like: A blanket, a book, and a warm drink.
Optional Add-Ins: Cardamom.
13. Clean Laundry Simmer Pot
Fresh and airy without artificial scents.
Ingredients:
- Lemon slices
- Lavender
- Eucalyptus
- 1 bay leaf
Smells Like: Freshly washed sheets drying in the sun.
Optional Add-Ins: Mint.
14. Tropical Island Simmer Pot
Bright, fruity, and uplifting.
Ingredients:
- Pineapple chunks
- Lime slices
- Coconut extract (tiny splash)
- Fresh mint
Smells Like: A beach resort.
Optional Add-Ins: Orange slices.
15. Holiday Sugar Cookie Simmer Pot
Sweet and comforting.
Ingredients:
- Vanilla
- Almond extract
- Cinnamon
- Lemon peel
Smells Like: A tray of buttery cookies cooling on the counter.
Optional Add-Ins: A pinch of brown sugar.
16. Morning Wake-Up Blend
Fresh and energizing.
Ingredients:
- Citrus peels
- Fresh ginger
- Mint
- Basil
Smells Like: Crisp morning air.
Optional Add-Ins: Lime or rosemary.
17. Autumn Woods & Spice
Smoky, spicy, nostalgic.
Ingredients:
- Apple peel
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Pine sprigs
Smells Like: A walk through fall woods.
18. Candy Cane Christmas Simmer Pot
This blend instantly transforms your home into a playful, peppermint-scented holiday wonderland. It’s bright, nostalgic, and perfect if you love the fresh, sweet scent of candy canes.
Ingredients:
- 2–3 candy canes (broken into pieces)
- Fresh mint leaves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 orange peel
- A small handful of cranberries (optional for color)
Instructions:
Add ingredients to a pot of simmering water and keep heat on the lowest setting. Stir occasionally to help the candy canes dissolve evenly.
Smells Like:
A peppermint shop mixed with a warm holiday bakery — sweet, minty, and cheerful.
Optional Add-Ins:
Cinnamon sticks, star anise, or a splash of almond extract for extra sweetness.
19. Christmas Tree Farm Simmer Pot
If you love the crisp, nostalgic scent of walking through a real Christmas tree lot, this is the recipe that brings that feeling indoors. Fresh greens and spices combine into a classic December aroma.
Ingredients:
- Fresh pine sprigs
- Cedar or fir clippings
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 orange peel
- 2–3 bay leaves
- A few whole cloves
Instructions:
Simmer all ingredients on low, adding water every 30 minutes to keep the evergreen aroma strong and steady.
Smells Like:
A freshly cut Christmas tree surrounded by sweet winter spices — earthy, crisp, and wonderfully festive.
Optional Add-Ins:
Cranberries, nutmeg, or a little rosemary to deepen the “forest” scent.
Final Thoughts
Simmer pots are one of the most timeless, budget-friendly, and customizable ways to make your home smell amazing.
With just a handful of natural ingredients — citrus, herbs, spices, or festive add-ins — you can fill your home with warmth, freshness, comfort, or holiday cheer.
Whether you’re going for cozy autumn vibes, fresh spring mornings, or Christmas magic, these 19+ simmering pot recipes give you everything you need to set the perfect mood in every season.
I’m Anastasios Moulios, co-founder of DIY Cozy Living. I enjoy finding creative, practical ways to make small spaces feel warm, stylish, and lived-in — whether it’s a camper, a backyard, or a cozy room inside. I started this blog with Katerina to share real ideas that make home feel a little more personal and a lot more comfortable.
