There are times during the summer when opening the windows just isn’t enough to make your home feel fresh.

Long days, freshly cut grass, backyard gatherings, grilling outside, and air conditioners running around the clock can all leave your home feeling like it needs a little reset.

One of my favorite ways to naturally freshen a home is with a simmer pot.

A simmer pot gently fills your home with the fresh scent of herbs, citrus, and spices using ingredients you may already have in your kitchen or garden. It takes just a few minutes to prepare and has become one of those small routines that helps make everyday living feel a little lighter.

Many people enjoy fresh herbs like mint and rosemary during allergy season because they create a clean, refreshing aroma throughout the home. While a simmer pot isn’t a treatment for allergies, it can be a simple way to make your home feel fresh, welcoming, and inviting.

Fresh Air Blend

A refreshing combination of herbs and citrus that’s perfect during the summer months.

Ingredients

5 to 6 fresh sprigs of mint

2 sprigs of fresh rosemary

1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced

1 lemon or lime, sliced

2 or 3 fresh eucalyptus leaves (optional)

4 to 6 cups of water

Directions

Fill a medium saucepan with 4 to 6 cups of water.

Add the mint, rosemary, ginger, citrus slices, and optional eucalyptus.

Bring the water to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer.

Allow the mixture to simmer gently while you’re home, checking the water every 30 to 45 minutes and adding warm water as needed. Never allow the pot to boil dry.

When you’re finished, let the mixture cool completely before placing a lid on the pan and storing it in the refrigerator. As long as the ingredients still smell fresh, they can usually be reheated for three to four days.

Stove or Slow Cooker?

Both methods work beautifully.

A saucepan on the stove is perfect when you’re home for a few hours and want to enjoy the fresh aroma throughout the day.

If you’d rather not use the stovetop, place the ingredients in a small slow cooker with the lid removed or slightly ajar and set it on Low. The gentle heat slowly releases the fragrance throughout your home without needing to use a burner.

Whichever method you choose, check the water level occasionally and add more as needed. Never allow the water to evaporate completely.

Gigi Says…

Fresh herbs release even more fragrance if you gently bruise them between your fingers before adding them to the water.

If you’re making a simmer pot for the first time, start with fewer ingredients. You can always add more next time if you’d like a stronger scent.

More Summer Simmer Pot Blends

Backyard Breeze

Fresh lime

Fresh mint

Fresh rosemary

A bright, clean scent that’s perfect after spending the day outdoors.

Citrus Garden

Fresh lemon

Fresh basil

Fresh mint

Light, crisp, and ideal for sunny afternoons.

Kitchen Refresh

Fresh lemon

Fresh ginger

Fresh rosemary

A wonderful blend after cooking fish, bacon, or foods with strong aromas.

Sunshine Citrus

Fresh orange

Fresh lime

Fresh mint

A cheerful citrus blend that’s perfect before friends and family stop by.

Helpful Tips

Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the brightest, cleanest scent.

Keep the water at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil.

If anyone in your home has asthma or fragrance sensitivities, begin with a shorter simmer and discontinue use if the aromas become irritating.

After cooling, refrigerate the mixture and reuse it until the fragrance begins to fade, usually three to four days.

A simmer pot is intended to naturally freshen your home and create a pleasant atmosphere. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent allergies or any other medical condition.

Continue with Your Next Step

The Simmer Pot Collection is just getting started.

Coming soon you’ll find seasonal simmer pot blends, DIY simmer pot gift jars, printable gift tags, holiday simmer pots, and simple recipes to help make your home feel fresh all year long.

Keep Smiling,

Gigi