Stovetop potpourri is the easiest way to make your entire house smell amazing–especially during the holiday season!
I love making this natural air freshener during the fall to make my living space feel more warm and welcoming.
This quick and cozy DIY uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
If not, just grab these items below on your next stop at the grocery store.
With a few spices, some citrus slices, and water, you have all you need to make your house fall-ready.
Perfect for a fall reset day, a holiday gathering, or anytime you want that delicious just-baked-a-pie smell without actually baking!
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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients are linked if you want to purchase them from Amazon.
- A small, medium, or large pot
- Cinnamon sticks
- Orange slices (or any citrus fruit; preferably fresh)
- Star anise (optional)
- Whole nutmeg (optional)
- Whole cloves (optional)
- Bay leaves (optional)
- Sprig of rosemary (optional)
📌 Tip: Whole spices are more fragrant and last longer, but ground spices work, too. Just add a little more if you want a stronger scent.
🫕 DIY Autumn Stovetop Potpourri Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
First, wash your citrus and slice it into rounds.
To make the most basic recipe, all you need are cinnamon sticks and citrus slices.
Everything else is optional but will definitely take your potpourri to the next level.
What’s great about this potpourri is you don’t need exact measurements for anything.
I simply eyeball my ingredients for each batch, and it comes out perfect every time!
Step 2: Add Everything to the Pot
Add your ingredients to your pot and cover them with 4-8 cups of water, depending on your pot size.
You want enough water to fully submerge everything so that your potpourri doesn’t burn.
Step 3: Boil, Simmer, and Enjoy
Place the pot on your stovetop (without a lid), set it to high heat, and bring it to a boil.
After a minute or so, lower the heat to a simmer.
At this point, you’re done.
Let your potpourri simmer for a couple of hours and enjoy!
Keep an eye on it as it’s simmering and add more water as needed.
Even after you’ve turned your stove off, the fragrance will linger in your home for the rest of the day.
🥘 Slow Cooker Stovetop Potpourri Recipe
Prefer a hands-off method?
You can opt to make your stovetop potpourri in a slow cooker!
Add your ingredients and some extra water to your slow cooker, then turn it on the lowest setting.
Leave the lid slightly ajar during this process so the steam (and scent!) can escape.
Remember to add extra water as the day goes on, if needed.
Throughout the day, you’ll notice the aromas making their way through every room of your house.
🧊 Storage Tips for Your Potpourri
- Straining Method: Let things cool, strain the ingredients, and store them in a ziplock bag in the fridge. Reuse for up to a week by adding fresh water and reheating.
- Pot Method: Leave everything in the pot, cover once cooled, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Add water and reheat on the stove or in the slow cooker.
✨ Try This Cozy DIY Yourself
This DIY stovetop potpourri recipe is the perfect activity to make your home feel cozy and inviting all season long.
It’s also an easy and relaxing way to add some mindfulness to your day.
What’s your favorite stovetop potpourri combo? Tell me below!
Peace, love, and good vibrations. ̴(•◡•)̴♡
