"I love a good scented candle as much as the next gal, but I’ve always vaguely wondered: Are candles bad for you? Although I’m not particularly concerned that my favorite pumpkin pecan waffle candle will lead to my demise, I figure breathing in those fumes isn’t the best, especially if the candle has synthetic fragrances and petroleum-based wax. I’m no doctor, but it seems a bit sus. So what other options do you have when you want your home to smell like a spicy-sweet autumn oasis? Our favorite is the simmer pot.
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A simmer pot–also sometimes called stovetop potpourri–is the internet’s favorite hack for a great-smelling home, and honestly, it couldn’t be simpler. You start by filling a pot with some sliced fruit, herbs, whole spices, or whatever fragrant ingredients you have on hand. Then add water, bring it to a simmer on the stove, and the entire room instantly smells incredible. Picture a witch brewing up a cauldron full of bubbling potion but with sweet autumn smells.
Simmer pots are the perfect trick for guests coming over–or if you just want your house to match the vibe of your rainy-day fall movie marathon. I scoured TikTok to find the best simmer pot recipes for fall, and trust me—you will not be disappointed. Step away from the candle aisle and try one of these simmer pot recipes the next time you’re in the mood for some seasonal scents.
The fall simmer pot you’ll want to make on repeat:
@laurenschell2 Autumn simmer pot ?? your whole home will smell like fall #autumn #simmerpot #fallvibes #cozy
A simmer pot that smells like pumpkin pie:
@.kate.edwards my house smells amazing! #fall #simmerpot
A simmer pot for those who prefer apple crisp:
@mama_mila_ Reply to @jodieneumann perfect before guests come over ? #simmerpot #homefragrance
A cozy simmer pot for chilly fall days:
@_forthehome This is the most fragrant simmer pot I’ve made! Definitely a new favorite. The lemon is just???? so good! Ingredients and directions in the comments. ? #simmerpot #simmerpotrecipes
A simmer pot that requires only a few ingredients from your spice rack:
@coffeeandabook.case Letting this baby simmer for book club tonight! #fallvibes#simmerpot#fallsimmerpot
A simmer pot with coconut water for a bougie twist:
@cleanwith_kayleigh Coconut water simmer pot ?? @vitacoco #vitacocopartner #coconutwaterinsteadof #simmerpot #cleantok #natural #cleaning #hack #tipsandtricks #home
A miniature fall simmer pot that’s cute as can be:
@dearantoinette Make your space smell like fall ? ?… naturally. ((Version with the intentions will be posted later tonight for those that folllow)) #aroma #fall #halloween #basic #witch #fallsmells #pumpkin #smells #cinnamon
A simple, chai-inspired simmer pot:
@rosemaryfairy Living a chai spiced life ?? #fall #diyfall #autumnvibes #cottagecoreaesthetic #simmerpot #diyhack #chai #recipe
A simmer pot that will make your house smell like a Williams-Sonoma store:
@williamssonoma Make your home smell like our store! #williamssonoma #simmerpot #simmerpotrecipes #potpourri #homefragrance #diy #newyear #routine