Almost half of Brits put off having guests over - as they worry their home smells bad

Almost half of Brits worry their home smells due to pets, smoke, or dirty drains – with many refusing to host guests as a result.

A study of 2,000 adults found three-quarters believe the way a person’s home smells leaves a long-lasting impression on those that visit – and two in five will do anything to ensure it has a good scent.

The average adult spends £121 per year on items to improve their home’s aroma – from vacuum scent bags to lemons and onions, and even bread-scented candles.

The research, commissioned by Scentsy, found when having company over, half said their homes must smell better beforehand, and 22% hold off having guests over at all if their abode isn’t up to scratch.

Three in ten have given their home a 'signature scent' - like their cooking or their favourite candle (Scentsy/SWNS)

The worst smells that can stop people from hosting include smoke (40%), pets (40%), and sink water (39%).

While others hate the smell of burnt cooking (37%) and even kids (14%).

Instead, people would prefer to be greeted with something floral (55%), sweet (25%), or savoury (13%) when visiting someone’s home.

But one in four (26%) don’t really care about other people’s properties, while 64% will continue hosting regardless of the state of their own pad.

However, two-thirds (65%) admit they judge others by how clean their homes are.

Overall, 45% love how their own home smells, and 47% are used to the familiar aroma as they walk in the door.

A spokesman for Scentsy said: “Fragrance is processed in the brain’s olfactory bulb, which is why it’s so closely tied to memory.

“Senses like touch, vision and auditory stimulus are processed through a completely different part of the brain. That’s why smells are often more powerful than any other human sense.”

More than a quarter (29%) of Brits have given their home a “signature scent” – described as their favourite candle (40%), floral (40%), their cooking (34%), or sweet (29%).

Their home’s scent makes them feel relaxed (60%), happy (45%), and even nostalgic (26%).

But over half (53%) of those polled, via OnePoll, said their entire day can be improved when they surround themselves with a good odour.

A further seven in ten of those who occasionally work from home said their workspace is more enjoyable if their home smells good.

Similarly, 56% of people said doing chores around the home is more enjoyable if their home smells pleasant.

Scentsy’s spokesman added: “When you’re feeling low or having trouble focusing, the right scent can make you feel more alert and proactive.”

TOP FIVE THINGS PEOPLE CARE ABOUT MOST WHEN HAVING GUESTS OVER:

1. How clean their home is
2. How their home looks
3. How their home smells
4. Where guests can sit/relax
5. Having food prepared

HOW A SIGNATURE SCENT MAKES PEOPLE FEEL:

1. Relaxed
2. Happy
3. Nostalgic
4. Energetic
5. Hungry