When the holidays are in full swing, it is easy for smaller tasks such as putting winter boots away and washing door mats and entryway rugs to slip under the radar.
That is, until a musty odor hits, and you realise your entryway is far from guest-ready. That’s where this instant fragrance hack comes in. It’s a quick, fuss-free way to freshen your entryway just moments before guests arrive. No sprays, candles, or lengthy prep required.
All you need is a quality dryer sheet to get your home guest-ready in under one hour, and give your guests a fresher first impression.
What Is the Dryer Sheet Entryway Hack?
The hack is simple. All you need to do is put a fresh dryer sheet, such as the Downy Infusions Lavender and Vanilla Bean Sheets from Walmart, underneath your entryway doormat. Much like the hidden fragrance hack to scent a living room, the dryer sheets then release the fragrance slowly as people step through your door, creating a fresh first impression.
When you do not have time to deep clean an entryway in the immediate run-up to guests arriving, it is a handy trick to fake clean a house. It isn't a lasting trick, but it is a great patch for musty entryways.
Petya Holevich, house cleaning expert and supervisor at Fantastic Services, explains, 'It’s more of a masking trick than a real solution for damp or musty smells. Dryer sheets release a light scent when air circulates, so when someone steps on the mat, they can notice a faint fragrance.
'However, the effect is temporary and tends to fade quickly, especially in high-traffic entryways or in homes with persistent moisture problems. It also won’t address the underlying cause of the smells, which is usually trapped moisture, dirt, or organic debris.'
If you have the time before guests arrive, Petya suggests pairing the fragrance hack with some of the things people with nice-smelling entryways always do.
'To make this hack more impactful, there are a few strategies you can combine it with. First, make sure the doormat and the floor underneath are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Any dirt or dampness will overpower the dryer sheet’s scent,' she warns. 'Then, replace the dryer sheet regularly to maintain the fresh fragrance.'
Picking up a machine-washable doormat, such as the Ruggable doormats, makes this quicker and easier. I love how sturdy they are, and the fact that you can change out the washable top covers to suit any season without having to buy a new base mat.
Petya continues, 'You can also layer in additional elements, such as placing a small, breathable sachet of baking soda [from Walmart] and essential oils [we love these Christmas-themed essential oils from Amazon] under the mat to absorb the moisture and provide a more lasting scent.'
If your entryway smells musty because of damp, you can also improve ventilation, suggests Rhonda Wilson, quality lead cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning. Opening windows or the front door for shock ventilation when the heating is off can help to freshen the air.
The best dehumidifier can also make a difference if you need to keep a home warm all day. The Insignia 35-pint dehumidifier from Best Buy is a great option with over 1,000 five-star reviews praising it for its quiet operation and efficiency.
What to Shop
These extra-large dryer sheets are ideal for this hack, offering long-lasting fragrance and helping you make your entryway smell fresh in a pinch.
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber, neutralizing acidic and alkaline molecules by trapping them, making it a great, quick, non-toxic fix for high-traffic spots such as entryways. Sprinkle on carpets and rugs, leave for 30 minutes, then vacuum.
The Method cleaning sprays are formulated with plant-based ingredients to help you cut through grease and grime with fewer harsh chemicals. They also smell great, fragrancing your room as you clean, killing two birds with one stone.
Microfiber cloths are machine washable, meaning you can reuse them for years with proper care. Simply wash after use on a warm water cycle and gentle detergent (skip the softener) to sanitize.
A dehumidifier dries out damp spaces such as entryways, preventing odors before moisture seeps into soft furnishings or causes wider problems such as mold.
The P.F. Candles are made with non-toxic soy wax and have a fantastic scent throw, making them a wonderful addition to entryways when welcoming guests.
Meet the Experts
To really stave off odors, learn from the things people with nice-smelling entryways never do.
