Creating an autumn simmer pot is an easy way to make your home smell like fall! With just a few ingredients from your kitchen you can scent your home in minutes, no chemicals required!
I am a huge fan of simmer pots. I have shared a citrus simmer pot, winter simmer pot, a slow cooker version, and even how to give them as a gift! They are truly my favorite way to make my home smell amazing without having to use artificial scents and air fresheners.
FAQs
A simmer pot can also be called stovetop potpourri and simply put it is just a combinations of items added to a pot of water. You bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer and the scented water evaporates and scents your home. Super easy right?
There are so many options: cinnamon, vanilla, oranges, cloves, star anise, ginger, pine sprigs, cranberries, lemon slices, rosemary, lavender, bay leaves, nutmeg, there are so many choices!
A simmer pot can last up to 4 days depending on what you are simmering in it. If you are using cut fruit like this autumn version, I would only use it one day. Without fruit you can simple cover the simmer pot when not in use and reheat as needed up to 4 days, adding water as needed.
There is no specific amount of water you need for a simmer pot, add enough to completely cover the items you are simmering and add more as needed due to evaporation.
How to Make a Fall Stovetop Potpourri
- Cut up your fruit and add to a small pot-you can use the entire orange or just the rind, it won't matter. I used a combination of both so that my 5 year old could have oranges for a snack!
- Add about a half tablespoon of the vanilla and a couple of cinnamon sticks.
- Add water to cover the mixture and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and just barely simmer it. It only took about 10 minutes of simmering for our entire home to smell amazing.
- Add water every so often to replace the water that has evaporated.
The fun things about simmer pots is that you can experiment and play with them. Add more of one thing or less of another. Have an idea for a scent combo you might like, try it out! The more you try new combinations, the more you'll fall in love with this easy way to make your home smell amazing!
My boys love this scent-they all came downstairs from playing Legos to see what smelled so good!
I hope you love it too! Is anyone else ready for fall?
Megan says
When you turn it off, can you reuse it later?? Ot do you need to make a whole new batch?
Melissa says
yes you can reuse it, I usually refrigerate it in a large mason jar when not simmering and keep up to three days. Hope that helps! ~Melissa
Megan says
That's a really good idea (to refrigerate) yes thank you so much!!
Sierra says
If I don’t have access to cinnamon sticks... would ground cinnamon work just the same? Thanks! 🙂
Melissa says
Yes it will Sierra! ~Melissa
Maddy says
Ahhhhh, I can just smell this now. Do you ever make mulled wine? It smells so good, too, and you can DRINK IT!! I love this, I shared it in my fall crafts round up 🙂 https://kaijumaddy.com/2018/08/19/9-fall-crafts-diy-ideas/ Thank you!
Melissa says
Thanks so much for including me Maddy! ~Melissa
Sherry says
Just saw this today, 2018! And it's still hot and summery, but I so want to try this now. How many days can you use the same mixture?
Thank you,
Sherry
Charleyne says
I really want to try this out. I'm just wondering how long you let it sit in the pot (after boiling) and what you do with everything once you are done?
Melissa says
You can let it simmer indefinitely Charleyne as long as you add more water as it evaporates. I usually throw everything away when I'm done but you can also put it in a container in the fridge to reuse the next day! ~Melissa
Susan Wachtel says
Thanks so much for this autumn recipe. It looks good and I'm sure it will smell good too.
Melissa says
You're very welcome Susan! ~Melissa
Harleyann says
What do you do with everything once you are done? It seems wasteful to throw it all away.
Pat says
Have been making this for years, sometimes I use apple cider or apple juice and even orange juice. You can also use different flavors. Almond,pineapple and butter flavorings are awesome. I use just peelings from oranges and apples too. Can hardly wait til autumn, my favorite season.. love your blog.
Karen says
Hi there, these sound so good. I will try for sure. Is there any chance to bottle this like an air freshener. That would be awesome. Then we won't need febreeze. Lol. Karen
Jolene says
Thanks for sharing! I love to have something on the stove "scenting" our home. I do like you do, but I haven't thought of adding vanilla. That is such a great idea!
Nancy says
Sounds great and I can just tell it probably smells wonderful. I did start decorating just the outside a bit..not ready for the inside yet. Sure it saves quite a bit instead of spending $ on the tarts and candles in the fall scents.
Elena says
Love it and i have to try it, even though in Italy it's still very warm. But I love fall, I can't wait to decorate my house with pumpkins and pinecones and orange and brown leaves.
Donna says
While I love the scent of apples and cinnamon, I'm hanging onto the last bits of summer that I can. I am only a winter person when it comes to some decor, scents and recipes...I do not deal well with snow, ice or needing to wear a coat. I'm also am a fan of soft grass and leaves that will turn colors and new leaves and blossoms in the spring, so I realize I have to endure cold temps to bring this about. Just not quite yet for me this morning!! LOL However...my house sure could use a pot of simmering something...maybe I'll steal an orange and apple from hub's stash!! LOL What a great idea you've had for us!! thanks!
Melissa says
You're very welcome Donna! I do agree with you on the winter-I don't like when it gets very cold either, I wish we could do fall then skip straight to spring! ~Melissa
melissa says
Oh I cannot wait to do this it brings fond memories of my mom and her love for fall and preparing for the holidays. Thanks melissa
Melissa says
You're very welcome, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! ~Melissa
Kay says
Hi Melissa can you tell me how long this last?
Marge says
Bring on Autumn! So want things to cool down .
Can't wait for the crisp nights and sunny days to change the leaf colour.
Melissa says
I agree Marge, I love fall! ~Melissa
Janine says
I bet it does smell good at your place right now. I am more than ready for fall.
Melissa says
I kept the pot simmering all day-it was wonderful! ~Melissa
Vicky says
How long does the smell linger after turning the pot iff?
Melissa says
Maybe an hour? It really needs to simmer to release the scent. ~Melissa