Epsom Salt for Natural Fragrance: 7 Ways to Use It in Your Home

I’ve always been drawn to natural ways of scenting the home — herbs on the hob, essential oil blends, dried flower bundles. However, one ingredient I keep returning to for natural home fragrance is Epsom salt. Most people know it as a bath soak, but it’s surprisingly versatile in home fragrance.

Epsom Salt for Natural Fragrance: 7 Ways to Use It in Your Home

If you’re into slow living, natural scents, or just love your home smelling fresh without the synthetic stuff, you might want to give it a go.

What Is Epsom Salt?

Despite the name, Epsom salt isn’t a salt at all. It’s a naturally occurring magnesium and sulphate mineral compound, first discovered in Epsom in Surrey (hence the name). It’s most famous for relaxing baths and soothing sore muscles, but it’s also non-toxic, inexpensive, and handy around the home.

Benefits of Using Epsom Salt for Fragrance

• Holds and slowly releases scent when combined with essential oils or herbs

• Balances and disperses oils more evenly in simmer pots or sprays

• Looks beautiful in jars or sachets, especially when layered with petals or citrus

• Neutralises musty smells and helps absorb moisture

• Safe and eco-friendly (no artificial fragrances or harmful chemicals)

7 Surprising Ways to Use Epsom Salt for Natural Fragrance

1. Drawer & Wardrobe Sachets

Fill little muslin or cotton pouches with Epsom salt, dried lavender, and a few drops of essential oil. Tuck them into drawers, wardrobes, or even shoes overnight to freshen things up gently.

2. Scented Simmer Pot Blends

Add a handful of Epsom salt to your stovetop simmer pot (or candle-powered version). Mix it with dried rosemary, citrus peels, and spices. The salt helps distribute the scent more evenly and gently anchors it as it simmers.

3. Carpet & Mattress Freshener

Blend Epsom salt with baking soda and your favourite purifying oil (think eucalyptus, lemon or tea tree). Sprinkle it over carpets or mattresses, let it sit for 20 minutes, then hoover. It’s a gentle, natural way to freshen soft furnishings.

4. Decorative Scent Jars

Layer Epsom salt with dried petals, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or cloves in a glass jar. Add a few drops of essential oil to each salt layer. Leave the lid off in bathrooms or hallways for a slow-release, rustic scent display.

Decorative Scent Jars With Epsom Salt

5. Fridge or Bin Deodoriser

Place a small bowl of Epsom salt with peppermint or lemon oil in your fridge or at the bottom of the bin. It helps neutralise odours and gives off a clean, fresh smell. Just swap it out every couple of weeks.

6. Natural Room Spray

Mix 1 tsp Epsom salt with warm water and 10–15 drops of essential oil. Pour into a spray bottle and shake before use. The salt helps the oil disperse and gives a more balanced fragrance throw.

7. Radiator or Windowsill Boost

Fill a heat-safe dish or jar with scented Epsom salt near a radiator or sunny windowsill. As the salt warms, the fragrance will slowly diffuse into the room—no flame is needed.

Final Thoughts

Epsom salt is a humble little ingredient with so many uses — and if you’ve already got a bag in the bathroom cupboard, you’re halfway there. Whether you’re freshening your hallway, layering a beautiful scent jar for your bathroom, or just looking for a more natural way to care for your space, it’s a brilliant addition to your home fragrance toolkit.

If you’re interested in trying a few of these ideas, I’ve also put together a printable recipe card for Simmer Salt Blends — perfect for your next slow afternoon. Let me know if you'd like to grab a copy!

Epsom Salt for Home Fragrance – FAQ

1. Can I use table salt instead of Epsom salt in scent jars or simmer pots? Not really. Table salt doesn’t have the same texture, mineral properties, or ability to hold and slowly release scent as Epsom salt. Epsom salt’s coarse crystals work better for fragrance layering and visual appeal.

2. Will Epsom salt dissolve completely in a simmer pot? Yes, it will eventually dissolve in water, especially with heat. That’s why dried herbs and citrus are excellent for this—they help diffuse the scent gradually while adding mineral content to the steam.

3. How long do Epsom salt scent jars last? It depends on the oils used, but most jars will stay fragrant for 2–4 weeks. You can refresh them by adding a few more drops of essential oil and gently stirring the mixture.

4. Are Epsom salt jars safe to place near radiators or heaters? Yes, make sure the container is heat-safe and not sealed tightly. A little warmth helps the fragrance diffuse naturally, but avoid direct contact with flames or hot bulbs.

5. Can I reuse the Epsom salt after the scent fades? Absolutely. You can revive it with more essential oil, repurpose it for foot soaks or bath salts, or mix it into a fresh jar with new botanicals. It’s a very versatile ingredient!