The essentials

Essential oils are highly concentrated natural substances distilled from flowers, herbs, spices, fruits and woods. At approximately £6 per bottle, they last a long time and can be found in pharmacies and health shops nationwide. A word of caution. Be careful when using them. Always read instructions and remember, less is best, and they should always be diluted in water or a base oil. Overuse can cause irritation or harm, especially when pregnant.

Through the keyhole

The estate agent's advice to have the smell of baking and coffee brewing to help sell your house is not to be scoffed at, as it can be supported by scientific research.

According to Roja Dove, Guerlain's perfume expert, in perfume making, the "keyhole theory" maintains that an odour molecule we inhale can exactly match a sensory pad in our nostrils, and unlock a powerful association or memory.

The personal touch

Scent is a personal thing and when it comes to your home, you need to be sure you choose wisely. No point in scaring away your friends with an overpoweringly potent mix. Oils can make you happy, relaxed, invigorated, calm or just plain sleepy. Go for the ones that instantly appeal to you and see the benefits.

Nodding off

Place a clean hankie with a few drops of lavender and camomile on your pillow to help you get to sleep.

Natural cleaning

Instead of reaching out in the supermarket for a chemical-laden synthetic room spray, take the drudgery out of this task by using essential oils as a natural, alternative way to clean your home. Many oils are antibacterial and antiseptic and can be very effective when incorporated into everyday chores and the aroma almost makes it enjoyable.

Stainless and non-sticky

Many of us fell victim to the glistening stainless steel kitchen and then found it attracted greasy paw marks within minutes. Give it a polish with a few drops of lemon oil on a damp cloth and see the sparkle. Lemon is naturally antiseptic, perfect for removing grease and the smell is delicate but fresh.

Linen water

Putting scented linen water into your iron can make the whole ironing experience less painful. Buy linen water with rose, verbena or lavender, £9.99 from L'Occitane. Or make your own - use two drops of oil to 150ml of warm water. You could put a few oils with some water in a clean plant mister (not the one with the rose feed residue), and use it as a room spritz. Spritz into the air, on carpets, curtains or bed linen. It can be great for the times when you have curry, or bacon and cabbage.

Scent your wardrobe

Place a few drops of lavender oil in to the conditioner section of your washing machine. If you are tumble drying, sprinkle some drops on a clean cloth and throw it in with the clothing. The smell wafting out once the heat builds up is wonderful.

Take to the floor

When your home is filled with post-party smells, take advice from Dawna Walters, owner of The Holding Store: "Put dried rosemary on your carpets and rugs and let it sit for 10 minutes. Vacuum it up and smell the beautiful scent." Alternatively, take advice from aromatherapist Annie Warburton from Irish website aromatherap.ie and put a few drops of essential oil in your vacuum bag. For a squeaky-clean finish and a pleasant smell on wood, laminate, linoleum or tiles try two drops of lemon oil and two drops of tea tree oil in a bucket of water.

Nightcrawlers

If you have a thing about germ-filled telephone receivers or door handles, make a spritz with tea tree oil. Its reputedly magical antiseptic properties should zap the demon germs. Use drops of peppermint at access points for mice and ants. They shouldn't return.

Candle power

Candles create a special atmosphere and sense of occasion. Their calming effect and soft light is welcoming and relaxing. There is a vast selection of scented candles available - from the creme de la creme Diptique candles at £29 (Blueriu, Sth William Street, Dublin 2) to Marks & Spencer, whose delicately scented candles are a real find at £5.

Baths and beds

With bathroom odours a constant challenge, one quick fix is to fill the hand-basin with warm water and add two or three drops of oil - tea tree, geranium or bergamot - and leave for 10 minutes. For that "old sock" smell that permeates many a bedroom, put some tea tree and lavender on a damp cloth and wipe radiators or soak the oils in tissues placed strategically under beds or on radiator ducts.

Floral attraction

Finally, don't forget where these oils have come from - fresh flowers. Treat yourself and your home to glorious freesias, hyacinths and scented daffodils for a scent filled spring.

Selling your home?

Ensure a "feel-good" smell of bergamot, geranium and sandalwood uplifts all prospective buyers as they walk in. Place a burner in the hall, or even in the kitchen, burning spices such as nutmeg and ginger with lemon.