10 Ways to Use Vanilla Outside of the Kitchen

Vanilla is popular worldwide, known for its sweet and comforting aroma. It is commonly found in kitchens, where vanilla can be used to enhance the flavor of desserts, beverages, and even savory dishes. But the uses for vanilla go far beyond culinary - this versatile ingredient can be incorporated into various aspects of your daily life, providing a sense of luxury and warmth. If you have vanilla that is no longer fresh for cooking or simply want the wonderful smell in other areas of your life, here are ten ways you can incorporate it into other projects.

• Natural Air Freshener

The scent of vanilla is its most distinctive quality, and while you can buy plenty of artificial products to make your home smell fresh, there’s nothing like the natural thing.

To create a natural air freshener, add a few drops of real vanilla extract to a cotton ball and place it in a small dish. Position the dish in any room where you want to enjoy a pleasant vanilla aroma. For a more intense scent, you can add vanilla extract to a spray bottle filled with water and lightly mist it around your home. This simple solution not only hides other odors, but creates a cozy and pleasant ambiance in your home.

• Homemade Vanilla Candles

If you want the warm scent of vanilla in something more aesthetically pleasing, like a candle, learning to make candles can be fun and surprisingly easy.

Start by melting candle wax and mixing in a few drops of vanilla extract or vanilla essential oil; be sparing and add more scent later, rather than overdoing it to begin with. Pour the mixture into a candle mold with a wick and let it cool. Once set, light these candles to enjoy the soothing vanilla fragrance during your relaxation time or as a lovely addition to your home decor. These candles even make thoughtful and personalized gifts for friends and family!

• Vanilla-Scented Potpourri

Potpourri is an excellent way to add a long-lasting, pleasant smell to any room; you can find plenty in the store, but using fresh ingredients makes it more potent.

To make your own vanilla-scented potpourri, combine dried flowers, herbs, and spices of your choice with a few drops of vanilla extract or vanilla essential oil. Place the mixture in a decorative bowl or sachet, and place it in any room you want to be infused with the scene of vanilla. In addition to smelling great, potpourri can also add a nice visual touch to vases and bowls in your home.

• DIY Vanilla Reed Diffuser

Reed diffusers are a stylish and effective way to keep your home smelling fresh, with a modern twist on other scented products.

To create a DIY vanilla reed diffuser, fill a small glass bottle with a carrier oil, such as almond or jojoba oil, and add several drops of vanilla essential oil. Insert a handful of reed sticks into the bottle so that they soak up the oil and diffuse the vanilla scent throughout the room. This method provides a constant and subtle fragrance, making your home feel warm and inviting. It’s a favorite in bathrooms and mud rooms especially.

• Vanilla Perfume

If you’d rather smell like vanilla yourself, creating a perfume is another option that can let you carry the scent with you all day. 

Mix vanilla essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil, and pour the blend into a small roller bottle or spray bottle. Apply your homemade vanilla perfume to your wrists, neck, and pulse points for a subtle fragrance. You can even experiment with adding other essential oils to create a custom scent.

• Vanilla Bath

You can use vanilla to level-up your relaxation even further and use it in the bathtub.

Mix a few drops of vanilla extract or vanilla essential oil with a carrier oil and pour it into your bathwater. The vanilla will create a soothing bath, leaving your skin feeling soft and subtly scented. As a bonus, the calming aroma of vanilla can help to relax your mind and body.

• Vanilla-Scented Body Scrub

If you aren’t one for baths, you can bring vanilla into the shower with a homemade vanilla-scented body scrub.

Combine sugar or salt with coconut oil and a few drops of vanilla extract or vanilla essential oil. Use this scrub in the shower to gently exfoliate your skin, leaving it smooth and hydrated with a vanilla scent. This natural and effective body scrub is perfect for pampering yourself and can also be packaged as a gift for loved ones.

• Vanilla-Infused Hair Treatment

Vanilla can even be used as a part of your hair care routine!

Create a vanilla-infused hair treatment by mixing vanilla essential oil with a carrier oil, like coconut or argan oil. Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the ends, and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before washing it out. This treatment will leave your hair feeling soft and silky, and regular use can help to nourish and strengthen your hair.

• Vanilla-Scented Linen Spray

Instead of a chemical-laden fabric spray, you can use vanilla to create your own natural version.

Combine distilled water and vanilla extract or vanilla essential oil in a spray bottle. Lightly mist your bed sheets, pillowcases, and other linens with this spray to enjoy the calming vanilla scent as you rest. This simple solution can also be used to freshen up curtains, upholstery, and even clothing, making your entire home smell delightful.

• Vanilla DIY Soap

Making your own soap not only lets you use vanilla in a unique way, but it can also be a fun project as you add shapes and various ingredients to make the soap your own.

Add vanilla extract or vanilla essential oil to your soap mixture during the making process. The result will be a bar of soap with a rich, comforting vanilla scent that leaves your skin feeling pampered. Homemade vanilla soap not only provides a pleasant aroma but also offers the benefits of natural ingredients, making it a better choice for your skin care.

Vanilla is an essential ingredient in any kitchen, but its versatility doesn’t stop there. If you can’t get enough vanilla scent, these are our favorite projects to help you enjoy its benefits at home.

At Vanilla Bean Kings, we provide high-quality vanilla products perfect for all your creative uses. Explore our selection of vanilla beans, extracts, and more to find the perfect addition to your home today.