Sniff Your Way Into Your Home

Tuesday, January 5, 2010, 11:36

When you walk through the door of a home the most familiar smells are that of a freshly made toast, a perfume and washing powder.

Researchers have identified that washing powder makes up 34 per cent of the scent.

Freshly made toast accounts for another 22 per cent of aroma, while perfume makes up 17 per cent.

Other smells include last night's dinner (10 per cent), flowers (12 per cent), damp coffee (5 per cent) and pets.

Even small things with a peculiar fragrance turns a house into a home during the Christmas season. Smells make a house a home because of its positive associations with festivals or memories shared with the loved ones. This is why so many people like fragrances associated with Christmas, as it's a happy time of year.

People respond well to familiar smells. Scents which are alien make us feel on edge until we have identified the source and assessed that it's not harmful.

Top 10 Smells found in a home

1. Air freshener

2. Washing powder

3. Last night's dinner

4. Cleaning products

5. Pets

6. Coffee

7. Candles

8. Toast

9. Perfume/aftershave

10. Sunday roast