I tried spraying vanilla water at my front entrance to mask odors — here’s what happened

(Image credit: Future / Camilla Sharman) I’m always open to trying a clever home hack, so when I stumbled across the latest fragrant trick to eliminate bad odors, I couldn’t wait to test it out.Best of all, this latest viral hack is ultra cheap — its key ingredient is likely already sitting in your kitchen cupboard.This popular homemade hack combines water with vanilla to create a spray. And if you’re a regular baker, it’s one ingredient that you’re bound to use on repeat.The key to this hack is to spray the fragrant water around your entranceway, creating a pleasant aroma when your walk through the door, both for yourself and guests.While it can’t replace regular cleaning with one of the best vacuums, it can help bring a lighter ambience to hallways that are prone to the odors associated with footwear.How to make vanilla water spray (Image credit: Shutterstock)What you need:Spray bottleWaterVanilla essenceI took a small spray bottle and added 1 cup of water. I then added ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, using the regular grocery store brand I use when I bake. I gave the bottle a good shake to mix the solution.How to use the vanilla water sprayOnce the ingredients were blended, I sprayed the solution around my entranceway, both inside and outside of the front door. You can spray the solution on your flooring, doormats, carpet and curtains, but do be mindful of some materials. I kept the spray away from my hallway wallpaper.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Did the vanilla water spray work?According to Science Direct, vanilla contains the compound vanillin, which is primarily responsible for the characteristic flavor and smell of vanilla. Although it states it has sedative properties and can alleviate anxiety, I was keen to discover if it can actually eliminate odors or mask them.I’d like to think that vanilla can neutralize odors, but it doesn’t. Instead, it works solely by overwhelming our olfactory receptors and masks odors such as spoiled eggs, pet urine and garbage smells.However, it is a popular fragrance. In fact, as stated in research by Charles Spence into Olfactory hedonics at Oxford University, “vanilla is the world’s favorite flavor and fragrance.”So, although vanilla can’t banish odors, it’s a popular choice for room sprays. What’s more, making a homemade solution of water and vanilla doesn’t contain any harmful VOCs, which might be present in alternative products such as aerosol sprays and scented candles. In this scenario, I’d choose it as my preferred product.My verdictVanilla water spray creates a beautiful aroma that will certainly create a pleasant ambiance if you are expecting guests, or even trying to sell your property. Still, it doesn’t have the clout to eliminate odors.If you really want to cut the bad smells, baking soda is a much better pantry staple, or I’d recommend investing in an air purifier with an activated carbon filter. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. More from Tom's Guide3 best air-purifying flowers to help clean indoor air — and they’re NASA-approved7 simple ways to improve air quality in your home without a purifier9 reasons why every home needs a peace lily, according to experts Camilla is the Homes Staff Writer and covers everything to do with homes and gardens. She has a wealth of editorial experience, mounting over 30 years, and covers news and features, tests products for reviews and compiles buying guides. Her work has appeared in business and consumer titles, including Ideal Home, Real Homes, House Beautiful, Homebuilding & Renovation, and Kitchen & Bathroom Business. She’s even appeared on the cover of Your Home, writing about her own house renovation. Although she’s obsessed with decorating her home, she also enjoys baking and trying out the latest kitchen appliances. But when she’s not inside, you’ll find her pottering about in her yard, tending to her vegetable patch or taking in her prized hydrangeas.