Spring cleaning is in full swing, and one surprising kitchen staple could be the secret to a fresher-smelling home, and a healthier one too. Cleaning experts are urging households to add cinnamon to their vacuum cleaners for two major benefits.
After years of use, most vacuums can start to smell a little off. Whether it’s pet hair, dust or general dirt, running your hoover can sometimes leave behind more odours than it removes. But before splashing out on expensive fresheners or filters, experts suggest heading straight to your spice rack. According to cleaning pros at Lottomart, cinnamon is a “powerful, natural deodoriser with antibacterial properties”, and it can work wonders when sprinkled into your vacuum.
“Over time, dust, pet hair, and trapped dirt can create a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odours inside your vac,” they said. “Cinnamon isn’t just for cooking – it neutralises bad smells at the source while leaving behind a warm, subtle fragrance.”
To try the hack at home, you’ll need a small napkin or cotton pad, dampened with warm water. Sprinkle around 10g (roughly two teaspoons) of ground cinnamon onto the cloth and rub it in gently. Pop the cinnamon pad inside your vacuum’s bag or dustbin, wherever it won’t obstruct suction. If your vacuum is bagless, just place it inside the waste container.
Then simply hoover as normal. As you clean, the cinnamon-infused napkin will circulate through the machine, releasing a gentle bakery-like scent that lingers in the air, while also tackling nasty bacteria.
Cinnamon contains natural compounds like flavonoids, saponins, and cinnamaldehyde, all of which have been shown to have antibacterial effects. Additionally, cinnamon bark has long been used in traditional medicine for this very reason.
Best of all, a tub of ground cinnamon costs just £1 from most supermarkets, making it one of the cheapest cleaning hacks out there. A Lottomart spokesperson added: “It’s a far more pleasant, long-lasting scent compared to synthetic alternatives, and comes with the bonus of fighting germs too.”
Sprinkling cinnamon isn’t just easy, it’s also completely natural, avoiding the need for harsh artificial fragrances or expensive plug-ins. The subtle scent it releases as you clean can make your space feel instantly more welcoming.
Better still, cinnamon’s antimicrobial properties don’t just mask smells – they help neutralise bacteria in the dust and dirt picked up by your hoover. It’s a clever way to add a layer of hygiene to your regular vacuuming routine. Just remember to avoid overloading the napkin or blocking any filters, and you’re good to go. A simple spoonful of spice could be the game-changer your cleaning routine’s been waiting for.
At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Notice.
