Fall Simmer Pot Recipes for a Cozy, Non-Toxic Home

Some of the most special memories are tied to smells, and fall simmer pot recipes make it easy to bring that feeling into your home. A gently simmering pot filled with fruit, herbs, and spices can make your whole house feel warm and peaceful. 

For years, we lit the same fall-inspired candles, not realizing how many hidden ingredients they carried. But once we made the switch to natural scents, there was no going back. It’s amazing how something so simple can make your home feel cleaner, cozier, and more “you.”

It’s a natural way to create the cozy atmosphere you love—without the toxins hiding in conventional candles and sprays. Today, we’re sharing three of our favorite simmer pot recipes, inspired by the same pure, comforting aromas found in our best-selling fall soaps and scrubs.

What’s a Simmer Pot? (And Why You’ll Love It This Fall)

A simmer pot (sometimes called stovetop potpourri) is a simple way to make your home smell amazing without using synthetic fragrances. You just add a few fresh ingredients to a pot of water and let them gently simmer.

As the steam rises, it carries the scent throughout your home. Unlike traditional air fresheners, simmer pots are completely nontoxic and can be reused a few times before disposing of the ingredients.

It’s an easy way to create that “just baked” warmth we all crave this time of year. You know, the kind that makes you want to curl up in a fluffy blanket on the couch and watch your favorite comfort movies. (You’ve Got Mail, anyone?)

How Long to Boil a Simmer Pot for All-Day Coziness

Bring your ingredients and water to a gentle boil, then reduce to low heat and let it simmer for anywhere from one to six hours. Add water every 30 to 45 minutes as it evaporates.

You can also use a small crockpot to keep the scent going all day long. When you’re finished, allow the mixture to cool before straining it into a jar, then store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat the mixture once or twice before composting the ingredients. 

Our 3 Favorite Simmer Pot Recipes for Fall

These fall simmer pot recipes were inspired by comforting scents you already know and love. Whether you’re drawn to the sweetness of apple pie, the brightness of citrus and spice, or the warmth of chai tea, there’s a blend here to match your mood.

Each one uses simple ingredients you may already have at home and takes just a few minutes to whip up. Try them out and let us know which one your family likes best! 

1. Apple Pie Simmer Pot Recipe

If you love the smell of homemade apple pie wafting through the kitchen, this one’s for you. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and the perfect background scent for baking days or crisp fall mornings. The natural sweetness of apples blends with warming spices for that true “fresh out of the oven” aroma. In a nutshell, it’s autumn nostalgia in stovetop form. 

You’ll need:

• 1-2 apples, sliced
• 3-4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 3 slices fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

This simple recipe for a simmer pot smells like comfort and warmth, without the artificial “apple spice” fragrance found in most candles. 

2. Tangerine Spice Simmer Pot Recipe

This blend is uplifting, bright, and cozy all at once. If you love our Tangerine Spice Goat Milk Soap, you’ll love this simmer pot. The citrus keeps things fresh, while rosemary and star anise add that deep, herbal note that makes your home feel alive with fall energy.

You’ll need:

• 1 orange or tangerine, sliced
• ½ cup fresh cranberries
• 2–3 fresh rosemary sprigs
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 2–3 star anise pods

Looking for a simmering potpourri pot that fills your home with holiday-ready fragrance? This is the one, and it does it without chemical sprays or overpowering synthetic oils.

3. Chai Spice Simmer Pot Recipe

Inspired by our fan-favorite Chai Tea Goat Milk Soap, this recipe is warm, spicy, and grounding—perfect for slow mornings or cozy nights in. The combination of black tea, vanilla, and cardamom creates a deep, layered aroma that smells like bliss and comfort.

You’ll need:

• 2 black tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 vanilla bean or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cardamom pods
• 3 slices fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• ½ teaspoon black peppercorns

Don’t be surprised if this fall simmer pot recipe makes you want to unwind with our Chai Tea Milk Bath so you can fully soak up the scent—it has that effect on people! 

How to Reuse and Store Your Simmer Pot

Once your simmer pot has cooled, carefully strain the liquid into a glass jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat and simmer it a few more times before tossing the ingredients.

To make your future simmer pots even easier, pour leftover liquid into ice cube trays and freeze them. When you’re ready to bask in those aromas again, just drop a few cubes into a pot of water and simmer until your home smells wonderful. 

Crunchy Tips for the Best Simmer Pot Experience

• Use fresh ingredients: Dried herbs or powdered spices won’t release the same fragrance, so always go for fresh when possible. 
• Simmer gently: Boiling burns off scents too quickly, so low heat is key.
• Add water often: Refill every 30 to 45 minutes to keep the pot from drying out.
• Experiment with ingredients: Try adding nutmeg, vanilla, or sage leaves for a twist.
• Compost the leftovers: It’s the most sustainable way to finish your simmer pot cycle.

Bring the Cozy Fall Vibes to Your Shower Routine

If you love the scent of fall filling your home, you’ll love bringing that same warmth into your shower. Bend’s Tangerine Spice and Chai Tea goat milk soaps capture those cozy aromas using only pure essential oils: no synthetic fragrance, no dyes, and no chemicals you can’t pronounce.

Each bar starts with fresh goat milk and nutrient-rich oils that deeply nourish dry skin through these cooler months. When the air turns crisp, these are the scents that make every shower feel like a comforting ritual.

Try pairing your favorite fall simmer pot recipe with one of these soaps for a full-sensory experience that’s warm, pure, and completely nontoxic. Can’t choose? With our Sweater Weather Essentials bundle, you don’t have to. 

Stir Up Seasonal Bliss, The Crunchy Way

There’s something about a simmer pot that makes life feel a little slower and sweeter. Making your house smell amazing is a definite perk, but it’s more about creating that lived-in feeling that makes everyone want to stay a little longer. 

The best fall simmer pot recipes are every crunchy girl’s secret to turning an ordinary day into something special, no synthetic fragrances or plug-ins required. For more ways to bring nontoxic comfort into your home this season, head over to The Sudsy Scoop.

Have a favorite fall simmer pot recipe? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below!