Cleaner at 5-star hotel reveals why you MUST start leaving cinnamon out & it's amazing in bedrooms not just the kitchen

The Sun

10-07-2025

EVER walked into a luxury hotel room and wondered how it smells so fresh, clean and comforting?
A cleaner for high-end, five-star hotels has revealed that they don't rely on expensive sprays or plug-ins, but on a simple pantry staple: cinnamon.
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This £1 hack has been quietly used in upscale hotels for years to give rooms a warm, inviting scent without overpowering chemicals — and it works just as well at home.
Samantha Reed, 41, who worked as a senior housekeeper at a five-star hotel in central London for over 12 years, said: 'Guests always ask what we use to make the rooms smell so nice.
'The secret is often something as simple as a jar of cinnamon.
'It gives off a subtle, spicy scent that makes the whole space feel clean and cosy — without that fake perfume smell.'
Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, a natural compound responsible for its distinctive scent.
When exposed to warm air, it slowly releases vapours that neutralise odours and create a pleasant fragrance in enclosed spaces.
Unlike artificial air fresheners that mask smells, cinnamon actually helps absorb unpleasant odours — especially musty smells that linger in bedrooms, bathrooms, and wardrobes.
An expert from Plumbworld said: 'Cinnamon isn't just for baking — it's a gentle, natural deodoriser that works well in small spaces where stale air builds up.'
A jar of ground cinnamon or a bundle of sticks costs as little as £1–£1.50 and lasts up to two weeks per use.
Compared to buying plug-in air fresheners or chemical sprays (£2–£4 each), a monthly cinnamon refill could save you around £30–£50 per year — all while reducing plastic waste and avoiding overpowering artificial scents.
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The expert advised: 'This method is especially helpful in bathrooms where steam and moisture can cause musty smells.
'Cinnamon doesn't just mask the air — it refreshes it naturally.'
WHERE TO PUT IT
The best places to leave cinnamon are guest bedrooms, bathrooms or ensuites, under-stairs cupboards, wardrobes and linen drawers, and utility rooms or cloakrooms.
These smaller, often enclosed areas are more prone to lingering smells and poor ventilation, which the cinnamon can help counteract naturally.
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If you want to go further with natural room scents and leave your home smelling like a five-star resort, you can also leave a bowl of baking soda with a few drops of lavender oil under the sink.
Alternatively, you can tuck dryer sheets inside cushion covers or curtains, or simmer citrus peels and cloves in a pot of water for a seasonal scent boost.
A final tip is to spray linen with a mix of water and essential oil for a light fabric refresh.
YOU don't need any fancy diffusers or electricity to try this hack...
Find a small glass jar or ramekin — even a clean jam jar will do.
Add 2–3 teaspoons of ground cinnamon or 3–4 cinnamon sticks.
Place the jar in a warm spot — such as near a window that gets sunlight, on a radiator shelf, or beside your bathroom sink.
Replace the cinnamon every 10–14 days, or top it up as needed.
For an extra boost, you can add a few drops of essential oil (like vanilla, clove or orange) to the mix.
The warmth activates the cinnamon's scent, helping it gently fill the room — without any smoke, sprays or electricity.
Hotel cleaner Samantha Reed adds: 'I use it in my own home now too. It's ideal in places like wardrobes, guest rooms, or even the downstairs loo.
"And there's no plastic waste or artificial smells to worry about.'