This $25 H-E-B haul makes your house smell better than a candle

Candles are nice, but they don’t always do the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping your house smelling fresh. At H-E-B, you can grab affordable products that not only make your home smell better but also tackle the real sources of odors.

With $25, you can pick up a mix of cleaners, refreshers, and everyday staples that keep every room in check. Here are the H-E-B finds that can outlast and outperform your favorite candle.

Baking Soda Boxes

For under $2 a box, baking soda is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to tackle odors. Keep one in your fridge, freezer, and even under the sink to absorb smells before they spread.

It also works sprinkled in trash cans, litter boxes, or carpets before vacuuming. Buying a few at H-E-B adds up to less than $5 but makes a noticeable difference in how fresh your house feels.

White Vinegar

A big jug of white vinegar at H-E-B usually runs $3–$4, and it can replace pricey odor removers. You can use it to wipe down surfaces, neutralize lingering food smells, or run through your dishwasher to freshen it up.

Vinegar doesn’t leave a heavy scent behind, and once it dries, the odor disappears along with whatever was causing the stink. It’s one of the best budget-friendly ways to reset your whole house.

Carpet Deodorizer

For around $4, you can grab a carpet deodorizer powder that you sprinkle down before vacuuming. It lifts pet and food smells out of rugs and leaves a light, clean scent behind.

Even if you don’t have pets, it helps with general mustiness that builds up over time. Using it once a week makes a big difference in high-traffic areas.

Laundry Scent Boosters

H-E-B sells scent beads and boosters for under $5, and adding a little to your laundry gives sheets, towels, and clothes a fresh smell that lasts longer than detergent alone.

Having freshly washed linens makes your entire house feel cleaner. The scent sticks around, especially when you swap towels and bedding regularly.

Disinfecting Wipes

You can find store-brand disinfecting wipes for about $3, and they’re great for wiping down counters, doorknobs, and bathroom surfaces. Getting rid of bacteria and residue also gets rid of the odors that stick to them.

They’re convenient for quick wipe-downs before company comes over and make your home feel instantly fresher without using heavy sprays.

Air Freshener Spray

For $2–$3, you can grab a can of air freshener in clean, light scents. It’s an easy way to handle kitchen smells after cooking or freshen up the bathroom before guests arrive.

It’s not a long-term fix, but paired with other odor-fighting products, it keeps your house smelling fresh in the moment. A little goes a long way, so one can lasts weeks.

Trash Bags with Odor Control

H-E-B carries their own brand of odor-control trash bags starting around $4. These do more than just hold garbage—they help contain smells until you can take the trash out.

It’s a small change that makes a big difference, especially if your kitchen trash sits for a day or two between runs outside. You’ll notice the difference right away.

Fabric Refresher Spray

For around $4, fabric refresher sprays can revive couches, curtains, or rugs between washes. Soft surfaces hold onto smells longer than hard ones, and a quick spritz resets them fast.

Keeping one bottle on hand makes it easy to freshen up rooms before people come over, and it’s cheaper than sending everything off for cleaning.

Drain Cleaner Packs

H-E-B sells drain cleaning packs and liquids for about $5, and they’re key for stopping odors at the source. Sinks and tubs can collect buildup that makes the whole bathroom or kitchen smell off.

Using these once a month keeps drains clear and odor-free. It’s a cheap fix that does more than any candle could when it comes to problem areas.

Multi-Surface Cleaner with Fresh Scent

For under $4, a multi-surface cleaner that leaves a light scent behind helps keep your whole house feeling fresher. Using it regularly keeps odors from building on counters, tables, and other high-use spots.

You’ll end up using it daily, and that consistency makes your home smell better overall. It’s one of those practical buys that pulls more weight than fancy sprays.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.