Here are some of the ways they did this:
- Herbs and flowers: People used fresh or dried herbs and flowers like lavender, rosemary, mint, chamomile, and rose to create a fragrant atmosphere. They would place these in bowls, hang them from the ceiling, or scatter them around the room.
- Incense: Incense made with aromatic resins, gums, and spices like frankincense, myrrh, and cinnamon were burned to release a pleasant scent.
- Scented woods: Burning certain fragrant woods like cedar, sandalwood, and juniper provided a nice aroma.
- Pomanders: Pomanders were decorative balls made by sticking cloves or other spices into an orange, lemon, or apple. These were hung in rooms or carried around to freshen the air.
- Perfume: People used perfumes and scented oils made from essential oils and natural ingredients like musk, amber, and rose water.
- Vinegar: Vinegar was often used to cleanse and deodorize the air, especially in kitchens and other areas with strong odors.
- Open windows: In warmer months, people would open windows and doors to let in fresh air and dispel stale air.
- Fresh linens: Clean, freshly laundered linens added a crisp, pleasant scent to a room.
It's important to note that sanitation and hygiene standards during Shakespeare's time were quite different from modern standards, and public areas and enclosed spaces could often have unpleasant smells due to poor ventilation and limited access to regular cleaning practices.