The royals NEVER use scented candles at Buckingham Palace but there’s a £1.30 trick they love that smells just as divine

THE ROYAL family have a few tricks up their sleeves when it comes to keeping their various royal residences smelling divine – but scented candles aren’t one of them.

In fact, there’s a strict policy when it comes to scented candles in both Buckingham Palace and their other homes.

PA

The Royal Family have certain tricks to make their residences smell fresh[/caption]

Kensington Palace / NHS Tayside

Fresh flowers are must for the palaces[/caption]

Primark

Scent sachets are used for linen closets and wardrobes[/caption]

The ban is reportedly in place because of concerns about air quality and toxicity.

Former Buckingham Palace staff member Anne Simmons, 57, from Berkshire, told Plumbworld why scented candles are a no-no.

She said: “Many people don’t realize that scented candles release toxins into the air. In a place like Buckingham Palace, where air quality is strictly controlled, they are completely off-limits.”

Scented candles contain synthetic fragrances and chemical stabilizers, which can lead to headaches and poor air quality, among other issues.

“The Royal Family is very particular about maintaining a clean and healthy environment. They avoid anything that could introduce unnecessary pollutants into the air,” Anne added.

So, what do they use instead?

According to Anne, they use a range of different products, one of them being herb and citrus scent sachets for wardrobes and linen closets.

And while Anne didn’t note exactly what type of sachets are used in Buckingham Palace, you can get your hands on something similar for just £1.30.

Primark’s Hanging Scent Sachets come in four different scents: Cotton Poplin, Peony Blossom, Sundried Linen, and Black Vanilla.

“Home fragrance is a quick and easy way to add depth to your space, and these scented sachets are a fun way to do it,” Primark bosses said.

“Use the included ribbon to hand this sachet where it’s scent can more easily fill your space, and enjoy the new element it brings to your home,” they added.

But the scent sachets aren’t the only trick used by the royals to give their home a fresh and inviting smell.

Anne noted that oil diffusers are something they use because they release natural aromas without any of the smoke or toxins you get from candles.

Not only that, but oil diffusers can last much longer than scented candles too.

Finally, the flowers in Bucking Palace aren’t just for decoration, they’re also there for their glorious smell.

“The Palace always smells beautiful, but it’s because of real flowers, not artificial perfumes,” Anne said.

Flowers like lilies, roses, and gardenias are often included because of their fresh and natural scent.

It’s not just scent secrets royal cleaner Anne revealed though, with first-hand experience in washing and maintaining towels, Anne revealed the four-step method that palace staff swear by. 

According to Anne, the royal-approved method ensures their towels remain fluffy, absorbent, and pristine for years – and it’s not as complicated as you might think.

Anne stressed that keeping towels fluffy and fresh is all about avoiding common washing mistakes and using a precise drying technique. 

Unlike many households, where towels are overloaded with detergent or fabric softeners, the Royal Household takes a minimalist approach to prevent buildup and stiffness. 

She explained: “People assume adding more fabric softener makes towels softer, but in reality, it ruins the absorbency. In the palace, we never use it on towels.”

According to Anne, the biggest mistake people make when washing towels is overloading them with detergent and softeners, which actually coats the fibres and makes them stiff over time.

Instead of using softeners, palace staff instead add half a cup of white vinegar to the wash, which removes detergent buildup and eliminates musty odours.