London, Dec 18 (ANI): Toast, perfume and washing powder are the smells that make a house a home, according to experts.

The new study claims that when you walk through the door of your home the most familiar smells are that of a freshly made toast, scent and powder for washing, reports The Telegraph.

Researchers have identified that washing powder makes up 34 per cent of the scent.

Freshly made toast accounts for another 22 per cent of the scent, while perfume makes up 17 per cent.

Other smells include last night’s dinner (10 per cent), flowers (12 per cent), damp coffee (5 per cent) and pets.

Mark Saunders, chief executive of Habitat, which carried out the study of 4,000 homeowners, said: “Even the small things can make a house a home and this includes certain fragrances.

“It’s interesting to see the effect that smell can have on people’s behaviour.

“With many people spending more time at home over the festive period, a warm and comforting smell can really help make a house a home at Christmas.”

Professor Tim Jacob, an expert in the psychology of smell at Cardiff University, said: “Smells make a house a home because of the positive associations being ‘home’ has.

“Your home is filled with the things you love - your children, partner, perfume, pets - so when you smell them, you instantly feel better and at ease.

“This is why so many people like fragrances associated with Christmas, as it’s a happy time of year.

“People respond well to familiar smells. Scents which are alien make us feel on edge until we’ve identified the source and assessed that it’s not harmful.”

Top 10 Smells found in the home

1. Air freshener2. Washing powder3. Last night’s dinner4. Cleaning products5. Pets6. Coffee7. Candles8. Toast9. Perfume/aftershave10. Sunday roast (ANI)