The Fresh Side of Protection

Warm evenings are lovely until the mosquitoes arrive. The Citronella collection by Song of
India is made for those very moments — verandahs, balconies, garden corners, terrace
dinners, open windows and monsoon evenings when freshness matters. Made with citronella,
lemon and lemongrass essential oils, this DEET-free range brings a crisp, green, citrusy scent
to spaces while helping keep mosquitoes away.

A Fresh Green Fragrance With Purpose

Citronella has a very recognisable scent profile: sharp, grassy, lemony and bright. It does not
smell sweet or heavy. Instead, it gives a clean outdoor freshness that feels practical and
lively.

In Indian homes, citronella is especially useful because mosquitoes are not limited to one
season. They appear around gardens, drains, balconies, plants, damp corners and evening
gatherings. A fragrance format that can be used around these moments makes daily life
easier.

The Song of India Citronella collection uses essential oils such as citronella, lemon and
lemongrass. Together, they create a scent that feels fresh rather than chemical. It is a
functional fragrance collection, but it should still feel pleasant enough to keep around the
home.

What DEET-Free Means

DEET is a commonly used synthetic mosquito repellent ingredient in many personal
repellents. A DEET-free product means the formula does not rely on DEET as the active
repellent ingredient.

The Citronella collection is designed around plant-based aromatic ingredients instead.
Citronella oil has been widely used in mosquito-repellent candles, incense and outdoor
fragrance products because mosquitoes tend to dislike its sharp lemony-green aroma.

That said, a citronella home fragrance product is not the same as a medical or skin-applied
insect repellent. It is best used as part of a sensible routine: keep spaces clean, avoid stagnant water, use screens where needed, and place fragrance products carefully in the areas where you spend time.

How to Use the Collection

Different formats suit different spaces.

Citronella incense sticks are good for balconies, semi-open corners and outdoor seating areas where smoke can move through the air. Light the tip, let it burn briefly, blow out the flame, and place it in a proper incense holder. Keep it away from curtains, dry leaves, paper and flammable surfaces.

Citronella tea lights are useful for tabletops, garden dinners and small outdoor corners. Place them on a stable heat-safe surface, away from wind, children and pets. Do not leave them unattended.

Citronella candles work well when you want a steadier glow and a longer fragrance moment. Let the wax melt evenly on the first burn, trim the wick before relighting, and stop using the candle when a little wax remains at the bottom.

The products work best when placed near the area where people are sitting, but not too close to faces, food or fabrics. The idea is to create a gentle scented zone around the space.

Scent Etiquette for Outdoor Evenings

Citronella is functional, but it should still be used gracefully. Do not overpower a small room with too many burning products. For a balcony dinner, one candle or a few tea lights may be enough. For a larger open terrace, incense sticks and candles can work together, but keep them spaced out.

Ventilation matters. Incense and candles should always be used where air can move. Avoid
using smoke-based products in closed rooms, especially around babies, elderly people, pets or anyone sensitive to smoke.

Also remember that fragrance products perform differently depending on wind, room size
and mosquito activity. A breezy open garden will need a different setup from a quiet balcony. Start with less, then add more only if needed.

Useful, Fresh and Easy to Keep Around

What makes the Citronella collection practical is that it does not feel like an emergency
product. It can sit comfortably with garden accessories, balcony décor, outdoor candles,
wooden trays and potted plants. The green packaging, citrus notes and clean herbal profile make it feel like part of the home rather than something hidden away.

It is especially useful for summer evenings, monsoon months, garden gatherings, café-style outdoor corners, weekend terraces and homes with plants. It also makes a thoughtful practical gift for someone who enjoys outdoor living.

Citronella is not a soft floral or a cosy gourmand. It is bright, direct and fresh. That is exactly its appeal. It brings a clear purpose to fragrance: helping make open-air moments more comfortable, while keeping the mood natural, green and easy.