Healthier Alternatives to Commercial Air Fresheners

Commercial air fresheners may contain allergens and carcinogens, among various other harmful substances. Plus, they can be expensive. Why buy them when you can make your own at home for little to no money? There are dozens of ways to freshen your home without spraying chemicals into the air; these are just a few healthier alternatives to commercial air fresheners.

1. Eliminate the source of the smell. The first, and most important, step to freshening a smelly house it to determine what is causing the smell and to get rid of it. Has the garbage been piling up? Dirty dishes sitting in the sink? Take out the trash, wash the dirty dishes and then you can work on giving the house a fresh scent.

2. Use vinegar to eliminate lingering odors. Can you still smell last night's dinner lingering in the kitchen? Boil some vinegar diluted in water, or spray the room with undiluted vinegar. Once the smell of vinegar has dissipated, the lingering odors will leave with it.

3. Cut fresh flowers. Most flowers have a pleasing aroma, which will help freshen the air, as well as add the the interior decor.

4. Brew a pot of coffee. Are visitors coming over shortly? To quickly cover up any bad odors, brew a pot of coffee. The smell of java will waft throughout the house, and you can offer your guests a cup as they arrive.

5. Diffuse essential oils into the air. Want a fresh aroma that will last all day? Choose your favorite essential oil, or a combination of oils, and diffuse it into the air however you like. You can simply place a few drops of essential oil into a small dish of water, and place a dish in each room. Or, you can drop some into an oil warmer, along with a carrier oil.

6. Freshen with vanilla. Simply dampen a cotton ball with vanilla and place in a shallow saucer; the aroma will waft throughout the room. You can also bake some vanilla in the oven to create the aroma of fresh baked cookies.

7. Boil spices to scent the whole house. Heat a small saucepan of water, and add various ingredients -- cinnamon, apple, lemon, vanilla -- being careful not to let it burn.

8. Burn soy or beeswax candles. They are much healthier for you and for the environment.

9. Slice a lemon. Stinky fridge? Open a box of baking soda and leave it in the refrigerator. To give it a citrusy smell, slice a lemon and set it on a shelf.

10. Make your own natural spray. You will need a fine mist spray bottle, one teaspoon of vodka or rubbing alcohol, 25-30 drops of your favorite essential oil(s) and two cups of distilled water. Mix the alcohol and oil together in the spray bottle. Add the water and shake well before each use. Avoid spraying it directly onto fabric to prevent staining or discoloration.

And remember to open up the windows whenever you can. There is no better way to get rid of odors and to freshen a home than by letting in fresh outdoor air.

References:
Breathe Easy With Natural Air Fresheners
Shocking Facts About Air Fresheners