Ten "Scentsational" Ways to Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh-Naturally!

While there are plenty of products on the market that use powerful-and noxious-chemicals to blast unpleasant odors out of your home, natural options offer several advantages: they are easier on the environment, they are easier on your respiratory system, and they are easier on your wallet! Below are ten simple, natural ways to keep your home smelling fresh. Many of these suggestions involve ingredients that you are likely to have on hand already:

1. Grind the peel of a lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit in your garbage disposal to release its sweet citrus scent. As an added bonus: studies have shown that the aroma of oranges can actually reduce feelings of anxiety.

2. To neutralize unpleasant odors in the bathroom, simply light a match, allow it to burn for a few seconds, blow it out, and dispose of it safely.

3. Beeswax candles burn cleaner than ordinary candles and release a gentle honey aroma. Find them at local farmer's markets or online.

4. A few small bowls of white vinegar strategically placed around a room will help to rid the room of unpleasant smoke smells. Remember this tip the next time you inadvertently burn your dinner to a crisp!

5. Dab lavender essential oil on a cotton ball. Place it on a "coaster" made from the unneeded lid of a glass jar (to keep the oil from damaging furniture surfaces). Place the cotton ball out of sight in your room. A single drop of lavender is enough to scent a room for days! Other essential oil possibilities include rose and jasmine.

6. Place a pot of water on the stove, add a few drops of vanilla extract, and sprinkle in some cinnamon. Simmer gently to fool your friends and family into thinking that you've been baking. The scent of vanilla, like orange, has been said to reduce anxiety.

7. Float a single gardenia blossom in a shallow bowl of water-heavenly! Take care not to bruise the petals by over handling them.

8. Press a few whole cloves into a wedge of lemon for a crisp, clean scent in your kitchen.

9. Use a Q-Tip to swab a drop of peppermint essential oil on a cool light bulb. When the light fixture is turned on and the bulb warms up, the invigorating scent will be released. This tip is best suited to a home office, where the aroma of peppermint can increase your alertness.

10. If you must buy a commercial air-freshening product, opt for a natural one such as Citrus Magic. It's made from real citrus fruits, comes in a recyclable spray can, and can be found in "ordinary" stores such as Target. It doesn't just mask odors; it actually neutralizes them. It's slightly more expensive than the chemical products, but a small bottle can last for over a year, even with daily use. To greet your guests with a fresh, bright scent, spray it high in the air just before they arrive.

These natural and affordable air fresheners offer a healthful, affordable alternative to noxious chemical sprays. Try them in your home, and you won't miss your old aerosol fresheners!