Natural air fresheners
|
Most air fresheners sold in the store contain harsh chemicals that can stir up allergies, irritate our lungs, trigger asthma attacks, or damage the nerve system… and just mask the odor instead of neutralizing it to take it away. There are several safe-for-our-lungs alternatives that I use around our house that I thought I’d share. Any that you use not mentioned here? |
Good old fashioned baking soda - can be sprinkled into a load of laundry that is particularly smelly, in the garbage can to neutralize strong odors, down the garbage disposal to get rid of a yucky smell like onions, or sprinkled lightly onto the carpet before vacuuming to freshen up the house.
Home made air freshener- Combine in a spray bottle and use on linens and in the air: 1 cup water, 15 or so drops of your favorite scented oil, and about 3 Tbs. vinegar (which will dissipate and you won’t smell after a minute or 2).
Store bought natural air freshener- My favorite store bought air freshener is made of citrus oils and is so yummy that you might be tempted to use it as perfume:). It’s called Citrus Magic and they have a whole line of air fresheners, soaps, etc. (They also make Clearly Natural soaps which I love.) Method also makes some fairly good priced natural products.
Boiling a few cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange peel, etc. gives off a nice scent in the winter. A few drops of essential oils can be added as well, or dropped onto a cotton ball and put in a little bowl.
Beeswax and soy candles- I love candles- the atmosphere they create and the smell they give off. Most candles aren’t the best for our lungs except for beeswax and soy candles which can be a little more expensive but give off a really nice, natural scent. My favorite are the beeswax candles that I can get at my local farmer’s market in the summer time.
In warmer weather I love opening as many windows as possible to air out the house as well. There’s nothing like line drying your clothes in the sun for a yummy scent as well. (Plus it saves you money!) I shouldn’t leave out my most favorite scent- something yummy and sweet baking in the oven!
Off to get some things done around the house and enjoy some time off with Hubby this weekend. Happy Friday!
Hey Jess, love this sort of thing. Thanks for the inspiration.
Comment by alisha — February 7, 2009 @ 7:10 pm
another good natural disposal cleaner/deoderizer is a lemon or lime (cut in half first) It will even get rid of ‘fish’ smell.
Placing open bowls of vinegar (cheap white kind works just as good as any) around the house for an hour or so.
Natural antibacterials for cleaning off kitchen countertops (you guessed it) Vinegar, full strength out of the store bought bottle (it’s actually 4-5% that way) or bleach diluted a tablespoonful to a quart of water. I keep diluted bleach handy for any countertop or cutting board where I’ve had raw meat, then wiped off after a couple minutes before someone leans against it and ruins the color on their clothes.
Comment by Merilyn — February 19, 2009 @ 3:57 pm