Air fresheners are often used without a second thought. Your home is starting to smell a little funky so you simply grab a can of “clean linen” aerosol fragrance and give it a little freshening up. But did you know that these seemingly innocent air fresheners actually contain toxic ingredients that could damage your health such as volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, phthalates, and more? Thankfully, there are tons of easy ways to keep your space smelling great without putting your health at risk. Check out our favorite non-toxic air freshener alternatives below.
Throw open the windows
If the weather is fair and there is a nice cool breeze in the air, there is nothing like the fresh smell of clean air to purge your home of any lingering odors and keep it smelling great. Plus, clean, outdoor air has been shown to help reduce indoor allergens, asthma, and increase indoor air quality.
Diffuse essential oils
Using an essential oil diffuser is an excellent way to spread the delightful aroma of your favorite essential oils through a room. Plus, you will receive all of the amazing health benefits that come from aromatherapy without even trying. Be sure to invest in high-quality essential oils and a diffuser that is the correct size for your space.
Store-bought natural air freshener
If you’re not really in a DIY mood or want something a little more immediate to freshen the air, search for a non-toxic store-bought air freshener. Keep in mind, it is important to do your research before buying any product. Even if something is labeled as “natural” it isn’t necessarily safe. Read the ingredient list carefully and be sure you understand what the label means before purchasing. Always steer clear of aerosols as they rely on chemicals to produce the spray.
Prevention is the best medicine
Generally speaking, if there is a bad smell in the home, it’s because something is actually causing that bad smell. Put your nose to work and take the time to identify and eliminate the odor rather than just covering it up. The nasty stench could be coming from your trash can, carpet, or various other places where smells accumulate, such as the bathroom.
Clean the garbage disposal
Run lemon or lime rinds through the garbage disposal with lots of water. If you still notice a bad smell from the garbage disposal, pour in ½ cup baking soda while running warm water.
Fresh flowers
If you are lucky enough to have a flower garden, pick a bouquet of your favorite smelling flowers from your garden and arrange them in a beautiful display on your kitchen table. Otherwise, purchase the occasional bouquet from the store as a special treat. This will give the room a subtle floral scent and bring natural beauty to your decor. Also, houseplants are a great way to purify the air and keep pollutants from building up while increasing oxygen levels and absorbing harmful carbon dioxide.
Baking soda jars
Fill small mason jars with ½ cup of baking soda and about five drops of any essential oils of your choice. Poke holes in the lid or cover with a cloth and a rubber band. Place anywhere that odor accumulates such as your car, closet, under the kitchen sink, or near a shoe closet. Baking soda works to absorb unsavory scents from the air while the essential oil helps freshen and keeps the area smelling great. Add more essential oil every few weeks to enhance and replenish the scent.
Simmer the scent
In the winter months, simmer a concoction of your favorite herbs and spices in water on the stove for a few hours. Cinnamon sticks and orange or apple slices pair particularly well for the holiday season. Fresh herbs such as mint, lavender, or rosemary also produce lovely scents.
Light it up
Drop a few drops of vanilla or almond extract on your light bulbs when they are turned off. When you click the light on and the bulb heats up, it will release a delightful, cozy scent.
Homemade air freshener spray
Creating your own air freshener is much easier than you may think. All you’ll need is a small spray bottle, distilled water, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 12 drops of your favorite essential oil, and a funnel. Mix the ingredients together in a bowl, making sure to combine the baking soda well, and then transfer it to the spray bottle using the funnel. Shake before using and spray as desired. This mixture is safe to use on any surface and can be personalized to fit your favorite scent. Experiment with different combinations of essential oils to create your perfect blend.
Deodorize carpets
Carpets love to cling onto stubborn odors. Mix equal parts borax and baking soda along with a few drops of lemon essential oil or a collection of fragrant spices and shake it all over your carpet. Wait about 20 minutes and vacuum thoroughly. Using this powder concoction helps to release trapped scents and loosen debris from the carpet.
Reed Diffuser
While you can purchase natural reed diffusers, they are often pricey and don’t have the scents you are looking for. To make your own, simply place bamboo kebab skewers in a tall jar or vase with a narrow opening and fill with ½ cup safflower or sweet almond oil. Add 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oils and use the reeds to stir the mixture. Fan out the bamboo sticks and you should notice a delightful scent in about two days once the scent travels up the skewers.
Eucalyptus bundle
Hang a bundle of eucalyptus from your shower head. The steam from the hot water releases the fragrance and will leave your bathroom smelling like a luxurious spa. You can also try hanging bundles of other dried herbs in strategic areas of your home to freshen the air.
Wash blankets and sheets
Just as carpets can trap odor, fabrics such as bedsheets, and throw blankets are often overlooked sources of persistent stink. Wash bedsheets least once a week and throw blankets every other week.
Once you begin using natural air freshener options, you’ll never go back to toxic products again. There’s just something so rewarding about creating a naturally good-smelling environment without artificial fragrance and chemicals. Your health and home will thank you. Plus, real scents always usually smell better than fake ones. What even is “Moonlight Breeze” anyway?