I’ve mentioned before how sensitive my sinuses are to chemical-based cleaners, and while my reaction to typical store-bought air fresheners is a little milder, they are still not something that I want sprayed in my home.
Many have stopped using air fresheners because of the chemicals like phthalates, formaldehyde, petrochemicals, p-dichlorobenzene, and aerosol pollutants that are used.
Here are a few ideas for freshening the smell of your home without the harsh chemicals:
Essential Oils
I absolutely love my essential oils and I love trying out new smells. I’ve added them in various combinations to my homemade cleaners and they work wonderfully!
I also use essential oils in a diffuser to spread the smell throughout the house. Diffusers can be pretty expensive, but you actually get one for an amazing price with an essential oils starter kit. You can get a diffuser that retails for $98, and a set of essential oils that retails for $161, for just $160 with this deal here!
Coffee Grounds
Even those who object to drinking coffee typically agree that the aroma is amazing (there might be those of you out there who hate the smell of coffee, but I haven’t met you yet!) You may use fresh or used coffee grounds but if you chose used make sure to dry them out first. Place coffee grounds in breathable fabric and tie with a string or ribbon then place in key areas of your home to keep away odors.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is definitely one of the least expensive ways to eliminate odors in your home. Of course it’s useful in the fridge and pantry to getting rid of food smells there, but you can put an open container of baking soda in any room of the house that gets overrun with odors (i.e. the laundry room!) I like to sprinkle it on the carpet before I vacuum too (along with some essential oils mixed in). You may place it in a smaller container but be careful to position it away from pets since it can pose serious health risks in high amounts.
House Plants
House plants are wonderful for fighting against toxic air! In fact, an unassuming house plant can rid your home of 87% of toxic air in a day. The African Violet and Spider Plant are tough on air toxicity and easy to maintain.
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Do you have any other chemical-free ways to freshen the air of your home? I’d love to hear them!
I hate the smell of coffee, lol
Lowe’s link just takes you to specials page. Could not locate diffuser.
Wal-Mart carries diffusers and the oil for them. I love the Sandalwood and the vanilla oils.
I’m never going back to the harsh chemicals after using essential oils. Everyone always compliments me on how well my house smells now.
I’ve always put while cinnamon sticks mixed with 1/4 water on stove on low heat. Fills the whole house. Also dried eucalyptus, lavender (super easy to grow), and mint ( also very easy) in arrangements, wreaths, or just tied with some ribbon or twine. And a borax or vinegar treatment for vacuuming or steam cleaning carpets or “challenging” laundry odors.
Speaking of allergies, I have a cinnamon allergy – I thought most of you might not know someone with a cinnamon allergy!
I open the windows and doors for fresh air in addition to the other ideas. We have a smelly cat that requires some aggressive air pollution intervention at times