Having fresh-smelling air doesn't mean you need chemicals; these DIY air freshener recipes can make your home smell great without the toxins.
Love the dulcet scent of pine which makes you feel like you’re going in the woods? Or the delicate fragrance of vanilla and orange blossom which transforms your house into a bakery-orchid? Just like you, I have always enjoyed the ease with which an air freshener can mask the odor of dog and old sock.
But recently, it has occurred to me that all air fresheners are just chemical concoctions which we use to mask our already unsanitary indoor atmosphere. The most pressing problem with air fresheners is that they don’t freshen air. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) claims that indoor air is usually two to five times more polluted than the outdoor air in a large city which is pretty disturbing in itself, but when we add a bunch of chemicals to make the place smell better, we exacerbate the problem.
Instead, here are 4 easy DIY air freshener recipes that will leave your home smelling great.
1. Vodka Air Freshener Wait… what? Actually vodka is a great way to clean and freshen your air. The alcohol in vodka kills germs as it cleans.
What you need:
• cup of water
• two tbsp of non-flavored vodka
• spray bottle
• a couple of drops of essential oil if you want to add a nice fragrance
Mix the ingredients in the bottle and spray around your home.
2. Citrus Freshener
If you have just enjoyed an orange, drop the peels into a pot of hot water and simmer gently on the stove to infuse your home with a delicious citrus smell. This is an especially great idea if your indoor air is a little dry. You can also use this recipe:
What you need:
• small pot filled 2/3 with water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
• 3 sprigs rosemary
• 1 lemon (sliced)
Bring to the boil and then turn the heat down to a very gentle simmer. You can keep this going for up to two days, adding water as required for a lovely fresh spring scented home.
Read more: Air Fresheners. A Breath of Fresh Chemicals
3. Baking Soda Air Freshener
Baking soda does a great job of soaking up bad smells. You can sprinkle it on your carpets, put some in your fridge and throw some in the bottom of your garbage bin. You can also add some essential oils so that it absorbs bad smells and releases good ones into your home.
What you need:
• small Mason jar
•1/2 cup baking soda
• 10 drops essential oil of your choice
• gift wrap
• scissors
• pencil
• pin
Pour the baking soda into the jar and drip the essential oil over it. Place the Mason jar screw top onto the gift wrap and trace around it. Cut out the circle and poke holes in it with the pin. Cover the jar with the gift wrap circle and screw on the top.
Read more: The Healing Powers of Baking Soda
4. Soothing Lavender Air Freshener
This recipe combines lavender and chamomile which both boast calming properties. They disinfect while soothing the soul. This is a great freshener to use if you are sending the family off to sleep or to elevate mood. If you are planning an all-night rave, this is not the air freshener for you; opt for the citrus freshener instead.
What you need:
• 2 cups distilled water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 10 drops essential lavender oil
• 10 drops essential chamomile oil
• spray bottle
Mix ingredients together in the spray bottle and spritz your blues away.
BONUS: Listen to the latest Green Divas at Home segment for ideas and information for keeping a natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly home.
Written by Green Diva Nikki (Nikki Fotheringham) for The Green Divas.
