Dangers of Air Fresheners:
Air fresheners usually contain phthalates, a potentially dangerous chemical which has been from cosmetics in the UK. The National Resources Defense Council tested 14 air sprays off the shelf in Walgreens, including those labeled “all-natural” and “unscented” and found that 12 of the 14 tested positive for phthalates.
Air fresheners usually contain phthalates, a potentially dangerous chemical which has been from cosmetics in the UK. The National Resources Defense Council tested 14 air sprays off the shelf in Walgreens, including those labeled “all-natural” and “unscented” and found that 12 of the 14 tested positive for phthalates.
- Scented candles: A study of scented candles showed that frequently burning paraffin wax candles in poorly ventilated rooms could be dangerous because when burned they give off toluene and benzene, potential carcinogens.
- Reed Diffusers: Reed diffusers, on the other hand, are often made with dipropylene glycol, an ingredient also used in antifreeze, which is dangerous to cats and dogs, or ethanol, and also pose a sanger to small children if they ingest the liquid of get it in their eyes.
- I know, I know, the information is disheartening. Especially when all you want to do is make your home smell nice, warm and inviting. Well fear not, my green hearted friends there are many all natural fresheners you can use/do to make your home smell good.
8 Natural Smelly Goods
Grind Coffee: Buy some coffee beans and grind them yourself. Your coffee will not only taste better, but it will fill your house with a fantastic aroma.
Clean with Fruit: Did you know you can clean with lemon juice? You can use it to clean the shower and remove soap scum and limescale, as well as combine lemons with baking soda to clean the toilet, and leave your house smelling lemony and fresh!
Bake Something: Bake some delicious cookies, brownies, or cake, and your house will not only smell great for any guests you’re having over, but you also get the bonus of having cookies or cake to eat!
Boil Cinnamon: This odd but effective technique works just as well as any room spray. It’s better of course because it doesn’t contain any of the dangerous additives. It is cheap and doesn’t involve going out and buying anything-so long as you have cinnamon. Fill a saucepan with water and sprinkle some cinnamon powder, or insert cinnamon sticks into the water. Bring to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the smell disperses throughout your home.
DIY Room Spray: You only need lime juice, water and baking soda, for this one. These ingredients neutralize smells and will leave your house smelling great! It’s inexpensive and completely natural.
Flowers: Buy a bouquet of flowers and leave them on your counter, dining room table or coffee table. They not only add a lovely visual aspect but they also make any room smell great.
Make Herb Sachets: Get some small cotton bags and fill them with your favorite dried herbs, flowers and spices, and place in drawers to make your clothes smell good, instead of buying artificially scented drawer/closet scent diffusers.
DIY Reed Diffuser: Add a few drops of your favorite scent of essential oil (being careful not to let essential oil touch your bare skin) to a carrier oil like almond oil, then put in a narrow-necked glass bottle with reeds. Make sure you keep it out of reach of small children and pets.