We’ve all used over-the-counter air fresheners in one form or another to mask unpleasant odors in various places throughout the home including kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living rooms.
This might seem like a step in the right direction, but the chemicals in these products are extremely bad for your health.
A 2005 study by the European Consumer Organization states that a total of more than 350 different chemicals and allergens were detected after testing 74 air-freshening products. The chemicals included benzene, formaldehyde, styrene and phthalates.
You might be wondering what to do then? Well, the solution is right in your home. You can make your own air freshener using some simple ingredients.
Depending on the recipe you use, you can cover up the unwanted odor with better-smelling scents or neutralize the bad odor.
Recipe #1: Homemade Air Freshener Spray
Recipe #2: Homemade Air Freshener with Baking Soda
Homemade air freshener using baking soda will help neutralize odors. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is an amphoteric compound. This means it neutralizes both acids and bases.
The recipe using essential oils for air freshener spray will mask bad odors with the pleasant, strong smell of the oils. You can use any essential oils.
Unlike synthetically made scented oils, essential oils do not cause headaches or respiratory problems.
Here are recipes for two homemade air fresheners to help you breathe happy without the toxic mess.
Contents
A– Homemade Air Freshener Spray
Things You Will Need:
- A clean 2 to 4 ounce spray bottle
- Water
- Lavender essential oil
- Sweet orange essential oil
- Lemon essential oil
- Measuring spoons
Steps
1. Fill the bottle three-fourths full with water.
2. Add ¾ teaspoon of lavender essential oil.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of sweet orange essential oil.
4. Add ½ teaspoon of lemon essential oil.
5. Tighten the lid and shake the bottle well, so that the oils blend thoroughly with the water.
Your spray air freshener is ready to use. You can spray it in your living room, kitchen, laundry and bathroom. Shake your homemade spray before each use, as the oils will separate from the water.
B- Homemade Air Freshener with Baking Soda
Things You Will Need:
- A clean Mason jar
- Baking soda
- Lavender essential oil
- Scrapbook or wrapping paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Glue stick (optional)
- Toothpick or pin
Steps
1. Put the Mason jar lid on a piece of scrapbook paper or wrapping paper. Draw an outline around it with a pencil and cut it out.
2. Replace the metal insert of the Mason jar lid with the paper circle. If required, use some glue.
3. Put ½ cup of baking soda in the jar.
4. Add 15 drops of lavender essential oil.
5. Mix the ingredients using a fork.
6. Put the lid on the jar and use a toothpick or pin to make small holes in the paper cover.
Your homemade air freshener is ready to use. You can place it in the kitchen, bathroom or laundry room.
Tips
- You can even keep an open box of baking soda out in the open to help absorb odors.
- To eradicate bad smells, the best thing is to open the windows and let in some fresh air.
- Another option is to add some drops of an essential oils to in a humidifier.
- You can also plant air purifying plants such as peace lily, anthurium, ferns, etc. to improve indoor air quality.
Resources:
http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/04_scher/docs/scher_o_026.pdf
