Sometimes the air in my home needs a little freshening up. During temperate months, I simply open a window, but when cold weather threatens to chill my bones, I use linen or air freshening sprays.They're so handy around the home, and work well on kid and pet odors, upholstery, linens and even clothing.
That said, I try to be discerning about scented products because the EPA says that indoor air quality in the average American home is 200% – 500% more polluted than the air just outside. Febreeze, Glade and most scented candles are not your friend. Because fragrance is a significant contributor to indoor air pollution, here are my latest picks to freshen up your home.
Tip:
As far as indoor air pollution and toxicity goes, the word "fragrance" is a red flag. As a rule of thumb, "fragrance" is bad, "oil" is good. So look for words like "lavender oil" or "citrus oil."
Eco-Friendly DIY:
It's easy to make your own linen spray or air freshener. All it takes is water and a few drops of essential oil of your favorite fragrance. Simply reuse an empty spray bottle from a product you already own. Fill it up with the two ingredients. Give it a shake, and you're done. I like lavender and peppermint oils.
Or you can pick up one of the linen sprays and air fresheners shown above:
1. Aussan Natural Room Odor Eliminator, $6.29
2. Earth Friendly Products Uni-Fresh Air Freshener, Lavender Scent, $4.99
3. Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Mist, Peppermint Harvest, $5.81
4. PureAyre Odor Eliminator For Your Home, $6.59
5. Bath Petals Room Spray, Australian Eucalyptus, $12.99
MORE AIR FRESHENERS ON APARTMENT THERAPY:
• Make It: 2 Ingredient Air Freshener
• All-Natural, Effective Air Freshener Febreze Alternatives?
(Images: As credited above.)
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Or you can make your own....
-mix one part distilled water with one part really cheap vodka (@10 bucks for a big jug) in a spray bottle.
-add drops of favorite essential oil(s) until you like the intensity of the fragrance. (usually around 20-30 drops in a quart bottle does the trick.)
-spray.
I was wondering, what do I do with my unfinished Febreze (I just not a natural air fragrance by coincidence)? Do I slip it into someone's home for them to use instead or do I just throw it out and save the air but be wasteful?
The thought of not opening your windows but using a spray doesn't sound very appealing to me... Rooms that are damp are also more difficult to heat up, so I always open my windows in the morning, if only for 10 minutes. It's easier to heat them up afterwards.
Opening the windows is my favorite way to freshen and clean out the air in my home. Even in the winter if I open the window for 5 minutes it makes my home feel fresher.
Vinegar mixed with lemon juice works well too among other natural air fresheners.
Juniper Ridge room sprays are amazing! I have Big Sur scent and I love it. Lasts but isn't overpowering.
Where are these available to try in person? I'm loathe to order something scented online.
i am curious (miabica or whomever) why use vodka as an ingredient in the diy air fresheners. not opposed just curious what this does.
and i love to freshen our house by opening windows in winter (central KY) - esp the bedroom.