How Can I Naturally Freshen My House? Good Questions

Q: What can I do to naturally freshen my house? We've got kids, animals, and lots of activity, but I hate aerosol fresheners like Febreze because I feel like I'm spraying chemicals around my house. Any other good suggestions?

Sent by Mandy

Mandy, we totally hear you. We're not a fan of chemically-laden air fresheners, either. We ourselves have invested in 2 Energy-Star air purifiers that we think make a big difference in the overall air quality of our home. The Blueair air purifier we have has a SmokeStop filter that cuts down on smoke and other strong odors and gases in the home.

We'd also advise you to check out these posts for more DIY air freshener ideas:

• DIY Spring Air Fresheners
• How To: Make Your Own Reed Diffuser
• Green Scent Ideas
• Replace your Artificial Fragrances

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Comments (13)

I try to avoid using the garbage disposal, but every so often I'll stick a lemon in there. Makes the kitchen smell great.

I laughed pretty hard at this post because it reminds me of an "arrangement" someone gave my parents as a hostess gift for a party. It was a vase of lemons (think "Edible Arrangements", not whole lemons)... to put on their toilet. (yes, that's right). Granted, it worked great - but produce in the bathroom??

I took this basic concept with some citrus (oranges, lemons, limes) after I had used slices & juice for a jug of water. I stripped some peel from each piece & dropped the spent fruit into some simmering water... made the whole house smell nice. On the other hand, you can use some essential oils in a burner (part water with a few drops of oil) - I like doing this in the winter.

Put a small amount of water on a low boil on the stove. Add a few drops of peppermint oil or other essential oil of choice. In my house, it just takes a few minutes for the place to smell minty fresh.

A few drops of essential oil in a burner, on a lightbulb ring, or with water in a spray bottle. And yeah, opening a window helps if your climate's less horribly hot than mine.

Open the windows as frequently as possible. For soft furnishings you could try sprinkling baking soda over the surface and vacuuming off after 20 minutes. I wouldn't do this on protein-based fibers (wool, silk) though.

Clean your furnace and a/c filters at least monthly.

Open your windows more often.

Clean your curtains, blinds, and screens.

Clean or freshen your carpet and furniture...baking soda is great.

Wash your dogs.

Shake out blankets, comforters, mattress covers, at least once per month. hang them outside, even in the dead of winter.

Agree with ohjodi. Basically the best way to naturally freshen the house is to clean your house. Clean linens, floors, carpet, kitchen, bathrooms using vinegar, lemon, baking soda, other natural deodorizing solutions/ingredients. I also change the air daily by opening the windows.

i sprinkle baking soda on anything that can be vacuumed (floors & couch mostly) , give the floors a quick mop, change sheets out, open windows (for a short burst of different air) and bake a loaf of bread.

Plain white vinegar works wonders for deodorizing toilets, counter surfaces, sponges, and in the washing machine. The pungent smell disappears after a few minutes.

I make a spray with water witch hazel (could also be rubbing alcohol), and a bit essential oil. And I spray the carpets, bedding and curtains with it.
Also the dry clothes that I take down from the line !

You can leave out bowls of vinegar around your house, or baking soda. (Just make sure your kids or pets don't get their hands on it.)