How to Freshen the Air with All Natural Products

Synthetic and expensive air fresheners work, but are not the only means of improving the air in your home. From creating your own air freshener to simply cooking to create a pleasant smell, it is easy to use natural products as air fresheners.

Things You'll Need

• Essential oils
• Spray bottle
• Water
• Unflavored gelatin
• Food coloring

Instructions

1. Choose a combination of essential oils that fits your needs. Essential oils are highly concentrated substances extracted from plants and trees. They can be purchased on-line or in department stores. The best deodorizing oils are lavender, lemon, lime, pine and rosemary. The best antibacterial oils are eucalyptus, lavender, lemon and tea tree. If you prefer, you may use one oil rather than a combination, but try not to use more than three.

2. Combine a total of 20 drops of the oils you selected with 200 ml of purified water. Put the mixture in a clean spray bottle. Shake thoroughly before each use to disperse the oils. Spray around the room as you would with a store-bought air freshener.

3. The same idea can be used in making a gel that will release the scent over time. Add 1 cup boiling water to 4 packets of unflavored gelatin. Stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and add 10 drops of your chosen essential oil as well as 1 more cup of water. Mix well and pour into a jar or container to set.

4. Decorate the jars or spray bottles to give as gifts.

Tips & Warnings

• There are even easier alternatives for making your own air freshener. Simply heat some vanilla extract (or other extract with a scent you like) in a pan on your stove. Vanilla in particular permeates the air quickly. You can also soak cotton balls in vanilla and keep in a dish.

• Cook or bake! Making food in your kitchen can help the entire house smell good. If you don't have time to cook, even grilling onions and garlic in olive oil can make your home smell like you are cooking a full meal. Simmering cinnamon and cloves will make it smell like you have been baking.

• Clean your carpets. Removing pet smell from your carpets or upholstery can improve the overall smell with or without air fresheners. Vinegar and baking soda used separately are natural ways to remove pet odors.

• Add 1 tablespoon of alcohol (such as vodka) to your antibacterial oils to improve the cleaning ability.

• Always monitor anything that is cooking, especially oils or extracts that will burn off quickly.

• Test a section of your carpet or upholstery before spraying around or above them to make sure the oils do not stain.