How to Go Green With Scents

Keep your house smelling fresh with nature's variety of scents.

The spray you use in your home to keep it smelling fresh may contain some ingredients you were not aware of. In 2007, the Natural Resources Defense Council conducted an independent study of household air fresheners and found some disturbing information. According to their study, 12 of the 14 products they tested contained phthalates. Phthalates are known to adversely effect hormones and cause reproductive problems in men and women. Keeping this in mind, a great way to remove phthalates from your home is through going green with scents. With a few simple recipes, you can have a great smelling home without using artificial fragrances.

Instructions

Foul Odor In Kitchen

1. Place a drop of vanilla extract on the bottom of your oven.

2. Warm the oven using the broil option for three minutes.

3. Turn off the broil and enjoy, your entire kitchen will smell like vanilla, covering any objectionable scents.

Neutral Air Freshener

1. Combine 1 tsp. of baking soda, 1 tbs. of white vinegar and 2 cups of distilled water in a spray bottle.

2. Wait for the ingredients to stop foaming and then place the lid tightly on top.

3. Shake the bottle then spray around your house into the air. The baking soda and vinegar absorb odors in the air. The vinegar quickly evaporates, leaving your home smelling fresh.

Scented Air Freshener

1. Combine 1 cup of baking soda, 1/4 cup of clean ammonia and 1 tbs. of essential oil in a bucket.

2. Add 16 cups of warm water slowly to mixture.

3. Place in a sealed container, and label as air freshener.

4. Pour part of the mixture into a spray bottle, and spray around the house for a scented home.

References

• Natural Resources Defense Council; Protect Your Family From The Hidden Hazards In Air Fresheners; Gina Solomon, M.D.; 2007
• "Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean"; Linda Cobb; 2004