While it’s understandable to want our homes to smell inviting, many fragrance products can have unintended consequences for our health and wellbeing. Research has shown that indoor air fresheners can cause significant harm to our respiratory, endocrine, and neurological systems. In light of this, it’s no wonder that natural alternatives are becoming increasingly popular.
If you’re looking for a way to naturally brighten the scent in your home without compromising your health, there are several effective options available. Not only will these methods leave your home smelling fresh, but they’ll also eliminate the risk of harmful chemical exposure. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most effective natural air fresheners and provide you with a few simple scent combinations to get started.
Why Use Natural Air Fresheners?
Over the past few months, I’ve made the switch from candles to reed diffusers to fill my home with a wonderful scent. Not only are they safer, but I also find that the fragrance lasts longer and travels farther without the need for constant burning. This decision was largely driven by concerns about the potential health risks associated with conventional air fresheners.
Research has shown that plug-in fresheners, sprays, and scented candles can release a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including terpenes like limonene, and generate secondary pollutants such as formaldehyde. This is concerning not only because of the immediate health effects but also due to the long-term consequences.
Some of these adverse health effects include respiratory issues, asthma attacks, migraine headaches, neurological issues like seizures, dizziness, and loss of coordination, and even speech slurring. What’s more alarming is that many of the pollutants and their potentially damaging effects haven’t been made publicly available.
A study published in Air Quality & Atmospheric Health found that over 156 VOCs were emitted from 37 fragranced consumer products, with limonene being one of the most common. A staggering 42 of these VOCs were classified as toxic or hazardous under US federal laws.
Furthermore, research has linked chemical fragrances to autism, suggesting that exposure to these chemicals in utero can affect neuron development.
Fortunately, there are many natural alternatives for air fresheners, and I’ve found that reed diffusers offer a safer and more effective way to keep my home smelling great.
Essential Oil Air Freshener Spray
While traditional air fresheners often come in aerosol form, which can be convenient but has drawbacks like wide dispersal and potential harm to the ozone layer, essential oil sprays offer a more precise and eco-friendly alternative. These sprays are just as easy to use, allowing you to control the scent and direction of the fragrance. For instance, you can lightly mist a room for a subtle aroma or target specific areas like furniture or carpets before guests arrive.
The non-toxic formula also makes it suitable for therapeutic purposes, such as promoting relaxation with lavender spray in the bedroom before bedtime or reducing symptoms associated with menopause. Additionally, these sprays can be used to create a welcoming atmosphere by repelling unwanted creatures under beds or in closets. To customize your scent, you can use a single essential oil like lavender or blend different oils that you enjoy.
The basic recipe for creating your own essential oil spray is straightforward: combine 1 cup of water with 20-30 drops of your chosen essential oil and add 2 tablespoons of vodka or rubbing alcohol to help the oils bind to the water and speed up drying time on fabric surfaces.
Essential Oil Combinations
With a vast array of EO blends to choose from, it’s no wonder that crafting your own unique recipes is an exciting adventure. When selecting essential oils, remember to opt for high-quality ones and keep them safely out of reach of children and pets. Here are some popular blends you can create in your spray bottle: For a bright and cheerful blend, try combining 10 drops of Sweet Orange with 6 drops of Bergamot and 4 drops of Rosemary – perfect for starting the day off right!
To chase away those spooky vibes, mix 10 drops of Tangerine with 6 drops of Jasmine and 4 drops of Vanilla. Need a mood booster? Blend 8 drops of Clary Sage with 6 drops of Lime and 6 drops of Grapefruit. If anxiety is getting you down, try the Center and Calm blend: combine 5 drops of Sweet or Wild Orange with 6 drops of Bergamot, 5 drops of Cypress, and 5 drops of Frankincense.
For focus and clarity, mix 8 drops of Rosemary with 4 drops of Tea Tree, 5 drops of Clary Sage, and 4 drops of Lemon. To brighten up a space, try the Great Outdoors blend: combine 6 drops of Eucalyptus with 8 drops of Fir and 6 drops of Cedar. And for those who love warm, autumnal scents, there’s the Autumn Joy blend: mix 5 drops of Orange with 4 drops of Cinnamon or Cassia, 5 drops of Clove, and 5 drops of Vanilla.
For a softer, more subtle floral scent, try the Fresh Florals blend: combine 5 drops of Rose with 4 drops of Carnation, 4 drops of Jasmine, 2 drops of Helichrysum, and 5 drops of Oak Moss. To create a calming atmosphere, use the Sacred Space blend: mix 15 drops of Palo Santo or Frankincense with 5 drops of Benzoin.
The Boudoir blend is perfect for the bedroom, with aphrodisiac qualities and a scent that’s simply divine – combine 8 drops of Sandalwood with 5 drops of Ylang-Ylang, 4 drops of Jasmine, and 3 drops of Orange Blossom or Neroli. And finally, the Luscious blend is ideal for those who love heady, mature scents – mix 10 drops of Sandalwood with 5 drops of Myrrh, 3 drops of Vanilla, and 2 drops of Champaca.
Potpourri
While potpourri may evoke memories of grandma’s house, it can also be a creative way to naturally freshen the air in your home during the festive season. Imagine setting the mood with a cinnamon and orange potpourri centerpiece on your table – the aroma is truly captivating. Despite its reputation, potpourri has plenty of benefits to offer.
You can create your own bespoke blend using ingredients from your garden, involving your kids in the process by letting them select colorful flowers and leaves to dry and incorporate into the mix. For an added boost of fragrance, you can also incorporate essential oils for a pungent scent.
Threaded Pomander Balls
During the Tudor era, these charming citrus pomanders were a staple of Christmastime gift-giving. The harmonious blend of citrus and clove scents is not only invigorating but also beautifully uplifting. Imagine their sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen, living room, or bathroom, instantly brightening up the space.
To create these delightful threaded pomander balls, combine lemons, oranges, and grapefruits for a sumptuous citrus scent.
The addition of cloves will add a rich, spicy depth to the aroma. This DIY project is quick, easy, and budget-friendly, making it an ideal activity for any season.
For an extra touch of elegance, use string to create intricate patterns across the fruits, effectively transforming them into both a functional air freshener and adorable decor piece. Alternatively, simply carve decorative designs onto the rind without using string, adding an element of whimsy and playfulness.
Simmer Pots
The concept of simmer pots was foreign to me until I embarked on my natural air freshener journey. However, upon reflection, I realized that the potency of scent can travel far when cooking, making simmer pots a logical extension. The best part? These pots can be re-filled and reused multiple times. When it comes to crafting your signature scent, don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients you add. Experiment with different fruits, herbs, and spices to create unique combinations.
For instance, the harmonious blend of lemon, rosemary, and vanilla produces a sweet and fresh aroma that I find particularly appealing.
Scented Wood Balls or Blocks
Transforming raw wood into a natural air freshener is an effortless and creative endeavor. Simply seal your chosen wood piece with a few drops of essential oil, without worrying about the shape or size. Blocks, balls, and unique shapes can add a touch of elegance to this DIY project. You have the freedom to purchase pre-cut wood pieces or get crafty by cutting your own.
For an added dimension, consider drilling a hole for hanging, allowing you to enjoy the fragrance while it adds a subtle decorative element.
Reed Oil Diffuser
I’ve recently become enamored with oil diffusers as a natural way to freshen up the air. One of the perks is that if you notice the scent starting to fade, simply flip the reeds over to release a new burst of fragrance. The best part? You can tailor the scent to suit any room’s unique ambiance. For instance, in the kitchen, I prefer uplifting scents like rosemary or citrus. In the bathroom, herbal notes like lavender or eucalyptus keep things feeling fresh and clean.
Meanwhile, the bedroom is a great place for warmer, cozier scents like cinnamon and vanilla. To create your own oil diffuser, all you need is a charming container, some reed diffusers, and your preferred essential oil.
Gel Air Freshener
Crafting natural air fresheners has never been easier with this simple DIY recipe for gel air fresheners. This versatile project yields multiple units that can be customized with various scents and colors to match your home’s unique style. What sets these gel air fresheners apart is their ability to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, as they don’t have an obvious ‘air freshener’ appearance.
With a few minutes of effort, you can create entirely customizable pieces that not only eliminate odors but also add a touch of personal flair to any room. Take it a step further by incorporating decorative elements like flowers or other embellishments into your gel air fresheners for a truly one-of-a-kind finishing touch.
Baking Soda Air Freshener
When it comes to achieving a sweet-smelling home without relying on harsh chemicals, baking soda is an excellent natural deodorizer. Its effectiveness makes it particularly well-suited for small spaces like cupboards, wardrobes, or bathrooms where unwanted odors can be a real issue.
One of the great things about using baking soda as a natural air freshener is that you have complete control over the scent.
While I’m personally a fan of the sweet orange and cinnamon combination, floral scents like lavender or rosebuds are also excellent options. All you need to get started is your chosen essential oil and some baking soda. From there, you can customize the look of your jar to suit your personal style.
Citrus Air Freshener
I’m a huge fan of citrus scents, as they have a way of boosting my energy levels and getting me pumped up for the day ahead. One product that really catches my eye is this DIY citrus air freshener recipe, which boasts an impressive four ingredients – minimalism at its finest! What’s more, the fact that it only requires vodka, water, orange peel, and essential oil makes it a budget-friendly and straightforward process to create.
Of course, there is one important caveat: you’ll need to plan ahead and allow for a lengthy infusion period of around one to two weeks, depending on the strength of your vodka. But trust me, the payoff will be well worth the wait. As the scent comes from natural orange peels, it’s guaranteed to be sweet and subtle, exactly what I look for in an air freshener. The added bonus is that the essential oil amplifies the fragrance, taking it to the next level.
Cinnamon Candles
If you’re a aficionado of candles, the cinnamon-scented variety is an exceptional way to infuse your home with the warm and inviting aroma of cinnamon. I have a profound fondness for the scent of cinnamon, extending far beyond its traditional associations with the holiday season. To me, it’s a sweet and comforting fragrance that instantly evokes feelings of warmth and coziness.
If you’re not as enamored with cinnamon as I am, consider this an opportunity to experiment with other additions to your candle, such as dried herbs or flowers. Not only will these combinations result in a truly heavenly scent, but they’ll also serve as an attractive and unique room decoration.
Electric Diffusers
For those who prefer a quicker approach without sacrificing the benefits of aromatherapy, consider using an electric diffuser. This convenient device allows you to effortlessly disperse the fragrance of your preferred essential oils throughout your space by simply adding a few drops of oil and water, followed by a quick plug-in. The result is a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere that can be enjoyed without any hassle or maintenance.
Don’t Be Afraid to Expirement
As each room in your home has its unique character, it’s essential to experiment with various natural air fresheners to determine which ones suit your space best. Similarly, when it comes to scents, don’t be discouraged if you don’t instantly connect with one – keep trying until you find the perfect fragrance that makes you feel at ease. By taking this approach, you’ll increase your chances of creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere in every room.
