Air fresheners are now a primary need in offices, supermarkets, department stores, and homes. They promise to provide a clean, healthy, and nice-smelling indoor atmosphere. Unfortunately, in a 2005 study by the European Consumer Organization, it was found that 74 air freshening products contain more than 350 different allergens and chemicals such as benzene, phthalates, propellants, formaldehyde, solvents, and synthetic musks which can damage the kidneys, lungs, liver, and central nervous system. Aside from these, air fresheners also have hormone disruption effects which may increase a person’s risk of cancers and reproductive problems.
So, what can you do about this? Well, to avoid all these risks, you can make your own air freshener at your home using some simple ingredients. You can use better-smelling scents or just neutralize the bad odor.
Adding essential oils on air fresheners will help mask bad odors with a pleasant and strong smell. It also does not cause headaches or respiratory problems.
Baking soda, known as sodium bicarbonate, is an ingredient that helps neutralize bad odors. It is an amphoteric compound, which means it neutralizes both acids and bases.
Breathe out happily without the toxic mess by making these homemade air fresheners.
Air Freshener With Baking Soda
Things You Needed:
Baking soda
Lavender essential oil
Measuring cups and spoons
Fork
A clean Mason jar
Toothpick or pin
Pencil
Scissors
Scrapbook or wrapping paper
Glue stick (optional)
Preparation:
Place the lid of the mason jar on a piece of scrapbook paper, draw an outline around it using a pencil, and cut it out. Using some glue, replace the metal insert of the Mason jar lid with the paper circle. Then, put ½ cup of baking soda in the jar and add 15 drops of lavender essential oil. Use a fork to mix the ingredients. Put the lid on the jar and make small holes in the paper cover using a toothpick or pin.
You can now use your homemade air freshener. Place it in your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room.
Natural Air Freshener Spray
Things needed:
Lemon essential oil
Sweet orange essential oil
Lavender essential oil
Water
Measuring spoons
A clean 2 to 4 ounces spray bottle
Preparation:
Fill the bottle three-fourths full with water. Add ½ teaspoon of lemon essential oil, ¾ teaspoon of lavender essential oil, and 1 teaspoon of sweet orange essential oil. Tighten the lid and then, shake the bottle well to blend the oils thoroughly with the water.
This air freshener can be used in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and living room. Before each use, you need to shake your freshener well because the oils will separate from water.