With windows sealed and heating systems working hard during winter, many people reach for air fresheners to keep their homes smelling pleasant. But are these fragrances as harmless as they seem?
Research indicates that air fresheners can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other potentially harmful substances that impact indoor air quality. Let’s look at some safer, natural ways to keep your home smelling fresh and healthy this season.
5 Healthier Alternatives to Traditional Air Fresheners
1. Essential Oil Diffusers
Why Try It: Essential oils provide natural scents without artificial chemicals. Popular options like lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus create a pleasant, inviting ambiance.
Pro Tip: Use pure essential oils sparingly to maintain a subtle scent. Choosing a diffuser with an intermittent setting can help avoid overwhelming your space.
2. DIY Potpourri
Benefits: Dried flowers, herbs, and spices bring warmth and a natural fragrance to your home.
How To: Boil a mixture of water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices on your stovetop to create a homemade potpourri with a comforting, fresh aroma.
Extra Tip: Refresh your potpourri ingredients regularly for a lasting, vibrant scent.
3. Beeswax or Soy Candles
Why They’re Better: Unlike paraffin candles, beeswax and soy candles emit fewer toxins and often come in unscented varieties or are fragranced with essential oils.
Cleaner Air: Beeswax candles, in particular, release fewer pollutants, promoting cleaner air in your home.
For Sensitive Noses: If you’re sensitive to scents, try unscented beeswax or lightly fragranced soy candles infused with essential oils.
4. Activated Charcoal
Benefit: Activated charcoal doesn’t just cover odors; it absorbs and neutralizes them. Small bags of charcoal can be placed in odor-prone spots, like bathrooms or near trash areas.
How It Works: Activated charcoal captures VOCs and moisture, providing a natural way to purify your indoor air.
Maintenance: Swap out charcoal bags every few months to keep them effective.
5. Baking Soda-Based Fresheners
Advantages: Baking soda naturally absorbs odors and can be paired with a few drops of essential oil for a mild, customizable scent.
DIY Guide: Fill a small jar with baking soda, add essential oil drops of your choice, and place it in areas needing odor control.
Refresh Regularly: Give the jar a shake occasionally to revive the scent.