How to Naturally Freshen Your Home

Living a “green” life means reducing your exposure to toxic chemicals. One of the big ones to watch out for is artificial “fragrance,” which can contain a number of chemicals that are often hormone disrupting at worst and irritants at best.

While you may not want a spray can of fake flower smells, you may find that you do want a way to “freshen up” your home. These tips can help!

Eliminate Odors Before They Start

This is sometimes easier said than done, but it’s a good idea to reduce odors whenever possible.

• Choose non-toxic cleaning products that won’t leave smells or residues.
• Vacuum, sweep and dust regularly. Hair and dander from pets can cause lingering odors, so regular vacuuming can be a big help here.
• Speaking of pets, be sure to groom your pets regularly to cut down on smells.
• Change your HVAC filter to help cut down on dust and remove odors and other particles from the air. You will want to invest in quality filters for the best results.
• If you have room, any food waste can be placed outdoors in a composter or in the freezer until trash day. This will help cut down on smells considerably.

• Absorb Odors

  Try these:
  
  • Baking soda can be left in small, vented containers around your home to help absorb odors.
  • Kitty litter placed in small containers or on upcycled lids around your home (try a natural and unscented brand)
  • White Vinegar. Clean with it to help lift odors. The vinegar smell will fade – promise!
  • For your refrigerator, try placing a couple of slices of bread out to absorb odors.

  Scent Naturally

the following ideas:

• DIY your own air freshener by mixing up a spray bottle with water, a splash of vodka and your favorite essential oil.
• Place citrus peels in a pot of water and heat to gently fill your home with a subtle fragrance from the natural oils.
• Simmer cinnamon sticks, cloves, or any other scented spice in a pot of water until scent permeates your living space.
• Place a small amount of vanilla extract or other natural flavoring in a small bowl and set it out of the way.
• Slice a lemon or other citrus fruit and leave the slices out on a dish in your kitchen.
• Place a few drops of a favorite essential oil on the inside of your toilet paper roll.
• Add essential oils to homemade cleaning solutions.
• Open a few windows. There's nothing as refreshing as fresh air!

With these tips, you can have a fresh smelling home without the use of synthetic fragrances.




read more: http://greenliving.about.com/od/greenlivingbasics/fl/How-to-Naturally-Freshen-Your-Home.htm