These simple, practical techniques for refreshing the air in every room of your home will help you get rid of odors the natural way.
Sprinkle, Sprinkle
Cooking odors, body odor, and pet dander may all settle into fabric and furniture, but baking soda can readily deodorize drapes, upholstery, and carpets. A cup of baking soda and 30 to 40 drops of essential oil should be combined. Consider oregano oil, which has antibacterial characteristics, but avoid tree oil if you have pets because it is poisonous to them. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes or overnight on fabric surfaces, including carpets. Vacuum up the baking soda mixture, as well as the foul odors.
Your Nose Knows
Human beings’ sense of smell is more powerful and nuanced than we may think, even when compared to super-sniffers like dogs, according to recent research. That means the air we breathe at home can really affect us, emotionally and physically. Freshen the air, and you can brighten your mood and increase your energy level. And the best news is, all it takes to empower the air is one simple, natural, inexpensive ingredient: baking soda. On its own or combined with a few other ingredients, baking soda can neutralize unappealing odors and give your home an olfactory upgrade. So follow your nose to these fast recipes and methods and enjoy every breath you take!
Twist of Lemon
Citrus scents like lemon may boost your mood research says. Lemony scents are also associated with clean, bright spaces. For lemony freshness, combine half a cup of baking soda with 15 drops of lemon essential oil in a 4-ounce mason jar. Place a basket-style paper coffee filter on top of the jar opening and securely tighten the jar ring around it (leaving off the lid). Jennifer Lane, a certified aromatherapist, uses this mood-enhancing air freshener around her home, finding it especially helpful in bathrooms, the kitchen, and even in the fridge.
Herbal Essence
The Homemade Experiment provided this recipe for an all-natural, all-purpose air freshener. 1 cup baking soda + 15 drops essential oil in a mason jar Choose oils that are very refreshing, such as citrus, peppermint, pine, or lavender. 1 teaspoon dried herbs, such as rosemary, lavender, or mint Close the lid and give it a good shake. Put a small dish of this mixture in any room that needs to be deodorized.
Scent-sational Spray
Instead of masking odors with heavily scented fragrances, try this lightly scented baking soda spray, created by Somewhat Simple. In a small dish, combine one tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of essential oil—cinnamon or clove oil are especially suited for fall and winter. Mix thoroughly then pour into a large spray bottle. Fill with water and shake well. Use as a room spray or on upholstery, clothing, shoes…anywhere that’s smelling a little funky.
Pretty Sweet
Try this Natural Fit Foodie recipe for a great-looking air freshener that’s free of chemicals (including the phthalates present in many commercial air fresheners). In a sterilized glass container, combine several drops of your preferred essential oil with baking soda. Cover the aperture with a square of burlap and attach it with a lovely ribbon around the rim. (Tip: For more power, add a few extra drops of essential oil to the underside of the burlap.) If burlap isn’t your style, try this cloth lid cover from Smashed Peas and Carrots.
Easy Breezy
Good news for anyone who doesn’t care for essential oils or is sensitive to odors in general:. Baking soda all by itself can effectively freshen your home. Simply pour a few tablespoons of baking soda into uncovered dishes and place strategically around your homes, such as near the trash can, stove, or toilet, and preferably elevated, so they won’t tip over or tempt kids or pets. Be patient: While baking soda can absorb heavy smells like burnt, fried, and spoiled food, it can take several days to make a noticeable difference.
Deep Clean
Consider the source if the air in your bathroom or kitchen is less than pristine. While deodorizing the air can assist, cleaning the sinks, garbage disposals, and drains can provide a longer-term odor-busting remedy. Fill your stainless steel sink with baking soda, scrape with a sponge, and then pour white vinegar over the surface. Any leftover residue and scum will be broken up by the chemical process. It will also thoroughly clean your drain and disposal. Instead of vinegar, use hydrogen peroxide to clean porcelain sinks.
Restful Sleep
While you sleep, purify the air! According to the Sleep Foundation, lavender has been demonstrated to lower heart rate and blood pressure, allowing people to sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed. This recipe from The Frugal Girls combines the sleep-inducing properties of lavender with the air-purifying properties of baking soda. In a small container, combine 12 cups of baking soda and 20 to 25 drops of lavender essential oil. For gentle aromatherapy and air purification throughout the night, leave the lid off or cover with a square of cheesecloth.
That Fresh-Baked Scent
Whether entertaining guests or staging your home to sell, smell matters. Real estate experts often advise homeowners to sweeten their indoor air with scents that have a universal appeal. Avoid heavy perfumes and florals, and go for lighter, botanical notes like lavender, grapefruit, or ever-popular vanilla. Mix half a cup of baking soda with a few drops of vanilla extract in a jar and place on a windowsill, so the sun can release the fragrance as it warms. No need to make cookies to get that fresh-baked scent!
Spruce Up Your Decor With Houseplants
Several types of houseplants filter out common volatile organic compounds from your indoor air.
Having indoor houseplants can help improve indoor air quality, according to a study published by the American Society for Horticultural Science. For example, spider plants are effective at reducing benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
Opt for Beeswax Candles
Bear with me on this one, because it’ll get a little scientific. In addition to the oxygen we need for our bodies to function properly, the air we breathe also contains other gases, and some combination of various chemicals and minuscule particles. Many of these chemicals and particles are pollutants that pose a health risk after entering the body via the lungs. Some studies even show a link between the inhalation of ultrafine particles and the development of diabetes or cancer.
The good news is that some plants help remove these harmful pollutive elements from the air. Ions released by certain plants can bind to potentially harmful particles in the air and neutralize them. Some people argue that pure beeswax candles can help neutralize these particles in much the same way as plants, cleaning the indoor air.16 Still, more research is needed to understand whether beeswax candles can truly clean air.
It is important to note that burning any kind of candle still sends soot up into your air. To avoid that completely, consider LED candles, which will pollute the air less and reduce the risk of a fire.
