Natural Air Fresheners Recipes

The theory of air fresheners is nice. It eliminates odor and gives fragrance to a place. However, I always get a major headache whenever I smell store-bought air freshener in the malls or in the cars. Store-bought air fresheners contain synthetic perfumes and ingredients that are toxic when we inhale. They are unnecessary chemicals that we don't want around us. 

One day I was in a taxi and I smelled a nice earthy aroma that didn't give me any headache. When I turned around, I saw a few bunches of fresh pandan leaves at the back of the car. Oh it smells wonderful, natural, and mild. What an awesome way to freshen a car (why did I never think of that?). 

I don't use any air fresheners at home, but I can see there are times and places that a good air freshener can help. If you ever need one, here are some natural ways that you can put together to eliminate odor and freshen things up:


Odor Removal

1. Baking Soda. Put an open box of baking soda in small areas such as refrigerators or cupboards.

2. Ground Coffee. Put some fresh ground coffee at the bottom of a new trash bag to absorb the odor from the trash.

3. Vinegar. Vinegar is a good deodorizer. Spraying a mixture of vinegar and water in the drain or toilet bowl will eliminate stinky smells.


Air Fresheners

1. Essential Oils. Add a few drops of your favorite pure essential oils (lemon, orange, lavender, etc.) on cotton balls and place it inside your drawers and closets. Put a few drops of essential oils inside a toilet paper roll to freshen up your bathroom.

2. Vinegar. In a spray bottle, put about 1/4 parts of white vinegar and 3/4 parts of water. Add your favorite pure essential oils. The more the essential oils in a higher vinegar-to-water ratio will give you a more concentrated spray.

3. Potpourri. Make your own potpourri using dried flowers and herbs and put it in a bowl in your bathroom or living room. Or put it in a mash bag with a string and hangs it on the door knobs or put it in the car. You can add a few drops of essential oils on your potpourri too.

4. Baking Soda and Lemon. Put a cup of baking soda and slices of lemon skin in a plastic container to absorb odors while freshen things up at the same time. See the video of how to make this here. 

5. Try putting fresh pandan leaves like the taxi driver :)

What is your favorite way to remove odor and freshen your home?