Ever since I learned that 95% of the chemicals used in perfumes and as fragrances in cosmetics are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum (causing breathing difficulties and allergies), I stopped using commercial air fresheners, ….but also fabric conditioners, perfumes as well as everything that contains artificial fragrances. I threw away the toxic scents that poison the air at home and cost me a bunch of money and opted for these natural homemade air fresheners with essential oils, herbs and spices.
1. A Refreshing Peppermint Spray
2. Herbal Sachets
For centuries, lavender is used against moths and is a perfect natural fragrance for the home. Fill several cloth bags with aromatic herbs and place them in the closet or between the covers in the living room. Mix 1/2 cup dried lavender, 1 tsp dried marjoram, 1 tsp dried thyme, 4 dried and crushed bay leaves, 1 orange peel (dried and chopped), 1 tsp nutmeg, 20 drops of lavender oil. Mix well and fill a few cloth bags. Tie them and hang them in the closet.
3. Homemade Lemon Verbena Potpourri
Placed in a bowl next to the front door, a homemade lemon verbena potpourri will welcome you and your guests with a pleasant citrus scent. Mix in a bowl 1 cup dried lemon verbena, 1 cup dried lavender, 1 cup dried rosebuds, 1 tbsp dried marjoram, dried zest of 2 lemons (chopped), 3 tsp powdered orris root, 15 drops lemon oil, 5 drops lavender oil. Mix all the ingredients and shape them in balls or put them in a bowl.
This natural air fresheners’ idea is taken from Reader’s Digest.
4. Fabric Spray with Scent of Roses
Mix in a spray bottle 10 drops rose oil, 4 tbsp rose water and add plain water enough to fill 125 ml of liquid. Spray with it when ironing and don’t forget to shake well before usage.
5. Hops and Lavender Pillow
Hops and lavender are used to fight insomnia, which makes them very good ingredients for pillows. You can use plain pillowcase of cotton fabric and put sachet(s) with the following mixture: 1 cup dried hops flowers, 1/2 cup dried lavender flowers, 3 bay leaves (crushed), 10 drops lavender oil. Mix ingredients well and place it in the sachet(s) and then in the pillow.
6. Essential oils diffusers
Mix 2 drops bergamot oil, 2 drops geranium oil, 1 drop tangerine oil, 1 drop black pepper oil. Place the mixture in a candle diffuser with water. Use a tea candle to evaporate the mixture and fill the air with scents.
7. Beeswax candles
Paraffin candles are made from the by-products of crude oil production. Beeswax candles, on the other hand, are made from a natural wax with no added chemicals. Beeswax has a high melting point, which means it doesn’t smoke. Moreover, beeswax candles burn slowly and don’t drip.
Light some of these natural candles and you will fill your house with the warmth and the sweet scent of honey.
Any other ideas for natural air fresheners? Don’t hesitate to share them in the comments.