Having a fresh-smelling living space always puts me in a good mood. But, at what cost? Although they may smell fresh, creating the false pretense that they’re healthy, conventional air fresheners are loaded with harmful toxins . So how about making your own at home?! This guide includes instructions for three types of non-toxic air fresheners!
BENEFITS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT:
2Every year, over 4 billion used air freshener containers end up in U.S. landfills.1 This statistic could be easily improved if the practice of “reduce, reuse, recycle” was applied to the use of air fresheners. The three non-toxic air fresheners I share below can all be made with jars you most likely already have – and these same jars can be used over and over as you continue to make new air fresheners.
BENEFITS FOR YOUR HEALTH:
Due to lack of government regulation and consumer knowledge, using conventional air fresheners should be avoided, especially around children and pregnant women. Many air fresheners contain phthalates, which are chemicals known to alter hormone levels and cause birth defects and reproductive problems. Exposure to phthalates in indoor environments has also been connected to allergies and asthma.3
The National Resources Defense Council tested 14 common air fresheners, and while none of these air fresheners listed phthalates as an ingredient, phthalates were present in 12 out of the 14 products. These products also had misleading labels, which advertised that the air fresheners were “all-natural” or “unscented.” Phthalates are also used in children’s toys, nail polish, and perfumes. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the majority of U.S. citizens are regularly exposed to at least five different phthalates.4
BENEFITS FOR ANIMALS:
Switching to non-toxic air fresheners will be as equally beneficial for your pets as it will be for you! Numerous studies on animals have linked phthalate exposure with decreases in testosterone, deformed genitalia, and reduced sperm production.5
Option #1: Baking Soda Air Freshener6
Cost: Moderately Low. While essential oils can be pricey, they will last a long time.
Time and Effort: Low
Ingredients:
½ cup of baking soda
8-12 drops of essential oil of your choice
Additional materials needed:
Mason jar
Scissors
Slighter thicker paper (example: scrapbook paper)
Needle
Pen
Instructions:
- Trace the lid of your mason jar onto a piece of paper. Make sure to trace the lid without the ring.
- Cut out the traced circle.
- Poke holes in the cut out circle with the needle. Make sure to poke enough holes so that the essential oil smell can waft out of the jar.
- Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the mason jar.
- Add 8-12 drops of an essential oil of your choice to the baking soda. You can add more later if the scent is not strong enough.
- Place the cut out circle inside the mason jar ring and tighten the ring onto the jar.
- Gently shake the baking soda and essential oil mixture. Enjoy!
Option #2: Tea Tree Oil Spray 8
Cost: Moderately Low. While essential oils can be pricey, they will last a long time.
Time and Effort: Low
Ingredients:
1 cup of water
16 drops of tea tree oil
Additional materials needed:
1 spray bottle
Instructions:
- Pour 1 cup of water (either from your tap or distilled) into the spray bottle.
- Add 16 drops of tea tree oil to the spray bottle.
- Mix well and enjoy!
Option #3: Essential Oil Diffuser9
Cost: Moderately Low. While essential oils can be pricey, they will last a long time.
Time and Effort: Low
Ingredients:
8 oz. of water
20-30 drops of essential oil of your choice
Additional materials needed:
Either sticks from outside or oil diffuser reeds that can be bought in stores
1 glass bottle with a narrow opening
Instructions:
- Pour 20-30 drops of the essential oil of your choice into the glass bottle.
- Fill the bottle with warm tap water. Use 8 ounces of water for every 20-30 drops of essential oil.
- Place sticks in the glass bottle. The sticks will draw the liquid upwards and disperse the scent into the room. Enjoy!
Other eco-friendly tips for fresh and healthy air in your home include:
- Emptying the garbage frequently
- Using indoor plants to absorb toxins in the air
- Cleaning the litter box often
- Opening windows whenever you can to improve ventilation
