Sometimes after we cook certain foods, the food smell sticks in every nook and corner of our house, creating an unpleasant smell. Usually, air freshener sprays, plug-ins or scented candles are the commercially advertised solutions for the problem. But, these may not be eco-friendly.
Air freshener sprays and plug-ins usually contain phthalates, a potentially dangerous chemical (which was banned from cosmetics in the UK). A study of scented candles showed that frequently burning paraffin wax candles in poorly ventilated rooms could be dangerous, because when burned they give off potential carcinogens: toluene and benzene.
Thankfully, it’s actually easy to make your house smell great without any nasty chemicals, using simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen.
- Cinnamon
This is super easy methods which works as well as a room spray, contains no dangerous chemical or additives, and is cheap! Simply prepare a saucepan full of water, add a couple of cinnamon sticks and bring to a boil. Simmer for a few minutes until the smell disperses throughout your home. You can also put the simmered cinnamon water into several bowls and put in different rooms at your house. - Orange candles
Get your daily vitamin C and give your home a refreshing scent with this easy home fragrance fix. Here are the steps to make orange peel candle:
– Cut orange on the cutting board. Use the paring knife to slice into the peel of the orange. Insert only as far as the pith, taking the knife around the middle of the orange, going all the way around the circumference
– Gently push your finger under the skin of the orange and peel the skin away so that it separates from the orange without tearing
– When removing the orange flesh, a white wick-like “stem” part should remain and still attached to the peel
– Pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil to cover the stem and allow wick to soak
– Your candles are ready - Herbs bags
Get some small cotton bags and fill them with your favorite dried herbs, flowers, or spices. You can hang these in your rooms or place it in the drawers to make your clothes smell good. - Lemon and rosemary
Prepare water, sliced lemon, 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary and about a teaspoon a vanilla. Simmer on the stove and your room will get a very pleasant fragrance! - Vanilla and coffee candles
Do you want your home to smell like coffee shops? You can make your own scented candles with coffee and vanilla fragrance. You only need wax chips (available at craft stores) or reusing plain candle, candle wick, coffee beans, and vanilla. Glue candle wicks at the bottom of the cup or bowl you will use for the candle. Pour in a small layer of wax and add a layer of coffee beans and vanilla. Then fill the rest of the cup or bowl with wax. Let the wax harden and trim the wick (if it’s still too long).
Can you add your homemade freshener to this list?
