Tuesday, October 21, 2014
The Semi Clean Pantry: Natural Ways to Scent Your Home
The Semi Clean Pantry: Natural Ways to Scent Your Home: I love fall. I love the colors, I love the smells, I love everything pumpkin....I love it all! And one of my most favorite things is that I ...
Natural Ways to Scent Your Home
I love fall. I love the colors, I love the smells, I love everything pumpkin....I love it all! And one of my most favorite things is that I finally get to bring back the apple, cranberry, cinnamon, pumpkin scents in my home. Mmmm.
In the years past, bringing those spectacular falls scents into my house typically involved a plug in air freshener from a large chain store, that had interchangeable refills. I would have one or two of these things going in my house almost all the time. Never did I think to check what's actually in them, and it never occurred to me that it could be bad for us and our pets.
Well, the truth is, those air fresheners can be nasty little things, along with most plug-in air fresheners, sprays, etc. Most of these contain phthalates which are hazardous chemicals that can cause a variety of health issues. Definitely not something that you want floating around your home.
Here are some natural, safe, and effective alternatives to make your home smell absolutely amazing!
1. Essential Oil Diffusers
I actually purchased my very first oil diffuser a few weeks ago. I had previously purchased one that plugged into an outlet and had a pad that you applied oil to, and when it heated it was supposed to emit the scent. Well that didn't work so well.
So, I ordered myself an actual diffuser. Now, there are practically billions of different diffusers to choose from out there. Do a little research, determine the size of the space you want to use it in, and find the best product for you. Typically, you just add a little water, and a few drops of your favorite oil. Within seconds there is a yummy smelling vapor pouring out and it will run for hours.
I made sure to get one that has an automatic shut off, just to be extra safe.
2. Simmer Fruits, Spices & Herbs
I can vouch for this firsthand! Each year for Thanksgiving, I make my homemade cranberry sauce. Throughout the process I'm simmering cranberries, oranges, cinnamon, and cloves and let me telllllll you, the house smells absolutely incredible while this magic is going on!
To do this yourself, add some cut fruit into boiling water: you can use oranges, grapefruit, lemons, cranberries, etc. Then, add some spices like cloves, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, ginger or even vanilla bean and simmer on your stove. You can simmer this same mixture on and off for a few days, then toss it and start over. The best thing about this, is that you can even use scraps like orange peels or fruit that's gone a little bit south on you.
3. Warm Essential Oils, Extracts, or Wax on an Oil Burner
There are a few ways you can go about this one. There are oil burners that have a tea light or candle for warming, and there are those that are electric and use a lightbulb. Of course, be careful using either one of these and they will become hot.
When using an oil burner with essential oils, you'll need to refill it often as the oils & water will evaporate. Just add a little water with a few drops of oil, and start the warmer. Some people have also said vanilla extract works wonderfully.
You can also use unscented wax and add your own scents, and use in a wax warmer.
4. Make a Homemade Reed Diffuser
As I'm sure you know, a lot of stores offer reed diffusers in decorative vases, and some even with fancy flowers and things sticking in with the reeds. These can sell for a pretty penny at times, and you can't be totally sure what's actually in them.
Instead, get yourself a small vase or decorative pot of the likes, some reed diffuser sticks, distilled water, and essential oils and make your own!
5. Make Your Own Essential Oil Air Freshener
Fill a spray bottle about half way with distilled water. Then, add some of your favorite essential oils and shake well. Use this as an air freshener in your bathroom, laundry room, etc. I would avoid wood surfaces and be careful with some materials as well to avoid staining.
6. Make a Homemade Gel Room Freshener
Here is a great link on making your own gel room fresheners with essential oils: http://homespunwithlove.blogspot.com/2012/05/homemade-gel-home-air-fresheners.html
I can't wait to make my own reed diffusers! Which one will you try?
In the years past, bringing those spectacular falls scents into my house typically involved a plug in air freshener from a large chain store, that had interchangeable refills. I would have one or two of these things going in my house almost all the time. Never did I think to check what's actually in them, and it never occurred to me that it could be bad for us and our pets.
Well, the truth is, those air fresheners can be nasty little things, along with most plug-in air fresheners, sprays, etc. Most of these contain phthalates which are hazardous chemicals that can cause a variety of health issues. Definitely not something that you want floating around your home.
Here are some natural, safe, and effective alternatives to make your home smell absolutely amazing!
1. Essential Oil Diffusers
I actually purchased my very first oil diffuser a few weeks ago. I had previously purchased one that plugged into an outlet and had a pad that you applied oil to, and when it heated it was supposed to emit the scent. Well that didn't work so well.
So, I ordered myself an actual diffuser. Now, there are practically billions of different diffusers to choose from out there. Do a little research, determine the size of the space you want to use it in, and find the best product for you. Typically, you just add a little water, and a few drops of your favorite oil. Within seconds there is a yummy smelling vapor pouring out and it will run for hours.
I made sure to get one that has an automatic shut off, just to be extra safe.
2. Simmer Fruits, Spices & Herbs
I can vouch for this firsthand! Each year for Thanksgiving, I make my homemade cranberry sauce. Throughout the process I'm simmering cranberries, oranges, cinnamon, and cloves and let me telllllll you, the house smells absolutely incredible while this magic is going on!
To do this yourself, add some cut fruit into boiling water: you can use oranges, grapefruit, lemons, cranberries, etc. Then, add some spices like cloves, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, ginger or even vanilla bean and simmer on your stove. You can simmer this same mixture on and off for a few days, then toss it and start over. The best thing about this, is that you can even use scraps like orange peels or fruit that's gone a little bit south on you.
3. Warm Essential Oils, Extracts, or Wax on an Oil Burner
There are a few ways you can go about this one. There are oil burners that have a tea light or candle for warming, and there are those that are electric and use a lightbulb. Of course, be careful using either one of these and they will become hot.
When using an oil burner with essential oils, you'll need to refill it often as the oils & water will evaporate. Just add a little water with a few drops of oil, and start the warmer. Some people have also said vanilla extract works wonderfully.
You can also use unscented wax and add your own scents, and use in a wax warmer.
4. Make a Homemade Reed Diffuser
As I'm sure you know, a lot of stores offer reed diffusers in decorative vases, and some even with fancy flowers and things sticking in with the reeds. These can sell for a pretty penny at times, and you can't be totally sure what's actually in them.
Instead, get yourself a small vase or decorative pot of the likes, some reed diffuser sticks, distilled water, and essential oils and make your own!
5. Make Your Own Essential Oil Air Freshener
Fill a spray bottle about half way with distilled water. Then, add some of your favorite essential oils and shake well. Use this as an air freshener in your bathroom, laundry room, etc. I would avoid wood surfaces and be careful with some materials as well to avoid staining.
6. Make a Homemade Gel Room Freshener
Here is a great link on making your own gel room fresheners with essential oils: http://homespunwithlove.blogspot.com/2012/05/homemade-gel-home-air-fresheners.html
I can't wait to make my own reed diffusers! Which one will you try?
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