Natural Air Fresheners to Use at Home

Coming up on the holiday season, your home is bound to be filled with the smells of cooking, old food, or trash. But before reaching for an air freshener that may contain potentially harmful ingredients consider using a do-it-yourself, green alternative. Commercial air fresheners mask smells and coat nasal passages to diminish the sense of smell. They can often irritate your airways, and can be problematic if not stored safely around children. Here are a few ideas to keep your kitchen smelling fresh without harsh chemicals:

• Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water) on the stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off utensils and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy water.

• Keep fresh coffee grounds on the counter.

• Grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal.

• Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices on stove.

• Leave baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house.

• Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in room.

• Have house plants to reduce odors in the home by purifying the air.

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Have any other fresh tips? Post them in the comments below!