Written by Abbie Stutzer
The cooped up nature of the winter months can make anyone's home smell kind of yucky. Sealing up the house to combat bone-chilling temperatures, mixed with well-worn winter coats and accessories, and daily-cooking endeavors can create a cocktail of funk. Although it's too cold in most places to open windows and doors, you can make a few homemade air fresheners to spruce up your abode.
1. Vodka
No, we aren't suggesting you drink until you can't smell anything foul. According to Rodale, vodka is an amazing air freshener. Spray the liquid into the air to help remove bad smells. When the vodka dries, it leaves no odor. Add 20 to 30 drops of your favorite essential oils for a light, natural scent.
2. Coffee grounds
You can use fresh or dried out, used coffee grounds. Place the grounds in a bowl or old stocking and place in the area you need un-musted.
3. Lemon
Lemon is a great "everywhere" freshener. Refresh the air by bringing eight cups of water to a boil and add sliced lemons and limes. Turn down the heat and enjoy the bright, fresh scent! And to refresh your fridge after all that holiday food has finally disappeared: slice a large lemon in half and remove its insides. Fill the lemon with coarse salt and place in the fridge. It will absorb all those questionable smells.
4. Make natural room scents
The Yummy Life highlights how to make five room scent recipes. All scents are natural and fresh. The author highlights how to make any of the scents ahead of time (place in the fridge for one to two weeks, or freeze) and heat. The orange, cinnamon and clove concoction sounds very appealing.
For other de-stinking concoctions and recipes, give one of the following past Organic Authority articles a read:
Resources:
http://cupcakecucumber.blogspot.com/2012/03/10-diy-natural-ways-to-make-your-home.html
http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-home-living/healthy-all-natural-air-fresheners.aspx
For more by Organic Authority.com, click here.
Image: reiner kraft