9 Natural Odor Eliminators

Lullaby 10/19/2016

Looking to freshen up your indoor air? Or tackle a tough odor? Before you reach for a conventional deodorizer or plug-in air freshener, consider this: most contain toxic ingredients that actually end up polluting your indoor air. Ah, the irony… Some of the most offensive ingredients, according to an article in Scientific American, are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene and formaldehyde which “can cause headaches and nausea and aggravate asthma, and have been linked to neurological damage and cancer. Perhaps even more worrisome, though, are fragrance stabilizers known as phthalates that are linked to hormonal and reproductive issues, birth defects, and developmental disorders.” Not willing to risk your family’s health for fresher smelling air? We didn’t think so. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 9 natural odor eliminators. Enjoy!

1. White vinegar. Vinegar is a great disinfectant and deodorizer, just mix a solution of 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water in a spray bottle and use on almost any surface. And, don’t worry, the smell of the vinegar disappears quickly, so your house won’t end up smelling like it’s been pickled.

2. Baking soda. Keep an open box in places like your fridge or bathroom closet to absorb odors. Use in the bottom of garbage cans and diaper pails. Sprinkle on musty carpets, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and vacuum up. The uses for baking soda are nearly endless.

3. Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus oil is antibacterial and antifungal, which makes it an ideal deodorizer. You can freshen a room or closet with a few branches in a vase or add 2 drops of Eucalyptus oil to 8 ounces of water to use as a spray. (Note: Pure essential oils are very strong and potentially harmful to your skin and lungs. Use with caution and proper dilution.)

4. Lavender. Make sachets of dried lavender for closets and drawers. They smell great – plus, they repel moths!

5. Coffee grounds. According to Rodale, coffee grounds are an “odor remover that help cut the smell of winter mustiness. You can use fresh or used grounds, but if going with used, let them dry out a bit first. Place them in a bowl as is wherever you need an odor removed, or wrap them up in a coffee filter or old stocking and hang them in a closet or from a shelf.”

6. Essential oils. Put a drop or two of an essential oil on a cotton ball and place them throughout your home instead of using scented candles or air fresheners.

7. House plants. Plants are nature’s air filters - here’s a list of which ones work best.

8. Lemon. Lemons are oh so versatile. Rub half a lemon on stinky, non-porous surfaces, wash, and rinse. Chop leftover lemon peels into small pieces, toss them down the drain and run the disposal to grind them up. Boil rinds in a pot of water. Check out all of these awesome uses for lemons!

9. Mother Nature. Simply put: open a window. Let the offending odor out and fresh air in.

 

BONUS! Check out these tips from BrightNest!

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(FYI - You won't need to use the onion tip if you use no odor* Lullaby Paints!)

*No traditional paint (polyurethane) odor, which can cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues.

 

What are your tips? Leave a comment and let us know!

 

BrightNest is a free site that provides customized tips and tools to help homeowners save money, get organized and keep their homes in great shape.

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