5 non-toxic air fresheners to try this summer

What’s that smell? With names like ‘Fresh-Cut Lilacs’ and ‘Sparkling Waves’, we’re led to believe that air fresheners, candles, and sweet-smelling sprays are just as earthy as their namesakes. Unfortunately, that is seldom the case.

Unbeknownst to many and overlooked by more, air fresheners are often composed of hazardous ingredients. A 2007 study found over 350 chemicals with frightening rap sheets in 74 air freshening products. Among the chemicals were benzene, formaldehyde, styrene, and phthalates.

So needless to say, many are choosing to ditch deadly preservatives and go natural. But unfortunately, it isn’t very easy to find equally effective alternatives that exclude additives.

Thankfully, there are plenty of safe, natural and easy DIYs that can keep your home smelling fresh all summer without questionable chemicals.

Try these five home hacks for air fresheners to keep the fresh scents in and keep the toxins out:

1) DIY reed diffuser

Though many reed diffusers contain a plethora of preservatives, you can steer clear by making your own. All you need are thin wooden reeds, your favourite essential oils, and vodka as a base. The reeds will absorb the oils and emit them back into the air, leaving a sweet, subtle scent.

Though it may come as a surprise to some, vodka is a great way to get rid of unpleasant odours. Some people even spray it into the air on its own, as it gets rid of undesirable scents without leaving an odour as it dries. Still, adding some essential oils will enhance its use.

2) Baking soda

Baking soda is a multipurpose superstar, serving as an essential ingredient in everything from cooking to cleaning. As a scent neutralizer, it’s common to keep an open container in your fridge or freezer.

You can take baking soda to the next level by simply pouring some into a small mason jar, adding your favourite herbs and essential oils, and capping it with a sturdy piece of perforated scrapbook paper so that the scent can escape.

3) Coffee grounds

Whether fresh or used, coffee grounds can serve as a makeshift air freshener. Just place them in a bowl wherever you need to get rid of a gross odor and let them absorb and emit. You can also stuff them into a sock and hang them up in your closet. If you are opting for used coffee grounds, be sure to let them dry first.

4) Palm trees

Palm trees are extremely efficient air purifiers. Though they aren’t scented, adopting one as a houseplant freshens the air by getting rid of formaldehyde. This will be especially useful in a new home, as formaldehyde has been known to seep through fresh coats of paint. Though there are many other air purifying house plants, palm trees are known to require minimal maintenance.

5) Beeswax candle

Candles containing paraffin wax emit chemicals that can be just as dangerous as second-hand smoke.

Though it isn’t a DIY, Sunbeam’s naturally sweetened, honey-scented pure beeswax candle is the ideal option for candle fanatics who want to avoid elusive ingredients. In addition to alleviating bad odours, the beeswax candle draws toxins and allergens out of the air, including pollen, a common allergy irritant.

Both sustainable and renewable, the beeswax candle draws light from the same spectrum as the sun, burning stronger and longer.

Streamlined, packaged air fresheners are easier to find in stores and often have a more potent smell, but the long term benefits of taking the natural route will lead to breathing easier for much longer. Adopting an all-natural lifestyle is a major adjustment and making your own natural air fresheners is a great way to start.

Don’t be afraid to give these DIYs a try and switch over to the non-toxic side!