Fresh Smelling Home! Naturally!

An old realtor’s trick for making the house smell incredibly inviting which is also surprisingly green is to put about two capfuls of baking vanilla extract (you can also use almond or orange extract) into an oven-safe coffee cup. Turn the oven on to about 250 degrees and place the coffee cup in the center of the oven.

Very quickly the house will begin to smell incredible. (Just be prepared for people storming the kitchen looking for whatever you’re “baking”!)

Here’s another easy way to fill the house with fragrance without using harsh artificial chemicals. Place a small pot on the stove. Add about 2 cups water, 3 cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves, and the peel of 1 orange, lemon or grapefruit. Simmer on low heat, and the warm smell of citrus and spice will quickly suffuse the house.

Essential oils are a fabulous way to freshen up all sorts of things in your house. Instead of using fabric spray or linen spray to air out couches, curtains and sheets, try this trick. Either re-purpose an old spray bottle (be sure to wash out thoroughly!) or buy a small one.

Fill 2/3 with water; add ¼ cup cheap vodka and 6-10 drops of your favorite essential oil (We love lavender, sweet orange, vanilla or rose). Spray liberally anywhere you need a breath of freshness. (This formula is generally safe for most fabrics, but if you’re unsure, test a small area to make sure it won’t stain first).

There are countless great ideas for freshening with essential oils. For example, drip some onto a cotton ball, then put it anywhere you need a little pick-me-up of clean scent, like in your diaper pail, at the bottom of the garbage can or in your laundry hamper.

This is also a fantastic way to keep your underwear or sock drawer smelling nice.  Another idea is to mix about 15 drops of your favorite essential oil with 1 cup water in a glass jar, then place about 10 wooden skewers so they are sticking out the top of the jar (break them in half if they’re way taller then the jar) This makes a great air freshener for the bathroom.

These are just a couple of ideas to get you started. Essential oils are incredibly versatile, and a much greener and healthier alternative to artificial chemical plug –in or spray air fresheners.

Note: Essential oils can be harmful if swallowed or used on skin undiluted. Undiluted essential oils are intended for aromatherapy purposes. Be sure to put the oils in a carrier oil such as olive oil or almond oil if you plan to use them on skin.