Air Fresheners: A Breath of Fresh Air?
Filed Under Clean Quick and Green |
We all want a fresh-smelling home; it means it’s clean and under control. Some people resort to air fresheners in aerosols, plug-in pods, and a host of other creative products. Personally, I am horrified by these products and avoid them at all costs.
I have neighbors at my condo who are undoubtedly hooked on the stuff; I have to hold my breath as I walk by their door. These artificial masking scents can be quite detrimental to a household; if a little consumer research was done before a purchase I am positive no one would buy them.
For people with asthma or other respiratory problems, these products may exacerbate the ailments and act as a catalyst for causing such problems in children. You are welcome to research the upwards of 3,000 chemicals found in air fresheners and read the frightening details. What I will tell you is that the chemicals contained include petrochemicals such as propane and butane, which can spread themselves around your room and cling to everything including your carpets, upholstery, and airways.
These nasty chemical cocktails are combustible, can cause headaches, depress the nervous system, and cause shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. No thanks! Rather than buying these products, here are some great ways to keep the house smelling fresh:
• Open a window to circulate fresh air. It sounds simple and obvious but it works like a charm.
• About 20 minutes before you vacuum carpets, sprinkle baking soda onto the carpets to eliminate the odors out of the carpet fibers. You can even add some dried lavender or sage to the baking soda beforehand, which will leave a fresh and natural aromatic scent.
• If you are craving a warm scent, simmer some mulling spices in water for awhile and enjoy the scents of your own creation.
• For the bathroom, use the simple and steadfast trick of lighting a match. It works every time and is completely safe. Of course, be sure to safely light and flush the match.
Melissa
Comments
2 Comments so far
I have severe reactions to the chemicals in some scented products and it’s gotten to the point where I have to work in an office with a closed door and an air purifier despite the company I work for implementing a “No Perfume” policy. Too bad the policy didn’t include all scented products.
I wish this message was getting out more to the general public. I think too many people think that harmful chemicals wouldn’t be allowed by the government or some other regulatory body in the products they use. That or they have the attitude of, “We’re all going to die someday anyway.”
If people could be educated on the number and type of chemicals in these products maybe people would stop using these scented items and the manufacturers would stop making them.
Hi Serena,
it’s totally true. How frustrating about your office space.
The thing is, it’s easier for many to disregard the hazards of conventional cleaning products and air freshners. All we can do is educate our friends and family and hope they spread the word. Here’s a great way you can do that:
http://www.womenandenvironment.org/
a group that helps women educate their friends and families on how to become more chem free at home. You can even have your own parties at home (think tupperware parties) where you invite friends over and make cleaning products out of natural things! It’s fantastic. Enjoy, and of course, happy reading,