Natural alternatives: Air Fresheners:
Hello Fellow Alzfighters! This is Nurse Marla,
Life is .. well… Smelly sometimes. But I also know that I have no business using anything in my home that contains neurotoxins. Yes it’s true there are hidden neurotoxic chemicals in many common air fresheners. So I decided to create my own today:
How to Make a Natural Air Freshener
To create your homemade air freshener, you'll need the following materials:
A small glass jar or container with a lid
Distilled water
Essential oils of your choice (such as lavender, peppermint, lemon, or eucalyptus)
Fresh herbs or botanicals (optional)
A small muslin cloth or cheesecloth or even a basic wash cloth
A rubber band
A marker or label (optional but highly recommended. Unlabeled spray bottles are an accident waiting to happen. Labels don’t have to be fancy to be effective. I often use scrap paper and packaging tape. The goal is to show the contents i.e. “Lavendar essential oil water”)
Instructions
1. Prep Your Container: Ensure that it is clean and free from any residual smells or debris.
2. Choose Your Essential Oils: Select your favorite essential oils or create your own unique scent blend. Each oil has its own aroma and potential benefits. For example, lavender is known for its calming properties, while lemon is invigorating and uplifting.
3. Add Essential Oils: Pour distilled water into the glass jar, leaving some space at the top. Then, add around 10 to 15 drops of your chosen essential oils. You may need to adjust the amount based on the strength of the fragrance and your personal preference. Feel free to experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect mix.
4. Consider Botanical Additions: Want to enhance the visual appeal of your air freshener and add an extra touch of nature? Drop a few fresh herbs, flower petals, or dried botanicals into the jar. Mint leaves, rosemary sprigs, or lavender buds work particularly well. This step is optional but can add a lovely aesthetic touch.
5. Secure the Cloth Top: Place the muslin cloth or cheesecloth over the opening of the jar, making sure it is large enough to cover the whole opening. Secure it tightly with a rubber band, making sure it is snug enough to allow the aroma through.
6. Label Your Creation: Please do not skip this step. Even though the ingredients are natural, you should never leave any container unlabeled. This way, you can keep track of various blends or know when it's time to refresh the air freshener.
7. Allow the Aroma to Develop: Place your homemade air freshener in a location of your choice, such as a bathroom, living room, or office space. As time passes, the essential oils will infuse the air, releasing their pleasant aroma and transforming the atmosphere.
8. Refresh and Personalize: Over time, the scent may fade. To refresh the air freshener, simply add a few more drops of essential oils and replace the botanical additions if desired. Experiment with different combinations and tailor the fragrance to suit your preferences.
Remember, this natural air freshener is meant to enhance your space with a subtle and natural scent. If you find the fragrance overpowering or if you have sensitivities, you can reduce the amount of essential oils used or dilute them further. Enjoy the delightful scent and the comfort of knowing you've created a natural alternative to conventional air fresheners.
Wishing you a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere in your home!