They say home is where the heart is, but homes can have foul odors from pets, mold growth, poor ventilation, dirty bathrooms, and household waste. Consequently, the global air freshener market is a booming industry expected to reach $27.7 billion by 2030, but many of these products actually contaminate indoor air and introduce toxic chemicals.
According to the EPA, indoor air quality is one of the main threats to human health and is typically 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Household cleaning products, including air fresheners, are among the culprits that pollute the air in the home. Let’s explore why many scent mists, plug-in units, bathroom sprays and car air fresheners harm human health and the environment and how to get fresher, safer air.
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Regarding chemicals in air fresheners
There are many harmful and dangerous ingredients commonly found in commercial air fresheners. These are among the most dangerous, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
You can refresh indoor air naturally
Natural air fresheners contain no synthetic chemicals, are easy and often inexpensive to make, and you can tailor them to your scent preferences. Natural air fresheners include baking soda, essential oils, vinegar, potpourri, food scents and activated charcoal. For example, bamboo charcoal bags Or volcanic rocks absorb unpleasant odors without the use of synthetic fragrances.
Eliminate foul odors from the house
A critical step in reducing or eliminating odors is to stop them at the source, instead of masking them with scented products.
Read Air Freshener Labels Carefully
Although many product labels may advertise that they are “natural”, that does not mean that they are clean and free from harmful ingredients. Synthetic fragrances are often labeled as perfume, fragrance or aroma. Because the perfume formula is considered a trade secret, manufacturers are not required to disclose its ingredientswhich could include a number of chemicals of concern, including phthalates and benzophenone, in a petroleum base. Also beware of products that use the words “warning”, “danger” or “poison”.
Best Commercial Air Fresheners
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) air freshener prices to help shoppers choose more natural alternatives to toxic odor eliminators, refreshing mists and laundry sprays. Of the air fresheners rated, 12 products scored an A, 33 a B, and 245 a D or an F. This highlights that although there are safer alternatives, most air fresheners can harm the environment and human health. human. Here are EWG’s top rated air fresheners.
These products received an A from the EWG
These products received a B from the EWG
Home air fresheners
An easy and simple way to have safer air freshener products is to make your own with safe, natural ingredients. DIY air fresheners can also be economical and help you avoid packaging waste by refilling bottles you already have at home. Some of the best DIY air fresheners contain essential oils, baking soda, vinegar, and lava rocks.
Diffuse essential oils
Many essential oils have health-promoting properties that help relieve stress, induce sleep, rejuvenate, and promote mental clarity. Simply boil a pot of water, remove it from the heat and add a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Another option is to purchase an essential oil diffuser that provides a slow release of essential oils.
Make home air freshener sprays
These air fresheners are easy to make with water, essential oils, alcohol, and a reused spray bottle. The prairie farm has great recommendations on which essential oils to use, depending on the desired effect. For example, lavender and eucalyptus are soothing, while mint and citrus are invigorating. So a lavender spray can be great for a bedroom, while a mint/citrus spray can be good for the kitchen, bathroom, or home office.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol, vodka or real vanilla extract
- 10 to 15 drops of your favorite essential oils
Directions:
Use a funnel to add all the ingredients directly into a spray bottle. Shake well and enjoy.
Choose safer ways to freshen the air in your home and eliminate odors
Store aisles are filled with dozens of commercial air fresheners, but many contain harmful chemicals. Fortunately, there are many effective strategies for naturally reducing or stopping unpleasant odors and using natural products to add scents. These simple gestures contribute to protecting the environment while truly promoting indoor air quality.
