Why I Avoid Commercial Air Fresheners (And What To Use Instead)

Readers of this blog will know by now that I’m very much against air fresheners in any form. When I'm out and about (which is not that often these days) they seem to be everywhere – in office buildings, lifts, and public toilets – constantly emitting chemicals that I’d rather not be breathing in. More often than not, I end up holding my breath until I’m clear!

Ever since I can remember my Mum has always opened windows as soon as she is up in the morning - and her advice is simple: if you want your house to smell fresh, just open the windows and doors for a little while. Even in winter, that short burst of fresh air will sweep away stale smells and leave your home feeling and smelling clean without all the toxins.

While doing some research it was no surprise to me when I read a report from the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in the UK. They found that our indoor air can be polluted by more than just air fresheners. 

Solvents seeping from plastics, paints and furnishings, composite wood furniture, household cleaning products, DIY sealants, foam insulation, insecticides, joss sticks, open fires, even the dander from pets – all of these can contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Natural ways to keep your home smelling good

The good news is that there are far better ways to keep your home smelling fresh, without resorting to toxic sprays and plug-ins. Essential oils are my go-to. They don’t just add a beautiful fragrance, they can also lift your mood, ease stress, and even help fight off bugs and germs in the air.

Here are some of my favourite simple ideas:

Vanilla essence – Place a few small bowls of vanilla essence around your home. It’s an easy way to create a welcoming aroma, especially if you’ve got visitors coming over.

Light bulbs – Dab a little essential oil on a (cool) light bulb before switching it on. As it warms up, the fragrance will gently spread. You can also find small rings that hang on bulbs and disperse oils safely.

Oil burners – A classic oil burner with water and a tea light candle is a wonderful way to diffuse essential oils. Just add a few drops of your favourite oil to the water and top up as needed.

Natural Air Freshener Spray - click here.

Keep everything fresh, natural, and free of toxins – it’s really that simple!