Obliterating Odors: How-To Formulas

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/obliterating-odor-formulas.html

posted by Annie B. Bond Mar 25, 2000 5:37 pm

filed under: Healthy Home, Non-Toxic Cleaning

I am a firm believer that using air fresheners is a mistake. They mask
unhealthy odors that should be attended to (rotten fruit in the kitchen,
a leaking roof, a dog bed that should be cleaned), and the commercial products can be as
toxic as anything brought into the home.

One air freshener in my
grocery store is labeled, “This product is banned in California because
it causes cancer.”

Well, duh. But just last week I was faced with wanting an air
freshener. A mouse (mice?) had died in the wall, and the house assessor
was coming! This was one instance where I didn’t want a low assessment!
What is a girl to do? Find some safe odor busters!

Make your own simple, yet effective, air fresheners instead of buying toxic products!

Baking soda neutralizes acid odors, and vinegar neutralizes alkaline odors. You don’t need much more than these two ingredients to solve most odor problems. If one doesn’t work, try the other.

Make your own antibacterial essential oil sprays. These are versions of what Natural Food stores sell—brands that are often citrus or lime.

The mineral zeolite works to reduce odors. The mineral is available in bags that can be placed in closets and other places where the air gets stale.

Here is a spicy seasonal air freshener that not only works, but that provides you and your family and friends with a great hot drink.

More on Non-Toxic Cleaning (145 articles available)
More from Annie B. Bond (3249 articles available)

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Jillian Fernandez says
Apr 6, 2008 2:44 PM

What quantity of baking powder and vinegar is needed and how do you apply it?

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Pat Tyler says
Apr 4, 2008 8:52 PM

Our power company PG&E has already changed to renewable resources.Thanks for the good info
Pat Tyler

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Christina Nanney says
Apr 4, 2008 5:03 PM

I have read that vinegar does a good job of eliminating urine odor and that it should be used to launder baby blankets and such. I wouldn't go pouring vinegar on your couch, particularly not leather, but I'd suggest starting with some research in that direction.

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Peristera T. says
Apr 4, 2008 12:56 PM

What about a natural way to eliminate cat urine odour from a leather couch?

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Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

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