Peonies
One of things I loved about visiting my grandmother was how good her house always smelled. It's important to me that my house smell nice too. That's one of the reasons I've always used scented laundry detergent and fabric softener. I would tuck a fabric softener sheet in the linen closet or under the trash can liner in the bathrooms...maybe another between the mattress and boxspring in the guest bedroom.
I recently read an article about the toxic chemicals in scented laundry products and air fresheners so I have decided to stop using them. No point in taking the risk of endangering my family.
So how do we make our homes smell good without the use of toxic chemicals?
1) Baking: My personal favorite. :) Several years ago we had some furniture delivered. I had brownies baking in the oven when the delivery man showed up and he kept going on and on about how he could smell them as soon as he walked in the door.
2) Fresh flowers: Have fresh flowers in your entry way. Beautiful to your eyes and your nose!
3) Linen spray: I have a lavender linen spray that is scented with essential oil. It's so nice to spray on my pillows before I go to bed.
4) Keeping the trash emptied: This probably goes without saying, but it's easy for the trash to get stinky quickly.
5) Baking soda and lemon juice: These are great cleaners and also great ways to keep your drains clear and smelling good. Pour some baking soda down the drain and follow with lemon juice (or vinegar). Let it bubble for a while then follow with boiling water.
6) Non-toxic candles: Be sure to buy candles that don't have lead in the wicks.
7) Homemade potpourri: If you don't have time to bake, put some orange peels, cinnamon sticks and cloves in a small saucepan and cover with water. Simmer on a back burner.
8) Scented non-toxic furniture polish: I love the scent of freshly polished wood furniture. Daddy Van's has some that smells really nice.
9) "Swish" your bathroom every day: Do a quick swipe and swish of your bathroom every day. That will keep any smells from accumulating.
10) Open the windows: Open the windows first thing in the morning before the heat sets in and let in some fresh air.
6 comments:
All of these are great tips! Thank you!
I enjoy your blog and have visited a few times. I don't know if you accept awards, but I have one for you on my blog. I am also praying for your son.
Miriam
Great tips! My hubby has a sensitive sniffer and is really big on our house smelling good, but I can't stand heavily scented air freshners and the like. They make me feel like I can't breath.
We use most of your tips already, but it's always good to be reminded. I am going to put some baking soda and vinegar down the drains now!
Those are great tips and non of them bad for you! I don't like really heavily perfumed smells but just the things you mentioned are terrific ways to keep the house smelling great.
Terri
Downy fabric softener smell always reminds me of my grandmother. I love it when I go for a visit and she launders a few articles of clothing I may have left behind. I won't even wear them and instead just bring them home with me across the miles and smell the smell every day. I close my eyes and feel a child again every time I smell them. Smell is powerful...
Lovely tips! I also love the smell of baking, and it's such a wonderful welcome home for hubby and the kids!
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