By Green Living Tips | Published 11/1/2009 | home

Earth friendly air freshener tips

Green commercial air fresheners
Thankfully, some manufacturers are responding to consumer concerns regarding the health and environmental issues associated with these products and commercial "green" air fresheners can be purchased. Still, be wary of these products - a common trick companies play is to say something along the lines of "contains natural pine scent", which it may well do - but what about the other ingredients? Check the labels and if the label is unclear, contact the company for a complete ingredient list. Alternatively, you can try search for the product's MSDS online. An MSDS is a Materials Safety Data Sheet. These *usually* contain more information than what you'll find listed on a product's packaging and may also include toxicological and environmental data. Run a search on Google like so: Product MSDS Where "product" is the name of the air freshener. Armed with that information, you can then also use online databases such as Skin Deep to find out the potential effects of the chemicals.

Green home-brewed alternatives
Here are a few tips for greener ways to help keep your home smelling fresh. Of course, be cautious of how you use some of these ideas if you have young children or pets scurrying around the house.

• A simple one, but improving air circulation outside to inside will do wonders. Open windows when you can.
  
• A tablespoon of salt in a half an orange with the flesh scooped out. I'm told this is a good one for the toilet.
  
• 1 to 2 teaspoons natural vanilla extract placed in small containers around your home - Pot pourri made from lavender, roses or whatever scented plants and flowers you may have in your garden.
  
• Use baking soda to soak up acidic odors; also great for ash trays - Baking soda can also be used as a spray
  
• one teaspoon dissolved in cup of water and then sprayed as a fine mist.
  
• Use vinegar to neutralize alkaline odors. Yes, vinegar is a little smelly itself to start off with, but the initial pong quickly fades.
  
• If you have extraction fans in the kitchen or toilet, ensure the screens are kept clean. If you haven't cleaned yours for a while, try it out and I guarantee the difference will amaze you.

Know More:
http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/99/1/Green-air-fresheners.html

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