We have found 5 environmentally friendly ways to scent your home during the holiday season and year-round. If you love filling your house with relaxing aromas that make you feel at home, these are great options for how to do it naturally and without harming your health or the environment.
What’s Inside of the Fragrance Diffuser?
Have you thought about what a scent actually is? What makes us love a certain candle or a room spray? What are these products made from and how do they affect the air we breathe?
Commercial fragrance diffusers often contain synthetic fragrances that are made from a combination of chemicals. These chemicals can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can contribute to indoor air pollution. Some of these VOCs, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene, have been linked to various health issues like respiratory problems, allergies, and even potential long-term effects on overall health.
Additionally, commercial fragrance diffusers may also contain other harmful substances like phthalates, which are commonly used as fragrance stabilizers. Phthalates have been associated with hormone disruption and potential adverse effects on reproductive health.
Using commercial fragrance diffusers can also contribute to environmental concerns. The production and disposal of these products can lead to pollution and waste. Additionally, the ingredients used in these products are often sourced from non-renewable resources and can have a negative impact on ecosystems.
Environmentally Friendly Scents for Your Home
Instead of using commercial fragrance diffusers, opting for natural alternatives like essential oils, natural wax melts, or simmer pots can be a safer and more eco-friendly choice. These options allow you to enjoy pleasant scents without exposing yourself and the environment to potentially harmful chemicals.
1. Orange Clove Pomander Balls
To scent your home orange clove pomander balls, poke holes into the orange’s skin and insert whole cloves into the holes. Place the clove-studded orange in a central location in your home. As the orange dries, it releases a warm and spicy fragrance, combining the citrus scent of the orange with the aromatic cloves. Optionally, you can add decorative elements like ribbons or place it in a decorative bowl.
Use good quality cloves to get the richest warm spice scent for your home.
2. Natural Wax Melts
Using natural wax melts is a good option to scent your home if they are made with non-toxic natural soy wax and essential oils and they are free of harmful chemicals such as dyes, phthalates, carcinogens, and reproductive toxins. Natural wax melts are infused with clean fragrances and essential oils, providing a safer and cleaner burn compared to other scented products.
These wax melts are made in the U.S.A. using non-toxic natural soy wax. They are hand-crafted in small batches with 100% all American farmed pure natural soy wax and essential oils. These wax melts are free of dyes, phthalates, carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and other potentially harmful chemicals. Additionally, they are infused with non-toxic, clean fragrances and essential oils for a cleaner and safer burn.
3. Essential Oil Diffuser
Using essential oils diffusers instead of synthetic air fresheners can be a more eco-friendly choice as they are often made with natural ingredients and do not release harmful chemicals into the air. It’s important, however, to make sure that nobody in your household is allergic to certain essential oils. Also, some essential oils can be toxic for pets so it’s another thing to keep in mind when deciding to go with an essential oil diffuser.
This essential oil diffuser set is a 5-in-1 multifunctional device with a large 500ml water tank, 7 LED colors, and multiple mist diffuse modes. It includes a safety auto-switch to prevent overheating when the water runs out. The set comes with a 500ml diffuser 6 essential oils: lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, lemongrass, and sweet orange (each in 10ml bottles). The essential oils are sourced globally, expertly formulated, and hand-poured for premium quality.
4. Cedar and Lavender Sachets
Cedar wood is known for its pleasant, natural aroma that adds a fresh and earthy scent to the surroundings. This makes it a popular choice for sachets, closets, and drawers to keep clothes and linens smelling fresh. Cedar contains natural oils that act as an insect repellent. It is particularly effective against moths, silverfish, and other pests that can damage clothing and fabrics. Cedar wood also has natural deodorizing properties, making it effective at neutralizing unpleasant odors. This is especially useful in enclosed spaces like closets or shoe cabinets, where odors may accumulate.
To use cedar to scent your home, you can create lavender and cedar sachets. Combine dried lavender flowers and cedar chips in a small cloth bag or pouch. Place the sachets in drawers, closets, or any area where you want to enjoy the natural scent of cedar. The combination of lavender and cedar creates a refreshing and soothing aroma in your home. You can also buy pre-made cedar and lavender sachets – here is our recommendation:
These cedar and lavender sachets create a relaxing fragrance for various spaces in the home. Made with superior quality cedar and lavender, the sachets are all-natural, human and pet-safe. They are ready to use and can be hung in closets or placed in drawers and around the home. The combination of USA-grown cedar and high-quality lavender ensures long-lasting and pleasing aromas, making them an excellent choice for enhancing the scent of clothes and linens.
5. Simmer Pots
Simmer pots are an easy way to naturally add fragrance to your home. They are versatile and are easy to put together. You can use any aromatic ingredients like citrus peels, spices, herbs, and pine needles. All you have to do is add water to any pot and bring it to a simmer on low heat. You can then add aromatics like citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves that will release pleasant scents as the water simmers. Make sure to monitor the water levels, adding more as needed to prevent the pot from drying out. Experiment with ingredient combinations and consider using essential oils for a more concentrated fragrance.
You can add the spices and aromatics directly to the water, but for easier cleanup we recommend using muslin drawstring bags that keep the aromatics together.
These muslin bags are made of unbleached cotton cheesecloth and are non-toxic and safe for long-term use. The drawstring makes it easy to keep the contents intact. They work great for a simmer pot since they keep the spices together but do not interfere with the release of the scents. The fine mesh exterior prevents ingredient leakage during long cooking periods while enhancing fragrance.