Skip Artificial Chemicals, and Use Natural Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy oils are oils that are created from natural elements. They’re also called essential oils. They range from lavender to grapefruit and everything in between. They offer a number of therapeutic benefits, cleaning help and even health benefits, and they are MUCH healthier to use around your home than the toxic "air fresheners" that are so popular these days. (I call them "air poisoners," as they smell so noxious to me, and I can't stand breathing them in.)

Here Are Nine Smart Ways of Using Aromatherapy Oils in Your Home

Image via Wikipedia#1 Water Diffuser and Room Freshener.
Add six to eight drops of your favorite scent to a bowl of water. If the water is warm, it will help spread the scent more quickly. You could place the bowl on a table or counter. If you’re really in need of a quick freshening, simply add the drops to a pan of boiling water. Choose your essential oils based on your mood or need. For example, if you want to freshen up your home lemon, verbena, orange or other light scents are ideal. If you’re looking to relax, try lavender or sandalwood.

#2 Room and Linen Deodorizer.
Add a few drops of essential oil to water in a spray bottle. Keep a bottle in your bathroom. Spray near pet areas. Or use the spray to freshen linens. Lavender spray in your bedroom is a great way to add a relaxing scent. A MUCH better choice than the chemical-filled Febreze-type fabric sprays.

#4 Sachet and Closet Freshener.
Add a few drops of essential oils to cotton balls and place in drawers or your closet. Lavender, cedar or sandalwood are nice choices.

#5 Heat Diffuser.
Place a few drops of essential oils on a cotton ball or wool ball and place inside a heating vent. When your furnace kicks on the blower will help spread the scent throughout your home. (Caution: Don't try this with a hot radiator!)

#6 Sinus Remedy.
If you’re ill or struggling with congestion, put a few drops of eucalyptus oil in hot water and place it near your face for a few minutes so you can breathe in the steam. You may consider placing some oil in a hot water vaporizer at bedtime as well.

#7 Refrigerator Deodorizer.
Place several drops of orange, mint or lemon oil in a bucket of warm water. With a clean sponge, use the water to clean out your refrigerator.

#7 Counter Cleaner.
Add lemon, thyme, basil or even geranium oil to equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. Use to clean countertops in your kitchen and bathroom. Cleans just as well as chemical cleaners, and leaves a fresh scent!

Image via Wikipedia#8 Light bulb room freshener.
Here is a nifty and cheap way to freshen a room. Place a drop of your favorite oil on your light bulbs. Make sure to add the oil when the bulbs are cold. When the light is on and the bulb heats up it will heat the oil and fill the room with scent. Consider placing lavender oil on bedroom light bulbs to relax, and invigorating grapefruit or other citrus scent in your home office. All it takes is a drop!

#9 Furniture polish.
Add four to six drops of lemon essential oil to half a cup of olive oil. With a clean dry rag, use the oil to polish wood furniture. Not only will your furniture look beautiful, but your wood will not be releasing toxic chemicals back into the air over time.

Essential oils fill your home with fresh and natural scents. You can be sure you’re providing your loved ones with a safe environment free from harmful chemicals when you use aromatherapy oils to clean and deodorize your home.