7 Natural Alternatives To Air Fresheners (They Really Work!)

Has your house been making you go: “Iugh, what’s that smell?” lately?  

At first, commercial air fresheners may seem like a quick way to deal with a smelly room. However, some scents can be quite strong because they only cover the foul smells in your home; also, air fresheners may trigger asthma or allergies. You don’t want that!

But don’t worry; there are many alternatives you can use. Here are some of the best ways to absorb all those bad odors ruining the ambiance. Check them out and refresh your home!

Alternative #1. Vinegar

Vinegar might not have a pleasant smell, but it’s a great odor-neutralizer. Make a solution of half water and half white vinegar to spray around the room you want to deodorize. You can also apply it to your fridge or other surfaces to remove lingering odors.

Another thing you can do is boil the vinegar and water. The vapor from the solution will help you get rid of the bad smells in your kitchen!

Alternative #2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is another excellent product to eliminate bad odors. Leave a bowl filled with this versatile kitchen staple in the room, and let it do the work! 

Are you struggling with a smelly fabric? Sprinkle baking soda directly on your carpets or upholstered furniture. After a few hours, vacuum the powder, and the bad smells should be gone!

Baking soda is also great for a smelly trash can. All you need to do is wash the trash can and then sprinkle baking soda at the bottom.

Alternative #3. Coffee grounds

A cup of coffee is a great way to start the morning, but waking you up is not the only thing coffee can do! Coffee grounds are also odor eliminators.

You can get the used coffee grounds from your morning coffee or use new ones. Put the coffee grounds in a bowl and leave them in a smelly room. On top of leaving a pleasant scent behind, the coffee grounds will absorb the smells.

Alternative #4. Orange peels

A citrus scent always leaves a sensation of cleanliness and freshness. However, commercial air fresheners often use artificial fragrances that can be overwhelming. 

Why not use the natural source instead? Orange peels are a completely natural alternative to air fresheners, and they will leave you with a pleasant smell (without overpowering the air). And it’s super easy! Just boil the peels in water. 

Alternative #5. Vanilla extract

Who wouldn’t want their house smelling of vanilla? You can get rid of the unpleasant odors from your home with just vanilla extract!

All you have to do is put a couple of vanilla drops in cotton balls and hide them in the bad-smelling rooms. You could also put some vanilla on the lightbulbs. Once the bulb heats the vanilla extract, the scent will spread through the room!

Alternative #6. Vodka

Did you know you can make a quick air freshener with vodka? Vodka is an excellent odor-neutralizer! Besides, it evaporates quickly and doesn’t leave a smell.

All you have to do is mix one part vodka and three parts water in a spray bottle—you can also add a few drops of essential oil. Then, spray it around the stinky room, and you’re done!

Alternative #7. Kitty Litter

Yes, another weird one. However, it works! Cat litter is designed to capture odors, so adding kitty litter to your grocery list might be a good idea, even if you don’t own a cat! Just place small containers with cat litter in the smelly rooms.

Keep your home fresh with regular cleaning

While all these alternatives work, they won’t eliminate the smell source. So, if you want to ensure the bad smells are gone for good, keeping your home clean is a must. 

Don’t you have enough time for your regular chores? Let the professionals keep your home fresh! At Memorable Maids, we proudly offer Vancouver’s #1 house cleaning service.

Learn more about our cleaning services here!