Trade in Your Toxic Air Freshener for this Homemade Room Spray
Did you know that many of the Many store-bought air fresheners contain toxic chemicals, spreading them throughout your home every time you use them. I’m pretty sure you used these products before and for years without even thinking about the side effects. However, I’m here to tell you that prolonged use of these chemicals can cause serious health problems. A study conducted by the University of Washington in 2010 found that out of the 25 commonly used scented products they tested, there were an average of 17 chemicals emitted from each one. There were 133 total chemicals identified throughout the entire testing process and approximately 25 percent are considered hazardous or toxic.
Surprisingly, only one was listed on the product label. What about the other 132 chemical compounds that you are unknowingly discharging into the air? The sad thing is that manufacturers of these types of air freshening scented products (as well as personal care products, cleaning supplies and laundry products) are not required to disclose what goes into making them!
Which is sick right. I am such a chemical phobic. My husband is not, and likes his traditional chemical laden stuff. So I just keep some on hand to make him happy in the laundry room. However, I never use them. They just sit up there. But that’s between us right, my little secret……
Here are just a few of the toxic chemical in your commercial air fresheners:
Phenols – Phenols are made from crude oil through a series of manufacturing processes. Phenols can be inhaled and are readily absorbed through the skin. They have been linked to skin irritations, wheezing, coughing, upset stomach, kidney and liver damage. Some suspect they may be a contributor to autism in children as well.
Formaldehyde – In its basic form, formaldehyde is a colorless gas. It’s used in a variety of products because it is a good binding agent and cheap to manufacture. Formaldehyde can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled and has been linked to sleeplessness, fatigue, headache, breathing difficulties, nausea, diarrhea and bronchitis, to name a few.
Phthalates – These endocrine disruptors interfere with the natural hormone processes of the body. Phthalates are linked to reproductive damage, birth defects, developmental disabilities and cancer. Needless to say, these products are better left unused. An alternative to using these damaging products is creating your own “green” air freshener from a just a few ingredients.
The items you will need to create a basic homemade air freshening spray are:
• A 16 oz. clean spray bottle
• Warm water
• Essential oil(s) (You can get many essentials Oils from Mountain Rose herbs) (aff) I use their products and love their stuff!
Fill the spray bottle with water leaving approximately 1 inch from the top. Then use 8-10 drops of your favorite essential oils (adjust amount to your liking) and shake for 30 seconds. Be sure to shake before each use.
“This post is shared at Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party Hop”
Great article! Found you from the Blog hop from urbannaturale.com
Thank you so much!! Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Elizabeth,
I am so delighted that you are raising awareness of the harmful, toxic ingredients in too many of our common scented air fresheners as well as personal care products, cleaning supplies and laundry products. It is truly a disgrace that manufacturers are not required to disclose what goes into making them! As consumers we most become as informed as possible so we can make healthy product choices for ourselves and our families. The EWG website is an invaluable source to refer to before shopping, however, it is so easy and cost-effective to make our own safe and natural air fresheners, cleaning and personal care products. I make some at home myself! Thank you so much for sharing your DIY green and natural air freshener with us at the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Blog Hop! I appreciate it! I will be sharing this on social media! All the best, Deborah
Ahh..!! Thank you so much for the lovely comment! I love your blog and read it all the time! And, yes I love checking into the EWG website all the time. It does help to make your own at home really cost efficient!
I always use lavender in my home. Thanks for sharing. Hello from the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Hop!
Yes, Lavender is one my favorite things to use also. I always seen so much relaxed and ready to go sleep with it. Thank you for commenting, luv your blog!
Cool tip! I never thought about keeping them in the bathrooms, I usually keep them in the laundry room away from the kids. I’ll try that with in the bathroom with some smaller ones made.