It is common today to pamper our homes with a wide array of fragrant products, such as aromatic furniture polish, fragrantly uplifting air spray, or an aromatic carpet deodoriser, but many off-the-shelf products are not aroma-coordinated, and in some circumstances contain chemicals that may eventually pose a health problem.
The good news is that all of their functions can be easily replaced with safe, natural alternatives.
In bygone days aromatic grasses and highly fragrant herbs and flowers were placed under rugs and mats so that when they were walked upon their scent was released.
In our modern society, carpets can be kept fragrantly fresh with a simple-to-make carpet freshener powder.
Add one drop of your favourite aromatic essential oil to every tablespoon of base powder such as bicarbonate of soda or kaolin china clay, available from chemists or potters' suppliers, and mix thoroughly in a blender.
Lavender oil is an excellent choice because of its anti-bacterial properties, and its ability to repel insects such as moths and silverfish.
Once made up, seal your powder in an airtight jar or plastic bag, place in a dry, cool, dark spot and leave for 24 hours to mature and take up the scent. It can be stored indefinitely.
Sprinkle it on carpets and mats, leave for a few minutes, and then vacuum it up.
Keep timber furniture and other timber surfaces shiny and clean with aromatic liquid polish.
Dissolve one teaspoon of lemon oil, or 2mls of your favourite essential oil, in half-a-litre of olive oil.
Store in a pump-spray bottle and apply using a fine mist spray and a soft, clean cloth.
An air freshener spray is one of the simplest ways in which you can use essential oils to perfume your home and to also provide protection against airborne viruses and bacteria.
Dissolve 30 to 40 drops of lavender oil, or other essential oil, in 10mls of methylated spirits, then add to half-a-litre of distilled water and store in a pump-spray bottle.
Shake well to mix and use on a fine mist setting.
