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Healthy Home

Natural Air Fresheners: DIY Green Ideas to Freshen Your Home

by Keira July 11, 2024

written by Keira

Natural Air Fresheners for a Clean and Inviting Home

Eliminating unpleasant odors and creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere in your home is essential for both comfort and well-being. Instead of relying on harsh chemical air fresheners, consider using natural alternatives that are not only effective but also beneficial for your health.

Essential Oils: Nature’s Air Purifiers

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Diffusing these oils into the air can help purify and freshen the atmosphere in your home.

Popular Essential Oils for Air Freshening:

Lavender
Eucalyptus
Rosemary
Tea tree
Spearmint
Peppermint
Lemongrass
Lemon
Grapefruit
Orange
Rose
Jasmine
Ylang-ylang
Geranium

How to Use Essential Oils as Air Fresheners:

Diffusion: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a diffuser filled with water and let it disperse the scented mist into the air.
Boiling Water Method: Boil a pot of water and remove it from the heat. Add a few drops of essential oil and let the infused steam fill the room.
DIY Spray: Combine 10-15 drops of essential oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spritz into the air as needed.

Coffee: The Odor Absorbing Wonder

Coffee’s rich aroma doesn’t just wake you up, it can also absorb unpleasant odors in your home.

How to Use Coffee as an Air Freshener:

Grind and Place: Place bowls of freshly ground coffee in areas with strong odors, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Brew and Absorb: Brew a pot of coffee and let the aroma permeate the house.
Coffee Grounds in the Garbage: Sprinkle coffee grounds in the bottom of a new garbage bag to neutralize odors before they spread.

Herbal Potpourri: A Fragrant Blend

Create a delightful potpourri by combining dried flowers, herbs, and essential oils.

How to Make a Herbal Potpourri:

Gather a variety of dried flowers and herbs, such as lavender, rose petals, and rosemary.
Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to enhance the fragrance.
Place the mixture in a bowl or jar and let the scent naturally diffuse.

Fresh Herbal Bouquets: A Refreshing Touch

Bring the outdoors in with fresh herbal bouquets.

Herbs for Fresh Bouquets:

Geranium
Peppermint
Rosemary
Lavender

How to Use Fresh Herbal Bouquets as Air Fresheners:

Cut fresh herbs and tie them together in bouquets.
Place the bouquets in vases or jars and arrange them around your home.

Houseplants: Nature’s Air Purifiers and Fragrance Enhancers

Certain houseplants not only improve air quality but also release pleasant fragrances.

Houseplants for Air Freshening and Fragrance:

Plumeria
Scented geranium
Vining jasmine
Orange jasmine
Gardenia
Stephanotis
Freesia
Hyacinth

Pomander Balls: A Festive and Aromatic Way to Freshen Air

Create decorative pomander balls by studding oranges with cloves.

How to Make Pomander Balls:

Choose firm oranges and insert whole cloves into the skin.
Let the pomander balls dry for several weeks in a warm, dry place.
Hang the pomander balls in your home or closet to release a spicy-citrus fragrance.

Simmering Potpourri: A Quick and Easy Way to Freshen the House

Simmering potpourri is a great way to infuse your home with a warm and inviting scent.

How to Make a Simmering Potpourri:

Fill a small saucepan with water and bring it to a boil.
Add your chosen ingredients, such as citrus peels, spices, and herbs.
Reduce heat to low and let the pot simmer for several hours.
As the water evaporates, add more as needed.

Vinegar: A Natural Disinfectant and Odor Eliminator

Vinegar’s acidic properties make it an effective disinfectant and odor neutralizer.

How to Use Vinegar as an Air Freshener:

Spray: Combine 1 part white vinegar with 4 parts water in a spray bottle. Spray into the air to freshen any room.
Bowl of Vinegar: Place a bowl of white vinegar in the kitchen to absorb cooking odors.

Natural Candles: A Clean and Fragrant Alternative

Candles made with natural waxes, such as soy, beeswax, and coconut, release a cleaner and healthier scent than petroleum-based candles.

How to Choose Natural Candles:

Look for candles made with 100% natural wax.
Choose candles scented with essential oils rather than artificial fragrances.

July 11, 2024 0 comment

Home and Living

Household Items You Should Be Washing but Probably Aren’t (According to Cleaning Pros)

by Kim November 27, 2023

written by Kim

Essential Household Items to Regularly Clean for a Healthy Home

Maintaining a clean and hygienic home extends beyond just laundering the basics. Certain household items often overlooked require regular cleaning to ensure a healthier living environment. Cleaning experts recommend paying special attention to the following six items.

Bathtub Pillows

Indulge in a luxurious bath experience without neglecting the cleanliness of your bathtub pillow. These cozy accessories accumulate dirt and bacteria, necessitating regular washing. Opt for machine-washable pillows for convenience. Follow the recommended cleaning process based on the material of your pillow.

Shower Curtains and Liners

Rid your bathroom of soap scum and mildew by laundering shower curtains and liners every month. This effective method is far superior to hand wiping. Remove any stains or soak the curtains before washing to enhance the cleaning process.

Bath Mats

High-moisture environments make bath mats susceptible to mold and mildew buildup. Ensure a sanitary bathroom by washing bath mats in hot water with a mild detergent.

Reusable Bags

Reusable grocery bags, often used to transport food, require regular cleaning to prevent the spread of bacteria. Laundering them regularly maintains hygiene and reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Pillows

While pillowcases are regularly laundered, pillows themselves should also be cleaned quarterly. They absorb sweat, drool, and bacteria during sleep. Check the care label for specific washing instructions. Use a gentle solution for machine-washable pillows.

Pet Bedding

Provide a clean and comfortable sleeping space for your furry friend by washing their bedding frequently. Separate the bedding components properly before laundering. Refer to the care label for detailed instructions.

Additional Tips

Bathtub Pillows: Purchase a machine-washable bathtub pillow for effortless cleaning.
Pillows: Check the care label for specific washing instructions to avoid damage.
Pet Bedding: Treat pet bedding similarly to your own bedding, washing it once a week.

By incorporating these household items into your regular laundry routine, you can maintain a cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable living space for yourself and your family.

November 27, 2023 0 comment

Home Improvement

Ultimate Guide to Removing Mold from Bathroom Ceilings: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

by Zuzana July 30, 2020

written by Zuzana

How to Remove Mold from Bathroom Ceilings: A Comprehensive Guide

Causes of Bathroom Mold

Mold is a common problem in bathrooms due to the moist and humid environment created by steamy showers and baths. Mold thrives in areas with poor ventilation and can grow on various surfaces, including bathroom ceilings.

Mold spores can cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and other health issues. Therefore, it’s crucial to remove mold promptly to prevent its spread and protect your health.

Types of Mold on Bathroom Ceilings

There are various types of mold that can grow on bathroom ceilings, but it’s not necessary to identify the specific type for effective removal. Regardless of the type, all mold should be treated and removed promptly.

How to Remove Mold from Bathroom Ceilings

Materials:

Bleach
Dishwashing liquid
Soft-bristled brush
Plastic bucket
Step ladder
Sponge
Measuring cups and spoons
Spray bottle
Microfiber cloth

Instructions for Non-Tiled Ceilings:

Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Mix 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid (without ammonia or acids), 1/2 cup of bleach, and 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle.
Apply the Solution: Using a sturdy step ladder, spray or wipe the moldy area with the cleaning solution. Allow it to air dry.
Check for Stains: Once dry, check for any remaining stains. If stains persist, repeat the process.

Instructions for Tiled Ceilings:

Prepare the Bleach Solution: Mix 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water. You can apply this solution with a spray bottle or sponge.
Saturate the Moldy Areas: Wearing protective gear, spray or wipe the cleaning solution onto the moldy areas. Ensure the grout is fully saturated and remains wet for at least 15 minutes.
Scrub Away the Mold: Use a soft-bristled scrub brush to remove moldy residue from each grout line. If stains remain, reapply the solution, wait another 15 minutes, and scrub again.
Rinse and Dry: Rinse the tiled area with plain water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Prevention Tips for Bathroom Mold

Use the bathroom fan during and after showers or baths.
Open windows or use a circulating fan to improve air circulation.
Clean the shower and tub regularly.
Dry the shower stall with a towel or squeegee after each use.
Wash shower curtains, liners, towels, and bath rugs frequently.
Consider using anti-mold paint in bathrooms with persistent mold growth.
Add ceiling cladding, which is non-porous and resists moisture.
Install a dehumidifier in windowless bathrooms.

FAQs about Bathroom Mold

Is it normal to have mold on a bathroom ceiling? Yes, mold is common in bathrooms due to moisture and humidity.
Can I paint over mold on a bathroom ceiling? No, painting over mold will not eliminate the problem. The mold will continue to grow underneath the paint and eventually reappear.
Is vinegar or bleach better for killing mold? Bleach is more effective than vinegar at removing mold. Vinegar kills only 82% of mold species, while bleach kills all types.
Does mold-killing primer actually work? Mold-resistant primers help prevent mold growth but cannot remove existing mold.

Additional Tips:

If the mold infestation covers more than 10 square feet, seek professional removal assistance.
Local public health departments can provide guidance on mold testing and refer you to experts.
For smaller mold colonies, home methods can be effective for removal.

By following these steps and practicing preventive measures, you can effectively remove and prevent mold growth on your bathroom ceilings, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable environment.

July 30, 2020 0 comment