Air fresheners, like many candles, do not reduce the smell, but mask it by covering it with another chemically synthesized odour. Aerosol sprays release finely divided chemicals that can be harmful when inhaled.
In general, avoid the use of deodorants and instead, use healthy solutions such as airing your home.
Less-toxic alternatives
Sodium bicarbonate, or zeolite, can be used in a container to absorb odours.
| Brand name | Product description |
| Attitude | Air Purifier (based on activated carbon, absorbs odours- contains essential oils) |
| Aura Cacia | Aromatherapy Mist (contains essential oils) |
| Lee Valley | Volcanic Deodorizer |
DIY
To reduce unpleasant odours and bring freshness to your home, opt for natural solutions.
Here are a few examples:
Place potpourri in your house. Here you will find some simple recipes to make them naturally.
Use dry flowers or herbs that you like.
Ventilate your home by opening the windows.
Remove garbage frequently.
It is preferable to use natural candles (made from vegetable wax). However, burning them can produce toxic substances such as formaldehyde. So think about using them sensibly, ventilate the room after burning them.
Avoid the following chemicals in regular products
Cresol: irritant and corrosive to the skin, eyes, respiratory and digestive tracts, neurotoxic
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol): possible carcinogen (confirmed in animals), irritant to skin, eyes and upper respiratory tract, neurotoxic
Formaldehyde: carcinogen, eye and respiratory irritant, respiratory sensitizer
Butane gas: neurotoxic
Naphtalene: possible carcinogen (confirmed in animals), skin and eye irritant
Synthetic fragrances: allergens
p-Dichlorobenzene: possible carcinogen (confirmed in animals), skin, eye and respiratory tract irritant, neurotoxic, skin sensitizer
Phenol: irritant and corrosive to the skin, eyes, respiratory and digestive tracts
Xylene: irritant to skin, eyes and respiratory tract, potentially toxic to development