IT'S common today for people to pamper their homes with a wide array of fragrant products, such as aromatic furniture polish, fragrantly uplifting air spray, or an aromatic carpet deodoriser.
Many off-the-shelf products are not aroma co-ordinated, 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 aroma was released.
In our modern society, most homes have wall-to-wall carpeting and this type of practice would be impractical.
Yet carpets can still be kept fragrantly fresh with a simple-to-make carpet freshener powder. It is made by blending essential oils with a natural powder such as bicarbonate of soda or kaolin china clay - available from chemists or potters' suppliers - and used in exactly the same way as commercial products.
To make a deodorant carpet powder, just add one drop of your favourite aromatic essential oil to every tablespoon of base powder, 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.
How much deodorant powder you make up depends, of course, on your requirements, however it can be stored indefinitely in an airtight glass jar.
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.
Sprinkle it on carpets and mats, leave for a few minutes, and then vacuum it up.
Timber furniture and other timber surfaces can be kept shiny and clean with aromatic liquid polish.
Dissolve one teaspoon of lemon oil, or 2ml 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 10ml 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.
These simple solutions are just as effective as store-bought products and will leave your surroundings smelling fragrantly fresh.
More tips from Alan at www.itssonatural.com
