Updated:: Nov 7, 2018
Original:: Mar 20, 2009

How to Make an All Natural Air Freshener

Commercial air fresheners just make your home smell like a public restroom, but there is a simple—and natural—way to keep your house smelling sweet for weeks.

Instructions

Step 1: Make bundle Tie the cinnamon sticks and cloves together in the cheesecloth to create a spice bundle.
TIP: If you like, add whole spices like cardamom or star anise to your bundle.
Step 2: Put bundle in pot Drop the bundle into a saucepan containing four cups of water.
Step 3: Simmer Bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for an hour and a half. Your home will fill with fragrance as the steam dissipates.
TIP: Be sure to check the water level periodically. Add more water if it threatens to dry up--you don't want a scorched smell.
Step 4: Remove bundle Carefully remove the hot spice bundle from the saucepan, and allow it to cool.
Step 5: Put spices in bowl Turn the spices out of the cheesecloth into a decorative bowl.
Step 6: Add peels and petals Add dried fruit peels and flower petals to the bowl and mix them in with the spices.
TIP: Dry your own peels and petals by leaving a thin layer of them in a sunny spot for several weeks.
Step 7: Enjoy fragrance Place the bowl in your bedroom, bath, or living room--and enjoy the natural fragrance for weeks!
FACT: Commercial air fresheners can be made with any of more than 3,000 manufactured chemicals, some off which have been shown to be endocrine disruptors and possible carcinogens.