Recent research highlights the powerful influence of our sense of smell on our well-being, comparable to even the most adept sniffers like dogs. This has profound implications, especially in the context of the air we breathe at home. Surprisingly, the key to enhancing our living spaces is a simple and cost-effective ingredient: baking soda.
Utilizing baking soda, either alone or with a few additional ingredients, effectively neutralizes unpleasant odors, uplifting your mood and boosting energy levels. Sprinkle in a bit of creativity to give your home a delightful olfactory makeover. Follow these quick recipes and methods to savor each breath in your improved living space!
Herbal Essence
Here’s a simple and natural recipe for an all-purpose air freshener.
In a mason jar, combine one cup of baking soda with 15 drops of your favorite essential oil. Opt for scents like grapefruit, peppermint, pine, or lavender for an extra refreshing touch.
Toss in a teaspoon of dried herbs, such as rosemary, lavender, or mint. Seal the jar, give it a good shake, and then place a small dish of this mixture in any room that needs a fresh boost.
Scent-sational Spray
Rather than masking odors with overpowering fragrances, consider using this subtly scented baking soda spray.
In a small dish, blend one tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of essential oil—opt for cinnamon or clove oil, particularly fitting for fall and winter. Mix thoroughly, then transfer to a sizable spray bottle. Fill it with water, shake well, and voila! Employ it as a room spray or on upholstery, clothing, shoes—anywhere that could use a touch of freshness.
Twist of Lemon
Citrus scents, such as lemon, may boost your mood, according to research. Lemony scents are also associated with clean, bright spaces.
For lemony freshness, combine half a cup of baking soda with 15 drops of lemon essential oil in a 4-ounce mason jar. Place a basket-style paper coffee filter on top of the jar opening and securely tighten the jar ring around it (leaving off the lid).
Jennifer Lane, a certified aromatherapist, uses this mood-enhancing air freshener around her home, finding it especially helpful in bathrooms, the kitchen, and even in the fridge.
Pretty Sweet
Create a stylish and toxin-free air freshener by combining several drops of your preferred essential oil with baking soda in a sterilized glass jar. Cover the jar opening with a square of burlap and tie it securely around the rim with a decorative ribbon.
For an extra burst of fragrance, add a few more drops of essential oil to the underside of the burlap. If burlap doesn’t match your decor, explore the option of using a fabric lid cover for a personalized touch.
Easy Breezy
Good news for anyone who doesn’t care for essential oils or is sensitive to odors in general: Baking soda, all by itself, can effectively freshen your home.
Simply pour a few tablespoons of baking soda into uncovered dishes and strategically place them around your home—near the trash can, stove, or toilet. Preferably, elevate them to prevent tipping over or tempting kids or pets.
Be patient: While baking soda can absorb heavy smells like burnt, fried, and spoiled food, it may take several days to make a noticeable difference.
Deep Clean
If the air in your bathroom or kitchen is less than sparkling, consider the source. While deodorizing the air can help, cleaning sinks, disposals, and drains can offer a longer-term odor-busting solution.
Sprinkle baking soda liberally inside your stainless steel sink, scrub with a sponge, then pour white vinegar over the surface. The chemical reaction will break up any remaining residue and scum, providing a deep clean for your drain and disposal.
For porcelain sinks, opt for hydrogen peroxide instead of vinegar.
Restful Sleep
Improve your sleep environment with this simple air-cleansing solution! According to the Sleep Foundation, lavender has been proven to reduce heart rate and blood pressure, promoting a deeper and more restful sleep. Experience the sleep-enhancing benefits of lavender along with the air-purifying properties of baking soda.
Combine ½ cup of baking soda with 20 to 25 drops of lavender essential oil in a small jar. Leave the lid off, or cover it with a square of cheesecloth for gentle aromatherapy and continuous air purification throughout the night.
Just Add Water
A pressure cooker serves multiple purposes, and one surprising use is air purification. Give this hack a try:
Fill your crockpot or Instant Pot halfway with water and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda. Set the heat to low, and leave the lid off. This DIY air purifier/humidifier is versatile—you can place it in the kitchen, bedroom, or even the basement to eliminate musty smells. However, always monitor the pressure cooker, and never leave the home (or the vicinity) while it’s still plugged in.
Sprinkle, Sprinkle
Combat lingering cooking smells, body odor, and pet dander that can settle into fabric and furniture by deodorizing curtains, upholstery, and carpeting with baking soda.
Blend a cup of baking soda with 30 to 40 drops of essential oil. Opt for oregano oil for its antibacterial properties, but avoid tree oil if you have pets, as it can be toxic to animals. Sprinkle the mixture onto fabric surfaces, including carpeting, and let it sit for 30 minutes or overnight.
Vacuum up the baking soda mixture, taking with it those unpleasant odors.
That Fresh-Baked Scent
Whether you’re entertaining guests or preparing to sell your home, the aroma in your space matters. Real estate experts frequently recommend enhancing indoor air with universally appealing scents. Skip heavy perfumes and florals, and opt for lighter, botanical notes such as lavender, grapefruit, or the ever-popular vanilla.
Create a simple air freshener by mixing half a cup of baking soda with a few drops of vanilla extract in a jar. Place it on a windowsill to allow the sun to release the fragrance as it warms. No need to bake cookies to enjoy that fresh-baked scent!