The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that out of the 14 common air fresheners they tested, 12 of them contained "hormone-disrupting chemicals known as phthalates."
What are phthalates? Exactly that, hormone disrupters. Because phthalates interfere with hormone and testosterone productions, little kids especially are vulnerable to these chemicals. Yet none of these air fresheners, not even the "all natural" ones, listed phthalates on the label. I wonder why?
According to NRDC, "the state of California notes that five types of phthalates- including one detected in air fresheners- are 'known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm.'"
Phthalates are also used as solvents in perfumes and fragrances.
What's a good alternative to air fresheners? Home-made ones! And they are very easy to make.
Here's a quick DIY for air fresheners.
What you'll need:
1. Plastic spray bottle- Can be found at local drug stores or target for about $1
2. Baking soda- $3 at your local grocery store
3. Extract of your choice (vanilla, almond, lavendar, etc)- these range from $5-$15 at grocery stores (maybe you already have this in your pantry?)
4. And water- free if from your sink!
Combine these ingredients in the spray bottle, shake and sprits away! It may take a few tries to find the right measurements of each ingredient for the mixture, but you'll figure it out.
Also, if you squeeze some lemon or lime juice in your vacuum bag before vacuuming your carpet, it'll smell citrusy fresh by the time you finish!
Now remember, this is just a quick fix. If you want to get more detailed, there are some serious freshening recipes out there with ingredients such as vodka and corn oil. These involve boiling water and mixing ingredients at the perfect temperature, but I'm a simple kind of girl myself. There are many recipes out there, so do some research and find the one thats best for you!
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