Air Freshner 3

aromatic vinegar air freshener

Add approximately 1 3/4 oz (15g) each of sage, rosemary, mint, rue, and wormwood to 2 1/2 cups (570ml) of wine or cider vinegar. Allow the herbs to stand in the vinegar for about a week in a warm place. Strain and use as an air freshener or to control unpleasant smells.

air freshener

Use a teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 2 1/2 cups (570ml) of water. After it stops foaming, mix well and use in a spray bottle.

removing the smell of animal urine

Blot up the urine with a soft cloth and wash several times with lukewarm water. Apply a mixture of equal parts vinegar and cool water. Blot up again, rinse, and let dry.

lemon-cinnamon simmering potpourri

1 small pan water
1 cinnamon stick
1 lemon, sliced

Here's an easy way to get that wonderful just-baked-something-delicious smell wafting through your home without turning on the oven! Make an aromatic simmering potpourri by filling a small pan with water and adding the cinnamon stick and lemon slices. Simmer on the stovetop, adding more water as necessary, and everyone will start hoping dessert is just around the corner.

Lemon air freshener

2 tablespoons (28g) baking soda
2 cups (500ml) hot water
1/2 cup (125ml) lemon juice

Looking for an alternative to expensive room deodorizing sprays? Make your own! Dissolve the baking soda in the hot water, then add the lemon juice and transfer to a clean spray bottle. Use a few squirts now and then to fill your house with a just-cleaned scent (it's especially effective at clearing the air of dust after cleaning)

to remove cooking odors

Boil a teaspoon of white vinegar mixed in 1 cup (225ml) of water to eliminate unpleasant cooking odors.

cleaning the bread crock or bread box

We have a splendid, French deep bread crock that weighs a ton but keeps bread fresh, as long as the odd piece of organic bread isn't left lurking in the bottom out of sight. In this case, the green mold is very smelly, especially if left for a few days in a nice warm kitchen. Washing out with a solution of baking soda in warm water keeps it mold free and sweet smelling. Let dry thoroughly and cool down before storing bread again.

ridding the air of stale smoke or perfume

Keep a vinegar-and-water solution handy in a spray bottle for use after smokers have left. Even if they're not smoking, the smell can still be a problem. This is also good for clearing the air of residual scent after visitors wearing unpleasant aftershave or perfume have left.

foot odor remedy

2 cups (500ml) vinegar

If foot odor has you down, try spritzing your feet with a dose of full-strength vinegar every night for a few weeks. The vinegar will help kill odor-causing bacteria. As an added bonus, the vinegar may also help after the pH levels on your skin, making it a less inviting place for fungus to thrive.

pet bed deodorizer

1/2 cup (110g) baking soda

A little baking soda can be a great way to keep your pet's bed smelling fresh between washings. Just sprinkle 1/2 cup (110g) on top and let it sit for a few hours to absorb unpleasant odors. Then take it outside and give it a few and give it a few good shakes; or, better yet, use a handheld vacuum to get rid of some of the hair as well.

removing the smell of smoke from clothes

Get the stale cigarette smoke smell out of clothes by adding 1 cup (225ml) of vinegar to a bath of hot water. Hang the clothes above the steam. Leave them in the bathroom overnight, with a window open if possible.