Air freshener is an accessory that is found almost in all houses these days. But, is it safe to use a plug-in air freshener? What harm can it cause? These and other such questions will be answered in this article.
Any new product in the market and people get carried away. One such product is the air freshener. It is a device designed to make your house smell good covering the unpleasant odors and maintaining the freshness for a long time. Air fresheners are being used since ancient times, the only difference is in the devices or products used at that time and today. Ancient Egyptians used musk, sandal and other natural materials to scent their tombs. They were the safest air fresheners as they were made out of natural materials.
Why are Plug-in Air Fresheners Unsafe?
The technology that is used today to manufacture any product takes into consideration only the short-term effects of it, thereby neglecting the long-term side effects of the same. Any product that is made to be operated using electricity has some or the other problem and it needs to be handled with utmost care. That is why advice on using a plug-in air freshener should always be taken with a pinch of salt. The following negative effects of a plug-in air freshener will give you a fair idea about the point that I am trying to make.
- One of the most hazardous effects of a plug-in air freshener is that it catches fire if plugged in for a considerably long time. It can put the entire house on fire.
- According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), plug-in air fresheners contain various toxic chemicals like camphor (that can cause irritation in the nose, eyes, skin and throat as well as dizziness and nausea), ethanol, (which is toxic to the gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular systems), benzyl alcohol (which affects the central nervous system, causes vomiting and drop in blood pressure) and formaldehyde (which is poisonous when inhaled).
- It is extremely dangerous for babies as it can cause diarrhea in them if used everyday. If it is used once or twice in a week, it does not cause much harm to the little ones.
- Studies have proved that these air fresheners are air pollutants more than air fresheners. They release toxic pollutants in the air continuously.
What are the Alternatives for Plug-in Air Fresheners?
It is difficult to do away with a device when you have been using it consistently and feel the need of it in your house. There comes the need to look for an alternative for a plug-in or even an aerosol air freshener. Following are some fascinating ideas for keeping your house filled with pleasant fragrance.
Scented Candles
These can be one of the best options because they illuminate your house and fill it with fresh fragrance as well. As they are humidity resistant, they can be used in bathrooms. Do remember to blow off the candle after its use.
Cloth Pouches Filled with Natural Herbs
This type of air freshener can prove to be multipurpose. It can keep your clothes bug free and also make your room smell good. You can even use scented oils for stronger effect.
Use of Oven
Fill a shallow baking pan with water fully and put some sliced apples tossed with cinnamon. Turn on the oven on low heat at around 200-225. Let it simmer till the house is filled with the smell of an apple pie.
Use of Fragrant Plants
Plants are the best natural fresheners to be used. Get some fragrant plants and place them wherever you want, in a room. The smell will keep you fresh without any side effects. Gardenia is the plant that can offer you the desired freshness.
Use of Fragrant Spices
It is an interesting idea to fill the room with a fresh aroma. Boil cinnamon or any of your favorite spices to get that strong lingering aroma disguising the bad odor.
Use of Other Natural Alternatives
Baking soda, white distilled vinegar, tea tree oil or any liquid detergent with a strong fragrance can be used in making air fresheners at home to get rid of the bad odor forever.
Apart from the above options you can also try different cleaning methods like, tossing baking soda at the bottom of the trash can, keeping fresh coffee grounds on the counter, disposing off the trash everyday and keeping windows open as much as possible.
I hope the above explanation influences you to try out the natural fresheners to get rid of the unpleasant smell in your house as opposed to the use of plug-in air fresheners.
