The Danger of Air Fresheners

spraying air freshener

Air fresheners are a common staple in the American household. Homeowners often reach for aerosol sprays to cover unappealing scents in their house or as the final step after a deep clean. Air fresheners can come in many different scents and forms, but they all have one thing in common: they’re terrible for your indoor air quality.

We understand that air fresheners are a quick and easy solution to improving your home’s smell, but keep in mind that maintaining clean, non-toxic indoor air will be better for your health in the long run.

Why is Indoor Air Quality Important?

Americans spend the majority of their time indoors and away from fresh air. We all look forward to the first breath of relief after a long day of work or school, but have you ever considered if the air you’re breathing is of good quality?

Managing indoor air quality should be a priority for all households, especially those with pets, young children, allergies, or respiratory conditions. If contaminants and chemicals from air fresheners tarnish your indoor air, it can affect yourself and the members of your household more than you think.

The harmful chemicals emitted from air fresheners, also known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can pose possible health threats such as respiratory issues, skin irritation, hormone disruption, and more. While occasional exposure to these chemicals will not pose long-term health effects, consistent exposure at home, work, and school can possibly affect your health and wellbeing.

Air Freshener Alternatives

While we urge you to avoid the fragrance aisle the next time you visit the grocery store, that doesn’t mean your home is doomed to unpleasant odors. You can utilize many safe scent alternatives in your home to keep it smelling fresh and clean.

Pro tip: Beware of air fresheners labeled as “green” or “all-natural.” These are often self-labeled by the fragrance company with no truth to their claim. Steer clear of these misleading products and save money by creating your own scented solutions at home.

Say goodbye to chemical air fresheners and introduce these simple solutions to your home for a fresh and relaxing aroma:

  • Baking soda
  • Boiled spices or fruit peels
  • White vinegar
  • Pure essential oils

Many, if not all, of these items can be found in your home already. Have fun mixing different natural solutions and create a signature scent unique to your home!

Other Tips For Fresh Indoor Air

If you just can’t seem to rid your home of its stink or poor indoor air quality, don’t feel discouraged! There are various solutions that you can implement to take control of your home’s air, such as:

  • Letting Fresh Air In: What better way to rid your home of unwanted air than allowing fresh air inside? Proper ventilation can help push lingering smells and contaminants out of your home and pull clean air inside. Don’t be afraid to prop open a door or window for a fresh gust of air.
  • Find the Source: If there’s a stubborn stink in your home, it’s best to locate the source of the issue to resolve it quickly. Unpleasant odor sources may include pet stains, a clogged sink drain, or possibly mildew. If you can track down the root cause of the smell and eliminate it, you won’t need to worry about masking the scent.
  • Invest in Air Filtering Plants: Nature is man’s best friend, even inside your home! Picking up a few plants or pieces of greenery can help filter harmful particles in your home’s air and maintain a comfortable atmosphere.

Indoor Air Quality Solutions in Fairfax

Just can’t seem to gain complete control over your home’s indoor air quality? We’re here to help. Our indoor air quality experts at Air Treatment Company are Fairfax’s trusted specialists when it comes to maintaining a clean and comfortable home environment. Contact us today by giving us a call at (703) 270-0881 or completing our online contact form.

Categories: 
Related Posts
  • The Impact of HVAC Systems on Indoor Humidity Read More
  • 5 Benefits of Installing an Air Purifier in Your Home Read More
  • The Importance of Changing Air Filters Regularly Read More