Synthetic perfumes, air fresheners, plug-ins, scented candles, room sprays, and other artificially scented products often contain toxic chemicals like phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors. The chemicals used to make “air fresheners” have been linked to headaches, ear aches, depression, irregular heartbeat, and even diarrhoea in babies. Besides, the toxic car fresheners give me a nauseating feeling and I am sure the same happens with a lot of people! Never mind, here I am with some non-toxic ways to freshen the air in your car:
VODKA
Vodka can be an excellent, unscented air freshener. Simply pour inexpensive, un-flavoured vodka into a spray bottle and use as an air mister. It will help reduce stale and musty odours.
FABRIC SOFTENER
Keep a fabric softener (plastic) refill under the passenger seat. The pleasant odour will permeate the car quickly. When the fabric softener smell fades, move the packet to your laundry and buy a new one for the car!
ESSENTIAL OIL
Shake a few drops of lemon or eucalyptus essential oil onto car mats for a naturally sweet scent that will last a few weeks.
BAKING SODA
You may already have an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator to absorb smells there. You can do something similar in your car. Up cycle a plastic food container, like a small margarine tub, to contain the baking soda. Punch holes in the top of the lid so air can get inside, but keep the lid on so the baking soda doesn’t spill. Put the tub underneath the passenger seat or below the back windshield so it is out of the way.
WHITE VINEGAR
White vinegar is a useful odour-remover, whether you are using it on a hard surface or on fabric or upholstery. As a car freshener, you can pour approximately a cup of white vinegar in a small bowl and place in a safe spot somewhere in your car overnight to absorb all the odours and make your car smell fresh and crisp!