The Truth About Air Fresheners (And What to Use Instead)

Let’s chat about air fresheners. You know the ones—sprays, plug-ins, scent beads, and even those cute car vent clips. They promise a fresh-smelling home, but what’s actually inside those tiny bottles and diffusers?

Here’s the thing: most conventional air fresheners are packed with synthetic fragrances and chemicals that can do more harm than good. That "fresh linen" or "ocean breeze" scent? It's likely a cocktail of undisclosed chemicals under the innocent-sounding term “fragrance.” Did you know the word fragrance can legally include dozens—sometimes hundreds—of hidden ingredients, many of which are linked to hormone disruption, respiratory issues, and indoor air pollution?

I share this because once I learned what was really going into my air, I knew there had to be a better way. And guess what? There is!

Here are a few of my favorite low-tox swaps:

🌿 Simmer Pots – Toss orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and a few cloves into a pot of water and let it simmer. Your home will smell like a cozy dream.

🌸 Essential Oil Diffusers – Add a few drops of pure, organic essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus blends are my go-tos) to water in a diffuser for a fresh and clean aroma.

🕯️ Non-toxic Candles – Look for candles made from beeswax or coconut wax with 100% essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances.

🌼 DIY Room Sprays – Mix water, a splash of witch hazel, and a few drops of essential oils in a spray bottle. Shake it up and spritz away!

These options not only smell amazing but also support your overall wellness—and I promise you won’t miss the synthetic stuff once you make the switch.

Need help choosing high-quality products? I’ve spent years researching this, and I’m always happy to recommend trusted brands that I personally use in my home. (No affiliate links, just clean products I believe in.)

You deserve a home environment that supports your health. The good news is every small change adds up.

Ready to detox your home—one simple swap at a time? I’m here to help.
And don’t forget to subscribe or follow along—next week, we’re kicking off a brand-new series on EMFs. I’ll be sharing easy ways to reduce your exposure (without going off the grid 😉).