DIY Fall Air Fresheners

Today is the first day of fall, which means you may be eager to deck your home out with everything pumpkin-themed, from wreaths and planters to centerpieces and candles. Let’s not forget how delicious anything with pumpkin in it is: roasted pumpkin seeds, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, pumpkin latte, you name it.

When it comes to making your home smell like a fall dream, though, it’s important to be vigilant which products you use. We know how tempting those fall-scented candles, sprays, and plug-ins are, but before you go out and purchase the whole lot, consider making your own air freshener. Store bought products often contain harmful toxins that increase indoor air pollution, which can lead to heightened asthma or allergies and other more severe illnesses.

We’ve put together some of our favorite DIY air fresheners and candles that we’ve found. What’s great about these is that there are no toxins found in any of the ingredients. And as an added benefit, you know exactly what goes into make them.

Simmering Pot of Spices

What’s so great about potpourri over the stove is that you can throw in virtually any ingredient you want. Cinnamon? Sure! Apples? Of course! Lemons? Go for it! All you need to do is throw the ingredients in a pot, place it on simmering, and let it sit for a few hours. You really can't go wrong with any spin on this. After several hours have passed, the smell will become weaker. When this happens, simply add more water and ingredients!

Cinnamon Scented Pinecones

You can find scented pinecones at the store, but what's the fun in that? And it's actually cheaper to make them yourself. With scented pinecones, you need only two things: pinecones and some cinnamon essential oil. You can even save these to use for next year. In case you want to switch things up, don't worry, the scent will have worn off.

Pumpkin Spice Spray

If you're looking for something that provides a fall scent quickly, then a spray might be just what you need. A couple spritz of a pumpkin spray will have your home smelling like your favorite dessert in no time.

Indoor Plants

If fall scents aren't your thing, no need to fret. There are plenty of other ways to ensure a fresh, clean scent in your home. One  alternative way is through indoor plants.  And the best part is  that they actually help clean your air! Here are 15 indoor plants that will freshen  your air:

• Alovera
• Spider Plant
• Gerbera Daisy
• Snake Plant
• Golden Pothos
• Chrysanthemum
• Red-Edged Dracaena
• Weeping Fig
• Azalea
• English Ivy
• Warneck Dracaena
• Chines Evergreen
• Bamboo Palm
• Heart Leaf Philodendron
• Peace Lily

If you have a favorite DIY fall air freshener that we didn't list, whether it be a candle, spray, or potpourri, go ahead and share it with us in the comment section! We'd love to know.

For information or assistance with HVAC efficiency, give Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning a call at 405-794-8900.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ to learn more about maintaining a safe and energy-efficient home. Don’t forget to schedule your fall furnace tune-up for the upcoming cold season. Schedule service online or give us a call!