A Breath of Fresh Air

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Everyone likes their home to smell nice but sometimes unpleasant odours get the better of us and we have to resort to air fresheners to counteract nasty pongs. The problem with many commercial air fresheners is that they contain a host of differentchemicals which can be bad for both our bodies and for the environment. In fact, some people have linked chemical air fresheners with respiratory problems such as breathlessness or asthma andmanypeople find that synthetic fragrances can trigger headaches.

 

So it makes sense to look for more natural ways to keep your home smelling fresh. The obvious answer is to prevent bad smells occurring in the first place – avoid strong smelling foods, open windows regularly and make sure carpets and upholstery are kept clean. And if you have pets who smell less than sweet – talk to your vet as a change in their grooming routine or diet could make a difference to how they smell.

 

Instead of turning to chemical air fresheners to add fragrance to your rooms, try some natural alternatives. Everyday kitchen ingredients such as bicarbonate of soda or fresh lemons can be used to freshen up kitchens and bathrooms. If you want to make your own sweet-smelling spray take a clean plant spray bottle, fill with cold water, add a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil and then spritz away. Alternatively you can use oil burners with essential oils or try scented candles – but make sure to choose ones fragranced with natural, rather than chemical ingredients.

 

For more green household tips, visit: www.greenhousehold.co.uk

 

Categories: air fresheners, chemical air, fresheners, Natural, nbsp, smell, smelling

Bin Fresh

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Everyone wants their kitchen to smell fresh. And a kitchen that smells clean is bound to be healthier than one full of nasty whiffs. After all, bad smells are usually a sign of dirt or germs – not something you would want in your kitchen.

Keeping a kitchen smelling clean isn’t always easy though and one of the biggest causes of unpleasant aromas is your kitchen bin. Used several times a day, bins can quickly become a breeding ground for germs and in turn, bad smells. Here are some tips for keeping your bin smelling fresh and hygienically clean:

 

Empty Regularly
The easiest way to stop food waste from rotting in your kitchen bin is to empty it regularly. You may find it’s better to use a smaller bin that you empty daily, rather than a large one.

 

Line the Bin
You probably already use a bin liner but try also lining the bottom of your bin with cardboard or newspapers as these will absorb any liquids that seep out of your bin liner and can be easily replaced each time you empty the bin.

 

Remember to Wash
Give your bin a thorough wash at least once a week with hot water and detergent.

 

Keep Out of the Heat
Make sure your bin is in a cool spot – away from sunlight or heat from your cooker.

 

Clean Rubbish Only
Rinse out cans and cartons before putting them in the bin to minimise waste and smells. If you have something particularly pongy such as fish skin or pet food, put these straight into your outdoor bin.

 

For more advice about kitchen hygiene, visit: www.kitchenadvice.co.uk

 

Categories: bin liner, fresh, kitchen, kitchen bin, regularly, smelling, smells