Ironically, even though products like Febreze and Glad are called “air fresheners,” the substances that they introduce to indoor air don’t actually “freshen” or improve air quality. Instead, while covering up odors, products like these can add harmful pollutants to your home’s breathing air. Some even release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde.

If you’re looking for a healthier way to mask odors and improve your home’s indoor air quality, get started with the tips below!

1. Open the windows.

Harmful concentrations of pollutants from combustion appliances, furniture, and cleaning products can build in your home’s air over time. Opening your windows allows your home to vent those pollutants out and let fresh air indoors. This method is most effective if you open windows at the opposite end of a room or hallway to create a cross-breeze.

2. Create a DIY air freshener spray.

When you make your own air freshener, you have control over what’s going in it. Here are the basic steps to make your own odor-masking spray:

• Get a 4-ounce spray bottle.
• Add 30 drops of an essential oil of your choice. Feel free to try a blend!
• Add 1 tablespoon of witch hazel so that the scent will linger longer.
• Fill up the rest of the bottle with distilled water, and shake to blend.

You’re ready to spritz! Just be sure to shake the bottle well before each use.

3. Make a baking soda odor absorber.

Baking soda is famous for its odor-absorbing properties. For areas of your home that need a little extra odor control, just do the following.

• Pour a half cup of baking soda into a small mason jar.
• Add 20 drops of your preferred essential oil to the baking soda and stir the mixture until it’s well-blended.
• Cover the top of the jar with a piece of tulle or cheesecloth, and secure the cloth in place with string, ribbon, or a rubber band.

All done! You can move this odor absorber wherever you need it. Make sure to give it a gentle shake every so often to keep it working effectively.

4. Run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans.

They may seem loud and a little obnoxious, but running your exhaust fans is an important part of maintaining your indoor air quality. Kitchens and bathrooms are particularly prone to mold because these rooms get a lot of moisture. Running the exhaust fans while you cook and bathe helps remove excess moisture and prevents mold growth.

Running your kitchen fan has some additional benefits. It helps vent out harmful byproducts from gas ranges and stovetops (like carbon monoxide). Also, if your microwave oven is situated over your stovetop, running the fan while you cook can prevent moisture from damaging the microwave.

5. Improve your home’s ventilation.

While opening your windows can help freshen your indoor air, most modern homes need extra help with ventilation because of how well-sealed they are compared to older homes. Quality solutions, like the Econo Air Mizer, will:

• Work with a home’s heating and cooling system to save you money on energy bills
• Exchange your home’s indoor air with fresh outdoor air several times a day
• Use advanced filtration to keep out dust, allergens, mold spores, and more

6. Equip your home with a germicidal air scrubber.

Viruses and bacteria are also contaminants that can circulate throughout your home’s indoor air. Air scrubbers not only capture these germs but render them unable to reproduce, which means they can no longer infect anybody. Air scrubbers that are equipped with filtration (like the Econo Air Scrubber) can also reduce allergens and odors in your home and extend your HVAC system’s lifespan.

7. Get your home’s heating equipment inspected annually.

This is especially important for systems that rely on gas, propane, or oil for fuel. During the inspection, your technician should look for these two things:

1. They should make sure the fuel source isn’t leaking. Gas, propane, and oil are highly flammable and can create a major fire hazard. The fumes are also harmful to breathe.
2. The technician should also check for any danger of carbon monoxide leaks that could occur while your furnace is burning fuel to make heat.

If you can’t remember the last time your furnace had an inspection or preventative maintenance, now is the time—not just for better indoor air quality but also to avoid any safety hazards.

At Econo Air, we take pride in providing quality, custom-built HVAC and indoor air quality solutions for customers throughout Brea and the surrounding areas. Don’t hesitate to learn more about how we can help you by giving us a call at (714) 710-1070 or contacting us online.