When we found out I was pregnant, I had this insatiable urge to clean everything. In the midst of my nesting instincts, I was unknowingly exposing my son to potentially damaging chemicals. Pregnant or not, we could all stand to rid our homes of harmful cleaning products, particularly if there are children present. From dirty dishes to dirty laundry, I’ll highlight some products and tips that will unleash the dirt on clean in my next series.                      

One of the first things I notice about a place is the way it smells.  Certain smells evoke nostalgic memories of my childhood.  My husband used to go crazy when I insisted that our kitchen and bathroom weren’t clean unless we were dizzied by the pungent odor of Pine-Sol.   We are a society consumed with home fragrance.  Unfortunately air fresheners, room sprays, candles, and the like are contributing to the build-up of toxins in our homes.  Check out the National Resources Defense Council report on the hazards of air fresheners.     

 One of the most natural ways to eliminate odors and toxins is to open a window.   If a breath of fresh air and the elimination of the source of the offensive odor fail to clear the air, try some of these tips:

Simmer your favorite spices.  My father did this every Christmas and it brings back warm memories just thinking about it.  Feeling floral?  Check outAura Cacia’s simmering potpourri recipes. If you’re not a DIY kind of gal, they offer an entire line of all-natural aromatherapy products.                                              

Burn an organic candle.  Why?  Candles can emit harmful fumes including toluene, benzene, formaldehyde, and soot when burned.  Check out Neom Luxury Organics‘ and Pharmacopia for organic candles that will indulge your senses!                                        

Go back to nature. Freshly cut flowers brighten up any home and emit their own natural floral scent.  Some plants can actually clear carbon dioxide and VOCs inside your home.  Check out NASA’s report for the plants that topped the list.              

Enjoy a spot of green tea.  The benefits of green tea are so numerous, one author wrote an entire book on the subject.  Once you’ve enjoyed your cup of green tea, place the leaves in a strainer to squeeze any excess moisture out and set the leaves to dry thoroughly.  Sprinkle the dried leaves on your carpet and vacuum after 10 minutes.  You can also sprinkle leaves on your pet’s bed or your cat’s litter box for a quick and easy fresh fix.   Place your brewed tea bags or leaves in a bowl and set in the fridge to negate the effects of garlic, onion, fish or other offending food aromas.  Use the leaves to remove odors from cutting boards, cooking pans, and even your hands!  (Hat tip to The Book of Green Tea by Diana Rosen)  Check out Yogi, Stash, and Revolution’s selections of organic green teas.

Go retro and use baking soda.  Remember when your mother used baking soda for everything?  Just so happens that she was probably right!  And now there is a book with over 500 uses for baking soda.  One of the easiest ways to eliminate odors is to use baking soda.  Here is a list that is by no means inclusive of the 100’s of possible uses for a box that will cost you less than $1.00!  

-Sprinkle on your carpet and vacuum 
-Pour down the drain 
-Leave an open box or sprinkle in trash cans, diaper pails, and litter boxes 
-Leave an open box in the fridge, freezer, kitchen cabinets, closets, drawers, hampers, and even your car 
-Sprinkle in your shoes 
-Sprinkle on your mattress                                                                                                          

Get earthy with incense, oils, and aromatherapy.  Essential oils can be boiled or placed in a spray bottle with some water.  The Scented Home offers products derived from 100% pure essential oils and herbs.  Check out their sachets and potpourri derived from organic french lavender flowers.  SkinBotanica’s room fragrances are organic and safe enough to use on your body.  They also carry sachets derived from 100% pure-ground, wild-harvested plant materials.  You can’t get any closer to mother nature than that! 

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