How To Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh Without Using Artificial Scents

Let’s face it: as pet owners, we love our furry friends, but the lingering odours they leave behind? Not so much. From wet dog smell to litter box issues, pet odours can take over your home faster than you can say “walkies.”

But before you reach for that chemical laden air freshener, consider this: those artificial scents might be masking the problem rather than solving it, and they could be harmful to both you and your pets. The good news? There are plenty of natural ways to keep your home smelling fresh without resorting to synthetic fragrances.

Why Avoid Artificial Scents?

Many commercial air fresheners contain phthalates, formaldehyde, and other chemicals that can trigger allergies, asthma, and even hormonal disruptions in both humans and animals. 

Our furry friends, with their sensitive noses and smaller bodies, can be particularly vulnerable to these airborne toxins.

Smart Solutions For Pet Owning Households

Living with pets means adapting your home care routine. Here are some effective strategies to keep your space fresh naturally.

1. Tackle Odours at the Source

The most effective way to keep your home smelling fresh is to address the root causes of pet odours:

• Clean Pet Bedding Weekly
  Pet beds accumulate oils, hair, dander, and saliva. Wash them at least once a week in hot water with an unscented, pet safe detergent.
• Use a Quality Pet Litter
  For cat owners, invest in a good clumping litter and scoop daily. Consider natural options like corn, pine, or walnut based litters that control odours without artificial fragrances.
• Groom Regularly
  Brush your pet several times a week to reduce shedding and dander. Regular baths with pet safe shampoo can also significantly reduce odours, but don’t overdo it as this can dry out their skin.
• Clean Up Accidents Promptly
  For those inevitable accidents, blot up as much as possible and clean with an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet messes. These break down the proteins in urine, faeces, and vomit that cause persistent smells.

2. Natural Odour Absorbers

Mother Nature provides plenty of materials that trap and neutralise pet smells without adding artificial scents to your home.

• Bicarbonate of Soda
  This humble kitchen staple is brilliant at absorbing odours. Sprinkle it on carpets and pet bedding, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, and vacuum it up. You can also leave open containers in problem areas.
• Activated Charcoal
  Place small bowls of activated charcoal in discreet locations around your home. This natural material traps odours and purifies the air without releasing any scent of its own.
• White Vinegar
  Fill a small bowl with white vinegar and place it in rooms that need freshening. The vinegar will absorb odours and its own scent dissipates quickly. This is particularly effective in rooms with litter boxes.
• Zeolite
  These natural volcanic minerals trap odours and toxins. You can find zeolite air purifying bags that last for years and can be recharged in sunlight.

3. Natural Air Purifiers

Bring the power of nature indoors with these air cleaning solutions that work around the clock to freshen your home.

• Houseplants
  Certain plants naturally purify the air and some can help neutralise odours. Pet safe options include spider plants, Boston ferns, and areca palms. Just be sure to check that any plants you bring home are non toxic to your specific pets.
• Essential Oil Diffusers
  While some essential oils can be harmful to pets, there are pet safe options that can help freshen your home. Lavender, cedarwood, and chamomile are generally considered safe for dogs (in diluted amounts), but always check with your vet and keep diffusers out of pets’ reach.
• Air Purifiers
  Investing in a good quality HEPA air purifier can make a massive difference in removing pet dander, hair, and associated odours from your home’s air.

4. DIY Natural Fresheners

Create your own signature scents with these pet friendly alternatives to commercial air fresheners.

• Simmering Pot
  Create a natural stovetop potpourri by simmering water with pet safe ingredients like sliced lemons, rosemary sprigs, or vanilla extract.
• Herbal Sachets
  Make small sachets filled with dried herbs like lavender, rosemary, or thyme and place them in drawers or cupboards.
• Citrus Peels
  Rub the inside of orange or lemon peels on your hands before petting your animal to transfer a subtle citrus scent to their fur.

5. Keep Your Home Clean

A clean home is your first defense against pet odours. These regular maintenance habits will keep smells at bay.

• Vacuum Regularly
  Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture pet hair and dander. Don’t forget to vacuum furniture, curtains, and other fabric surfaces where pet odours can linger.
• Wash Hard Surfaces
  Mop floors and wipe down surfaces weekly with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. The vinegar smell disappears as it dries, taking other odours with it.
• Launder Fabrics
  Regularly wash cushion covers, throws, and curtains that can trap pet odours. Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to neutralise smells.
• Clean Carpets Naturally
  For a deeper clean, sprinkle carpets with a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and a few drops of pet safe essential oil. Let it sit overnight, then vacuum thoroughly.

The Power Of Prevention

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to pet odours. Some simple habits can make a huge difference:

• Wipe Paws
  Keep a towel by the door to wipe muddy or wet paws before your pet comes inside.
• Designated Pet Areas
  Consider limiting your pets to certain areas of your home or keeping them off furniture if odours are a significant concern.
• Fresh Air
  When the weather permits, open windows daily to allow fresh air to circulate and stale odours to escape.
• Regular Vet Checks
  Sometimes persistent pet odours can indicate health issues. Regular vet check ups can catch problems early before they affect your home’s smell.

When All Else Fails

If you’ve tried everything and still struggle with pet odours, consider consulting a professional cleaner who specialises in pet households. They may have access to commercial grade cleaning tools and pet safe products that can tackle stubborn smells.

Remember, a truly fresh smelling home doesn’t smell like chemicals or artificial fragrances. It simply smells clean, with perhaps subtle natural scents from plants, herbs, or fruits. By focusing on eliminating odours at their source rather than masking them, both you and your pets can enjoy a healthier, more pleasant smelling home environment.

If you found these tips helpful, why not share them with your fellow pet owners on social media? After all, we’re all in this together, trying to keep our homes fresh while providing the best care for our furry family members.

SEE ALSO: Is It Safe To Use Vinegar In The Washing Machine?

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