By combining the antibacterial power of herbs and essential oils, with simple,inexpensive ingredients like baking soda, vinegar and natural soap, you can clean and freshen your home without all the toxic crap that lines the store shelves. Bulk items like vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice are naturally safe and completely biodegradable. The good news is that in these tough economic times, you can save money while at the same time protecting your family against harmful toxins in commercial cleaning products. The fresh, uplifting scents of essential oils such as orange, pine and grapefruit uplift your spirits at the same time they disinfect and clean. White vinegar is one of the best disinfectants you can use to clean your house. Molds, mildews and other nasties don't stand a chance.

For instance commercial carpet fresheners are made from adding sweet smelling and toxic chemicals to baking soda, all packed up in a pretty box. By making your own, you will not only save money but will harness the bacteria fighting powers of essential oils. All you need is a wide mouth glass jar with a tight cap. Add the oils to the baking soda, seal and set aside for a day to let the scent grow stronger. Sprinkle on your carpet, let it set in for at least 20 minutes then vacuum.

Using Aromatherapy

Bring the experience of smelling a fresh pine forest, fresh flowers and ocean breezes into your home. With the use of essential oils and herbs we can freshen the air, disinfect the room and lighten our spirits, things no artificial chemical fragrance can do. For all air fresheners, fill a mist spray bottle with purified water and add 2 parts essential oils to 10 parts of water ( 1 or 2 drops per ml). To keep your scents fresh use a spray bottle with a tight fitting lid, and keep stored in a cool dry place. Glass bottles are preferable to plastic, as essential oils will migrate into the plastic. As the blends age, the scent improves and becomes stronger.