Air fresheners are products that are used in homes or washrooms to keep the air clean and fragrant. There are different kinds of air fresheners that are used in the homes and the most common ones have sweet, flowery smells.

Most homes in Ghana use this product not only for the emission of unpleasant smells but to keep the atmosphere in the house fresh. These products can be purchased from stores, shops and even on the streets.

Types of air fresheners

There are various types of air fresheners, which have different fragrances, so depending on the user’s taste they can select between the sprays, liquids, incense, candles, plug-in and re-fillers.

Check the ingredients

Before purchasing any of these products, it is suitable to check the ingredients used in making them. Select those that are made with natural products like honey, flowers, herbs and wax. Watch out for those that contain toxic substances, such as formaldehyde, benzene, phthalate esters and styrene, because they can have negative impacts on health, especially children in the home. If you are not too certain of the constituents and their effects, research before you make any purchase.

Alternatives to air fresheners

Other ways of keeping the air fresh in your homes is by properly allowing circulation of air. During the day, open all windows to allow ventilation. Opening windows is the easiest way of keeping the air fresh in your home, as well as getting rid of all bad odours.

Consider natural products and odours such as oranges, lemon and vanilla. You can boil these, and add a few spices and herbs, to provide a nice fragrance for your home.

Other alternatives include baking soda and vinegar; leave a bowl of these products overnight and wake up to the freshest smell.

Another alternative to air fresheners is by keeping houseplants, which will not only take the bad odours naturally from your home but at the same time, they will beautify the house. For fresh air purposes, consider Fuschia, African Violet, Gerba Daisy and Gardenia.