2 easy-to-make homemade air fresheners

Why waste your money on commercial air fresheners when it's so simple to make your own favourite scents? Here are 2 easy-to-make homemade air fresheners that will leave you sniffing with delight!

Use this spray judiciously — a clean room should have a hint of the spicy scent, not an overpowering perfume. You can combine up to three different essential oils to create a fragrance that suits you.

• Other popular choices include eucalyptus, lavender, geranium, grapefruit, orange, peppermint, pine, juniper, rose and spearmint.

What you need:

• 1 clean 350 ml (12 oz) spray bottle
• 50 ml (1/4 c) rubbing alcohol
• 25 drops bergamot essential oil
• 8 drops clove essential oil
• 5 drops lemon essential oil
• 250 ml (1 c) distilled water

1. In the spray bottle, combine the alcohol and the essential oils and shake well to disperse the oil. Add the water and shake for a minute or two more to thoroughly blend all the ingredients.
2. Let the mixture sit for a few days before using to allow the fragrance to blend and mature. A quick spritz is all that's needed to freshen a room.

This homey and aromatic mixture can be made for pennies and makes you think an apple pie is in the oven; real estate agents sometimes suggest that homeowners put this mixture on the stove before prospective buyers come to see the house.

• No commercial room freshener at any price smells as good.

What you need:

• 750 ml (3 c) water
• 6 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 6 pieces dried orange peel

1. In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients and bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until your home is filled with a fresh, spicy scent. (Don't let the water boil away.)

Here's an easy way to eliminate drain odours while maintaining the proper pH and health of your septic system:

• Run warm tap water for several seconds, then pour 250 g (1 c) baking soda into the drain.
• Wait an hour and flush with a teapot of boiling water.
• For best results, repeat once every two weeks.