The Green Smell of Clean

Over the years I have discovered that there really isn’t a smell to clean, despite what advertisers want you to believe.  If you have laundry that is free from bacteria it will have a fresh non-smell rather than an artificial detergent fragrance. You should be able to stick your head down into the toilet bowl (no swirlies please!) and smell nothing but porcelain and water. Same goes for most surfaces in our homes- we should smell the wood, the wool or the scents of nature that are breezing through our windows on a warm, spring day. As I write this at my bedroom desk, my room is filled with sunshine and the subtle smell of lilac that is drifting in through the balcony door.

 

Now I have to admit – I sometimes find the true smell of clean to be quite boring. Maybe it is all those years of jolting my senses with scented candles. Even though I often had headaches, I loved having a kitchen filled with the smell of apple pie or vanilla. The problem is, I too often used candles to disguise an odor rather than address it. Similar to a quick band-aid fix, masking smells with overwhelming fragrances doesn’t tackle the root of the problem. Track down the source of bad smells first and deal with them using green household cleaners such as vinegar. The pickley smell will evaporate and you will be left with a clean slate so to speak. 

 

When your home truly is clean and green, there are some fantastic ways to add fresh, subtle scents. Clean and  green really doesn’t need to be boring.

 

Candles. I am not talking about petroleum-based candles heavily scented with artificial fragrance. Beeswax or soy candles burn more cleanly (one of the biggest sources of toxins in a home) and can be naturally scented with essential oil. I actually prefer the light, honey scent of beeswax and will sometimes add a drop or two of my own oil into the wax puddle a few minutes after the candle is lit.

 

Essential Oils. I use these in so many ways and will often change them up depending on the season. Make sure that the oils you buy are 100% pure and preferably from an organic source. Although these little vials may seem costly, a little goes a long way and they will last you for quite awhile if stored in a cool, dark place. I usually buy a new bottle once or twice a year to add to my collection. My favourites are tea tree oil, peppermint, cinnamon, clove, orange, rosemary, lavender, pine and rosewater.

 

o       Use them in your homemade cleaning spray

o       Add scent to natural candles

o       Add a couple of drops to freshen a toilet

o       Put two drops on a cotton ball and put in your vacuum cleaner bag. The scent will distribute through the room as you vacuum.

o       Put some drops on a dry washcloth to throw in with your clothes in the dryer to subtly scent them.

o       I love adding some rosewater to my dusting. The whole house is filled with the light scent of roses as I dust and I stay motivated just because I love the smell so much!

 

Lemons. I love the smell of lemons after I clean. A mixture of lemons and olive oil are a wonderful way to make your wood shine and will leave a fantastic smell in its wake.

 

Peppermint castile soap and Murphy’s Oil Soap. These are my go-tos for floor cleaning. They both smell fantastic!  My favourite peppermint soap is Dr. Bronner’s.

 

Bake. Remember how I mentioned that I loved the smell of apple pie or vanilla in my kitchen? Why create that smell artificially with candles rather than just spending some quality time with the kids and baking? If you really don’t have the time to bake but want the same smell, add some apple or orange peels to a small pan of water. Add cinammon, cloves, nutmeg (whatever your heart desires) and simmer it on the stove. Periodically add water as it evaporates.

 

Fresh Flowers. Sometimes we just need to go back to basics. Freshly cut flowers in a vase are probably the most delightful way to add a sweet fragrance in your home. You can also fling open a window and let the smells of Spring enter.

 

Cleaning green doesn’t have to be boring. Our noses can tell us when something isn’t clean but they can also be given the special treat of beautiful, natural scents.

 

What are your favourite green ways to make your home smell beautiful?

 

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