Most commercial air fresheners do not freshen the air
at all. Instead, they mask one odor with another, coat
your nasal passages with an undetectable oil film, or
diminish your sense of smell with a nerve-deadening
agent. For a safer alternative, you may wish to try one
of the following. Ventilation. Open windows or doors in the house for
at least a short period every day. This will also help to
reduce toxic fumes that may be building up indoors. Vinegar. Distribute partially filled saucers of
vinegar around the room or boil 1 tablespoon of white
vinegar in 1 cup of water to eliminate unpleasant cooking
odors. Cinnamon and Cloves. Boil these spices for a fragrant
smell. For ease of cleaning, make a cheesecloth bag to
contain these spices, and boil the cheesecloth bag. An
excellent alternative when entertaining is to steep
spiced tea or cider. Potpourri. Buy or make your own potpourri from your
favorite herbs and spices. Place the potpourri in a small
basket or jar or in small sachet bags.. | 
