MAKING SENSE OF SCENTS: The Dangers of Scented Candles, Fabric Softener, & Air Freshener...and What to Use Instead
I love a yummy scented candle...especially around the holidays. But the more I research all the different things in them, the more I’ve decided to find other safer ways to make my home smell amazing.
It can be hard to get rid of the many different toxins that pollute our homes. Synthetic fragrances are one such culprit. There are ingredients in scented candles, fabric softener, & air freshener that are known carcinogens. These products can lead to problems in our respiratory system & our central nervous system. Our bodies can have allergic reactions to these substances. They can also lead to reproductive issues. This is a non-comprehensive list of toxins found in fabric softener & dryer sheets:
Benzyl acetate: Can cause dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, sore throat, or labored breathing when inhaled
Benzyl Alcohol: Can causer, allergies, or toxicity within the immune system
Ethanol: Listed as an air pollutant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and can cause central nervous system disorders
A-Terpineol: Can cause respiratory problems, including fatal edema, and central nervous system damage
Ethyl Acetate: A narcotic on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list
Camphor: Causes central nervous system disorders
Chloroform: Neurotoxic, anesthetic and carcinogenic
Linalool: A narcotic that causes central nervous system issues
Pentane: A chemical known to be harmful if inhaled. Can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness & dizziness. Repeated inhalation of vapors can cause damage to the central nervous system
Fragrance: Carcinogen and endocrine disruptor
Here are some of the harmful ingredients in scented candles:
Paraffin: is a sludge waste product from the petroleum industry. It releases carcinogenic chemicals when burned & can cause respiratory issues
Artificial scents & colors: Can cause allergic reactions
Lead: found in the wicks of some candles & is released into the air. Can cause central nervous system issues & respiratory issues
GMO soy: while we aren’t sure of the long-term effects of GMO soy, I prefer to keep this out of the air in my home
Here are some of the toxic ingredients in air fresheners:
Benzene: a carcinogen
Formaldehyde: a carcinogen
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): can irritate the respiratory system.
Phthalates: can interfere with production of testosterone and have been associated with reproductive abnormalities.
The great part is we don't have to put up with coming into contact with these toxins. There are some awesome alternatives. We can use products that don't weaken our immune system, cause cancer, or disrupt our hormones.
So what are some natural + safe alternatives?
1. Wool Dryer Balls & Essential Oils
These wool dryer balls are great. Just throw them in the dryer with your laundry. They get rid of static on your clothes, last for over 1,500 loads, are hypoallergenic, & COMPLETELY CHEMICAL FREE. To add a beautiful scent to your laundry, just put 2 drops of an essential oil (I love Lavender, Purify, or Lemongrass) on each ball before drying. You won't have to reapply the oil for several loads. You also get rid of the waxy build-up that gets stuck on your lint screen from those pesky dryer sheets. That build-up can cause your dryer to not last as long. These dryer balls will not only cut the chemical load in your home, but trim your budget too! Win win! Here's a link to where I get them on Amazon.
2. A Diffuser and Essential Oils
I use a diffuser & therapeutic grade essential oils in place of air fresheners & scented candles. It’s important to only use essential oils that are completely pure - free of synthetic chemicals & not cut with cheaper oils in order to reduce the costs of the supplier. The fun thing about using essential oils as an air freshener is they can also have therapeutic effects on the body. Your sense of smell is directly connected to your emotions. Inhaling pure, therapeutic grade essential oils can actually make you feel more calm, reduce sad + anxious feelings, help you feel more alert, etc. If you’d like to find out which brand I trust & use for my family, click here (on that page you’ll find a link to my “150 Ways To Use the Top 10 Oils” post & many other resources I’ve created for you).
3. Glass spray bottles and essential oils
You can easily create your own air freshener, & the good new is, it will also save you money! Just fill a glass spray bottle about 3/4 of the way full with filtered water & then add 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oil. Shake & spray. Use whatever scents you love, & the great part is, you've got a completely effective & non-toxic scent!
Here are some of my favorite combinations for the diffuser as well as for homemade air freshener:
Lavender, Serenity, Cedarwood, & Vetiver (this is a great blend to diffuse while sleeping)
Serenity & Balance (my favorite blend when I’m stressing out about something)
Geranium, Grapefruit & Lavender (this is a great one to put into your cleaning solution – makes the whole house smell fresh)
Lemon, Lime, Wild Orange & Grapefruit (citrus makes a great scent for freshening up the bathroom)
Douglas Fir & Wild Orange (so refreshing while I'm working in my office!)
Peppermint, Wild Orange & Serenity (smells like a spa!)
Cardamom, Cassia, Clove and Ginger (a spicy comforting scent)
What are your favorite non-toxic alternatives to air freshener, scented candles & fabric softener?