Picture this: the subtle crackle of a fireplace, a warm cup of spiced cider in hand, and the gentle scent of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the air. There's no denying the charm of a home filled with the cozy aroma of fall. However, the quest to recreate these enchanting scents often leads us to commercial products that can harbor hidden dangers. Synthetic air fresheners, chemical-laden candles, and overpowering sprays may compromise indoor air quality and pose risks to our health. But here's the good news – you can achieve the perfect autumn ambiance safely and naturally by harnessing the power of essential oils. In this blog, I'll show you how to use these botanical wonders to create a welcoming and safe fall aroma in your home, leaving behind the worries of harmful chemicals and embracing the joys of the season.
For dog moms, creating a fall-scented home using natural products is not just about indulging in seasonal bliss but also about prioritizing the well-being of our furry companions. Dogs have incredibly sensitive noses, and the chemicals found in many artificial air fresheners and scented products can be overwhelming and potentially harmful to their health, as well as ours. Using natural scents ensures that the environment remains safe and comfortable for us and our four-legged friends. It allows us dog moms to enjoy the cozy atmosphere of fall without compromising the health and happiness of us or our beloved pets, making it an essential choice!
When it comes to safely diffusing essential oils around dogs, quality and dilution are key factors to consider. Not all essential oils are created equally and many essential oils on the market today are adulterated. High-quality, pure essential oils sourced from reputable suppliers are crucial, as adulterated oils may contain harmful additives.
Dilution is also essential, as dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, and their bodies can react differently to concentrated aromas. It's advisable to place the diffuser in an area where your dog can choose to be near or move away from the scent as they please. Start with a minimal amount of essential oil and monitor your dog's behavior closely. If they show any signs of discomfort, discontinue use immediately. For dive deep into safely diffusing essential oils with dogs, click HERE.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated, aromatic extracts derived from various parts of plants, including flowers, leaves, stems, and roots. These oils capture the unique scents and beneficial properties of the plants they are sourced from. Through a process of steam distillation or cold pressing, the volatile compounds responsible for fragrance and wellness effects are extracted. Essential oils are renowned for their diverse applications, ranging from aromatherapy and natural healing to crafting delightful scents for your home. Each essential oil carries its distinct aroma and wellness properties, making them versatile tools for enhancing well-being and creating an inviting atmosphere in your living space.
Get ready to embrace the scents of autumn with my carefully curated list of top picks to infuse your home with the warm and inviting fragrances of the season. Get to know the stars of the show: the essential oils that define the scents of autumn.
Cinnamon essential oil boasts a warm, spicy, and sweet aroma that's deeply comforting and uplifting. It's a popular choice for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere, often associated with feelings of warmth and holiday cheer.
Nutmeg essential oil offers a rich, spicy, and slightly sweet fragrance, known for its warming and soothing properties. It's commonly used to promote relaxation and establish a comforting ambiance, particularly during the fall and winter seasons.
Clove essential oil emits a spicy, warm, and slightly woody scent, celebrated for its invigorating and comforting qualities. This oil is frequently utilized for its potential to boost energy, enhance focus, and foster a sense of well-being.
Cypress essential oil presents a fresh, woody, and slightly coniferous aroma. It's cherished for its grounding and rejuvenating properties, often creating a calming environment and supporting feelings of balance and stability.
Frankincense essential oil is characterized by its resinous, earthy, and slightly sweet scent. It's renowned for its calming and spiritual attributes, frequently used in meditation and relaxation practices, and associated with feelings of inner peace and reflection.
Orange essential oil exudes a citrusy, sweet, and bright aroma that brings cheerfulness and upliftment. It's a popular choice for boosting mood and reducing tension, making it perfect for creating a joyful atmosphere.
Cardamom essential oil offers a warm, spicy fragrance with herbal undertones. It's prized for its invigorating and balancing properties, commonly used to promote mental clarity, ease discomfort, and create a cozy ambiance.
Patchouli essential oil delivers an earthy, musky, and slightly sweet aroma. It's associated with grounding and relaxation, often used to reduce tension in aromatherapy, known for its deep, earthy scent.
Ginger essential oil boasts a warm, spicy, and energizing fragrance, valued for its invigorating and warming properties. It's commonly used to alleviate stomach discomfort, support circulation, and promote vitality.
Cedarwood essential oil emits a woody, earthy, and calming scent. Known for its grounding and soothing effects, it's used to create a peaceful atmosphere, support relaxation, and enhance mental clarity.
Balsam Fir essential oil's fresh, pine-like, and foresty aroma is reminiscent of a walk through a pine forest. It's used to promote vitality and invigorate the mind, making it an excellent choice for nature-inspired scents.
Black Pepper essential oil offers a spicy, sharp, and invigorating fragrance. It's valued for its stimulating and energizing properties, frequently used to support circulation, ease muscle tension, and create a warm and spicy ambiance.
Bergamot essential oil presents a citrusy, sweet, and uplifting aroma. Known for its cheerful and calming qualities, it's utilized to relieve tension, uplift the mood, and create a bright and inviting atmosphere.
Vanilla oleoresin, despite not being classified as an essential oil, offers a warm, sweet, and profoundly comforting aroma. This highly concentrated extract is derived from vanilla beans, and its rich, sweet scent is synonymous with warmth and indulgence. Remarkably, science has made it possible to extract this delightful essence from vanilla bean pods, making it a sought-after choice for infusing fall-themed blends and recipes with a cozy and sweet aroma.
The Art of Diffusing
Diffusing essential oils is one of the most popular and effective ways to enjoy their aromatic benefits. But what exactly is diffusing?
Diffusing essential oils simply means dispersing the essential oils into the air. Hands down, my favorite way to do this is through the use of an ultrasonic diffuser. These devices work by combining water with essential oils and emitting a fine mist into the air, creating a soothing and fragrant atmosphere. This also keeps the essential oil diluted and safe for our dogs. There's also a wide variety of diffusers available, so you can select one that perfectly complements the ambiance of your home.
However, it's worth noting that there are various other ways to diffuse essential oils without the need for a diffuser. You can make a room spray, or even simply add drops onto a cotton ball or wooden clothespin and stash in strategic areas. You can even make a reed diffuser (click HERE to learn how), homemade potpourri, DIY sachets (click HERE to learn how), or your own candles relative simply.
Why Diffuse Essential Oils?
In addition to making your house smell good, diffusing essential oils offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- Aromatherapy: The inhalation of essential oil molecules can have a profound impact on your mood, emotions, and overall well-being. Certain essential oils can promote relaxation, reduce tension, boost energy, enhance mental clarity, and even improve sleep quality.
- Air Purification: Many essential oils possess natural properties that can help purify the air and help eliminate unpleasant odors.
Choosing the Right Diffuser
To fully embrace the art of diffusing essential oils, you'll want to select the right diffuser for your needs. There are several types of diffusers available, each with its own unique features. My favorite is the ultrasonic diffuser. These diffusers use ultrasonic vibrations to disperse essential oils into the air as a fine mist. Click HERE to dive into the various diffusers on the market and see which one is the right choice for your home.
Now that you understand the art of diffusing essential oils and how it can benefit your home and well-being, let's explore some of my favorite recipes for creating the perfect fall ambiance using natural scents.
Here are eight of my go to diffuser blends for fall:
1. Cozy Comfort Blend:
- 2 drops Patchouli
- 2 drops Nutmeg
- 2 drops Cedarwood
- A warm and earthy blend perfect for a cozy evening by the fireplace.
2. Invigorating Morning Mix:
- 2 drops Black Pepper
- 2 drops Ginger
- 2 drops Bergamot
- An energizing blend to kickstart your day with freshness and vitality.
3. Forest Serenity Blend:
- 2 drops Balsam Fir
- 2 drops Cypress
- 2 drops Frankincense
- A grounding blend that evokes the tranquil essence of a forest.
4. Citrus Spice Delight:
- 2 drops Orange
- 2 drops Cinnamon
- 2 drops Cardamom
- A zesty and spicy blend that uplifts the spirits with a touch of warmth.
5. Autumn Harmony Blend:
- 2 drops Clove
- 2 drops Nutmeg
- 2 drops Orange
- A comforting blend reminiscent of fall spices and cozy gatherings.
6. Spice is Nice Blend:
- 2 drops Cinnamon
- 2 drops Ginger
- 2 drops Clove
- A spicy and invigorating blend to warm up your space.
7. Woodland Wanderer Blend:
- 2 drops Cedarwood
- 2 drops Cypress
- 2 drops Balsam Fir
- A blend that transports you to a serene forest walk.
8. Sweet and Spicy Serenade:
- 2 drops Cardamom
- 2 drops Nutmeg
- 2 drops Black Pepper
- A harmonious blend with both sweetness and spice to create a delightful atmosphere.
Feel free to download and print these wonderful diffuser blends by clicking HERE! This will make it super easy for you to access them whenever you're in the mood to create a cozy atmosphere at home. And don't forget, you can always tweak the number of drops or get a bit experimental with these blends to find that perfect scent strength that suits your unique style. Happy diffusing!
If you prefer room sprays, I've got you covered! Here's 5 of my favorite room sprays:
1. Spiced Citrus Burst:
- 10 drops Orange
- 5 drops Cinnamon
- 5 drops Ginger
2. Tranquil Forest Retreat:
- 10 drops Balsam Fir
- 5 drops Cypress
- 5 drops Frankincense
3. Energizing Morning Zest:
- 10 drops Bergamot
- 5 drops Black Pepper
- 5 drops Clove
4. Cozy Comfort Haven:
- 10 drops Cedarwood
- 5 drops Patchouli
- 5 drops Nutmeg
5. Citrus Uplifting Symphony:
- 10 drops Bergamot
- 5 drops Orange
- 5 drops Frankincense
Instructions for all room spray recipes:
1. Prepare a 2-ounce glass spray bottle.
2. Using a small funnel, add 1 ounce of vodka to the bottle.This helps the essential oil mix with the water.
3. Add 20 drops of your chosen essential oils from the recipe.
4. Top off the mixture with 1 ounce of distilled water. You can use tap water, but I like using water with the impurities removed.
5. Add the spray top and shake well to mix the oils and liquids. You'll wan't to shake well each time you spray.
6. Label your room spray and store it in a cool, dark place.
7. Shake before each use, and spritz the room as desired to enjoy the delightful aromas.
These room spray recipes offer a variety of scents to suit your mood and preferences, from spicy and invigorating to calming and comforting. Feel free to adjust the number of drops or experiment with the ratios to find the perfect balance for your room spray.
By exploring the art of natural fall scents with essential oils, you can enjoy the season to the fullest, all while embracing a healthier and eco-friendly approach. As you experiment with the recipes and blend your own fragrances, you'll not only infuse your home with delightful aromas but also create lasting memories of this magical time of year. So, why wait? Grab some fall essential oils and embark on your journey to make your home a welcoming oasis of autumn scents.
If you're curious about where I source my pure essential oils, I invite you to explore Young Living—a trusted brand renowned for its Seed to Seal commitment to quality. To make your fall aroma experience even more delightful, I've crafted a special fall bundle that's perfect for bringing the essence of the season into your home safely. Just a heads up, this is an affiliate link, and when you make a purchase through it, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. After your order, I'll personally reach out to express my gratitude and send you something special as a token of appreciation. Happy scenting! Discover Young Living and my fall bundle HERE.
There's nothing quite like walking into a room filled with a delightful and soothing aroma. Reed diffusers are an excellent way to achieve this, and the best part is, you can make your very own using essential oils. Not only will you save money, but you'll also have the freedom to customize your scents to suit different occasions and areas of your home. In this blog, I'll walk you through the ingredients you'll need, provide step-by-step instructions, and share some fantastic recipes, including ones perfect for fall, the holidays, freshening up the bathroom, and creating an inviting atmosphere for guests.
Choosing a reed diffuser is a delightful and practical choice for many reasons. Firstly, it grants you the unique advantage of crafting custom aromas that align with your personal preferences and the ambiance you wish to create. Unlike commercially bought fragrance products that often contain synthetic chemicals and allergens, reed diffusers with natural essential oils are safe for both you and your dogs, ensuring a toxin-free environment. Moreover, they don't require electricity, making them perfect for small spaces like a bathroom. Crafting your own reed diffusers can be a fun and creative project, allowing you to tailor scents to match seasons, occasions, or your mood, ultimately enhancing your living space with a customized and inviting ambiance.
Ingredients You'll Need
Before we dive into the recipes, let's gather the basic ingredients and materials:
- A narrow-necked glass vase or bottle: Upcycling an old glass container is eco-friendly and adds a touch of uniqueness to your diffuser. The narrow opening slows down evaporation, giving you a longer and lingering aroma.
- Reed diffuser sticks: You have several options here, with bamboo or rattan reeds being the most popular. After experimenting with both options, I've discovered that rattan reed diffuser sticks are the superior choice. Their small hollow channels facilitate the flow of the essential oil blend up the stick, ensuring a more effective room fragrance. With bamboo, I never got as strong of an aroma as with rattan. Rattan sticks are readily available on Amazon.
- Essential oils: Opt for premium, top-notch essential oils in your favorite fragrances. A key motivation behind our DIY reed diffuser project is to imbue our living space with a clean, toxin-free aroma. It's important to note that not all essential oils are of the same caliber, and numerous options in the market are tainted or adulterated. To guarantee the purity of what you're diffusing, it's crucial to identify a reputable supplier you can rely on for authentic, unadulterated essential oils.
- Carrier oil: I personally prefer fractionated coconut oil as my carrier of choice. It's a lightweight oil that effectively travels up the reeds, and its neutral scent doesn't clash with the custom fragrance you've created. While I've come across recipes suggesting a mixture of water and vodka as a carrier for essential oils, my experience has shown that this combination results in a less potent aroma and a shorter lifespan for the reed diffuser. As a result, I favor using a carrier oil for optimal performance and longevity.
- Decorative elements: Optional, but you can add dried flowers, colorful stones, or decorative charms to your diffuser.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Clean the Glass Container: Thoroughly wash and dry your glass container. You can use rubbing alcohol to ensure it's clean and free of any residues if needed.
- Add the Carrier Oil: Pour 1/4 cup of your carrier oil into the glass container. Adjust the amount based on the container's size
- Add the Essential Oils: You can add an individual essential oil or pre-purchased blend. You can also make your own custom scent, the sky's the limit! In general, about 30-50 drops to 1/4 cup of carrier oil works well. Adjust as you see fit for aroma and strength.
- Add One Reed Diffuser Stick: Add one stick first and use it to mix your essential oils and carrier oil well.
- Insert the Remaining Reed Diffuser Sticks: Place 4-8 reed diffuser sticks into the container. Allow them to soak for a few hours, then flip them over to increase fragrance diffusion.
- Flip Sticks: You'll want to flip your reed sticks once a week to every two weeks, this ensures continual gradual release of the essential oil as the carrier oil travels up the reed stick. Replace the oil mixture once a month.
DIY Reed Diffuser Recipes
- Fall Recipe: Combine 15 drops of cinnamon essential oil, 10 drops of clove essential oil, and 10 drops of vanilla essential oil.
- Holiday Recipe: Mix 10 drops of peppermint essential oil, 10 drops of pine essential oil, and 10 drops of cinnamon essential oil.
- Bathroom Freshener Recipe: Opt for 15 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and 15 drops of lemon essential oil to keep your bathroom smelling fresh.
- Company-Ready Recipe: For an inviting and balanced scent, blend 15 drops of lavender essential oil, 15 drops of orange essential oil, and 15 drops of vanilla essential oil.
In conclusion, creating your own DIY reed diffusers is a rewarding and cost-effective way to enjoy natural fragrances throughout your home. Experiment with different essential oil combinations to suit your preferences and the occasion, and don't forget to upcycle glass vases for a touch of sustainability and style. Elevate your space with these delightful scents and welcome guests with a warm and inviting atmosphere, no matter the season. Happy diffusing!
If you're curious about where I source my pure essential oils, I invite you to explore Young Living—a trusted brand renowned for its Seed to Seal commitment to quality. To enhance your aromatic journey, I've curated a special bundle tailored perfectly for your reed diffuser DIY project. This bundle includes all the essential oils mentioned in the recipes above, making it effortless for you to acquire the specific scents you need to create your custom fragrances. Just a heads up, this is an affiliate link, and when you make a purchase through it, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. After your order, I'll personally reach out to express my gratitude and send you something special as a token of appreciation. Happy scenting! Discover Young Living and my special bundle HERE.
In today's fast-paced world, it's crucial to prioritize the well-being of our beloved canine companions. One area that often goes overlooked is the impact of toxins present in our homes, including cleaners, air fresheners, and other household products. These products can not only harm humans but also affect the health and well-being of our four-legged friends. Fortunately, there are less harmful products we can use, including essential oils, to offer a natural and safe alternative to these harmful substances. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of using natural products and essential oils for canine wellness and how easy it is to replace toxic household products with more natural alternatives. By doing so, we can create a healthier and safer environment for both ourselves and our furry companions.
Understanding the Dangers of Common Household Cleaners and Air Fresheners
To fully appreciate the importance of transitioning to natural alternatives, it's essential to understand why common household cleaners and air fresheners pose a risk to people and dogs alike. Many commercial products contain toxic chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritations, hormonal disruptions, and even cancer. Dogs are particularly vulnerable as they often lick or sniff surfaces treated with these chemicals, exposing themselves to harmful toxins. Additionally, they spend their lives much closer to the floor where common toxic household products can live from cleaning. In many households, our dogs spend much more time inside the home than we, as owners do, since we're off to work for the day. This can make them more susceptible to the adverse effects of these products.
Common Myths About Natural Cleaners
Common myths often circulate around the use of natural household cleaners versus chemical cleaners.
Myth #1: Natural cleaners are less effective than chemical cleaners.
- Fact: Several products on the market today can offer a safer alternative to clean with. Plain ol' soap and water, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol have long been used to clean and disinfect surfaces. According to this article published by the CDC, "Published reports ascribe good germicidal activity to hydrogen peroxide and attest to its bactericidal, virucidal, sporicidal, and fungicidal properties". The addition of essential oils can add wellness benefits as well. The Antimicrobial effects of Tea Tree, a popular essential oil that many people like to add to their home cleaning products, has been studied on PubMed.gov.
Myth #2: Natural cleaners are expensive and hard to find.
- Fact: Essential oils and other natural ingredients are often affordable and readily available in local stores or online. After the initial purchase and investment of ingredients for DIY's, many natural homemade cleaners are less expensive in the long run. If you're not into DIY, check out my favorite toxin free cleaner, Thieves™ Household Cleaner concentrate, from Young Living™ Essential Oils. One bottle of concentrate can make over 20 quarts of cleaner, making it one of the least expensive toxin free cleaners on the market!
Myth #3: Natural cleaners lack a pleasant scent.
- Fact: The addition of essential oils offers a wide range of fragrances, such as lavender and citrus, providing a delightful aroma while effectively cleaning your home. Some alcohols that you can use for cleaning have no aroma at all.
Dispelling these myths can help pet owners and families make informed choices in opting for safer, more natural alternatives for their homes. To make it easy, I've got an 'Essential Cleaning Supplies Checklist' so you can grab the products you need to get started. Click HERE!
Benefits of Essential Oils for Canine Wellness
Essential oils, derived from plants, offer numerous benefits for canine wellness. They are natural, biodegradable, and free from harmful chemicals. When used correctly, essential oils can promote relaxation, reduce tension, support healthy skin, and enhance overall well-being. Essential oils can also be used for odor, making them ideal for various household applications. Some essential oils can even be used for outdoor and indoor annoyances, helping to keep unwanted critters at bay. This study on PubMed.gov, found essential oil vapors "effective in reducing microbial contamination". They can add a wellness and cleaning boost to your natural products. In fact, many 'natural' cleaners on the market today include essential oils.
Essential Oil Safety Guidelines for Canine Wellness
While essential oils have numerous benefits, it's important to use them safely around dogs. The two most important factors when using essential oils around dogs are quality and dilution. To learn how to make sure you are using a pure, high quality, and premium essential oil, click HERE. When you are adding essential oils to, or making your own cleaners, you'll already be diluting the essential oil for safe use in the home.
Replacing Toxic Cleaners with Essential Oil-Based Alternatives
Transitioning to toxin free cleaners can be simple and easy. Here are some popular household cleaning products you can use:
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Liquid Castile Soap
- Vodka
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Essential Oils
1. All-purpose cleaner: Mix half water and half vinegar, and add several drops of essential oils like lemon or tea tree oil for a safe and effective all-purpose cleaner that can be used on countertops, floors, and other surfaces. Yes, you can use tea tree oil around your dogs, click HERE for what you need to know. If you have natural stone, granite, or marble, vinegar isn't recommended as it can scratch and dull the countertop, and affect the sealers. You will want to use plain ol' soap and water. For more in depth info on using natural cleaners specifically, check out my 'Healthy Hacks To Clean Your Home' article by clicking HERE!
2. Air freshener: Instead of using aerosol sprays or plug-in air fresheners, consider making your own natural alternatives. You can easily make a room spray with essential oils. Click HERE for a step by step guide to making a spray. Consider an investment of an essential oil diffuser. Placed strategically in your home, adding several drops and diffusing daily can be a perfect way to uplift and freshen your home. There are many diffusers on the market today, for help in picking out the right one for you, check out my blog HERE!
3. Odor control: To combat unpleasant odors, baking soda can be your new BFF.
You can add essential oils to baking soda and make closet and drawer sachets as well as standing air fresheners around your home. For more easy ways and ideas to replace chemical laden air fresheners, check out my 'Ultimate Guide To Eliminating Pet Odors Naturally' by clicking HERE!
4. Carpet cleaner: Add about 20-30 drops of an essential oil or blend to 1 cup of baking soda. Mix well and then sprinkle on carpet you have already vacuumed. Let sit for about 10-15 minutes or even overnight for heavily soiled areas, then vacuum up.
5. Mop water: Add around 10 drops of essential oils like lemon, pine, or lavender to your mop water for a natural and refreshing scent while cleaning your floors.
6. Bleach and Hand Soap: For my favorite bleach alternative and hand soap recipes, click HERE. Sometimes its easy to think that your exposure to chemicals isn't that big, but how many times do you wash your hands each day? We may not realize it, but with each hand wash and product use, we accumulate a significant chemical load. Moreover, products labeled with "fragrance" can hide a multitude of chemicals, as they are protected by 'trade secret' laws and may contain hundreds of undisclosed substances. Making your own natural alternatives empowers you to lead a healthier, chemical-free lifestyle for you, your furry friend, and the planet.
7.Window and Mirror Cleaner: Click HERE to learn how to make an all-natural window and mirror cleaner using just four ingredients, ensuring a streak-free shine while promoting a healthier living environment for you and your furry friend.
By replacing toxic household products with natural alternatives, we can create a safer and healthier environment for both ourselves and our canine companions. Essential oils offer a versatile and effective solution to eliminate harmful chemicals from our homes while promoting canine wellness. With a little knowledge and effort, you can easily make the switch and experience the benefits of essential oils for your home and your furry friend's well-being.
If you're curious about where I source my essential oils, I highly recommend joining me on a journey with Young Living™. Their unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and purity through their Seed To Seal™ process makes them my top choice. Explore the Thieves™ product line, a perfect addition to creating a natural home environment. Embracing safe and toxin-free cleaning products has never been easier. If you prefer not to DIY, Young Living™ offers a complete product line ideal for cleaning your home. Check out the Make a Shift™ Happy, Healthy Home™ Kit HERE. This kit is all you need to get started with natural home cleaning today!(This is an affiliate link, and I earn a small commission from your order at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small business! I'm thrilled to assist you in getting started and will connect with you after your order to send something special your way!)
As a pet owner, essential oils can be a valuable tool for creating a calm and soothing environment, managing odors, and balancing emotions within your household and barn! One effective way to achieve this is by diffusing essential oils. My favorite way is with an ultrasonic diffuser, but did you know there are many ways you can diffuse essential oils without a 'diffuser'? Lets dive in and see how easy it is to use essential oils to transform your home or barn environment, whether you have a traditional diffuser or not!
Understanding Essential Oils and the Benefits of Diffusing
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that capture the plant's aroma and beneficial properties. These oils have been used for centuries in aromatherapy to promote physical and emotional well-being. When diffused, essential oils release their aromatic molecules into the air, allowing us to experience their wellness effects through inhalation.
Diffusing essential oils offers several benefits, both for humans and our animal companions. Some of my favorite advantages include:
1. Promotes Relaxation: Certain essential oils, such as lavender and chamomile, are known for their calming properties. Diffusing these oils can create a peaceful atmosphere, helping to reduce stress and tension in both pets and humans.
2. Cleanses the Air: Many essential oils possess odor controlling properties, which can help purify the air by eliminating and neutralizing smells.
3. Supports Respiratory Health: Some essential oils, like eucalyptus and peppermint, have properties that can aid respiratory health. Diffusing these oils may help promote good breathing.
4. Enhances Focus and Concentration: Essential oils like rosemary and peppermint can help improve mental clarity and focus. Diffusing these oils while working, studying, or during horse training sessions can enhance productivity.
Tips for Diffusing Essential Oils without a Diffuser
While traditional diffusers are convenient, there are alternative methods to enjoy the benefits of essential oils even without one. Here are some pet-safe techniques for diffusing essential oils:
1. Open Bottle Method: This method is a straightforward approach to enjoying the benefits of essential oils. To experience their aromatic properties, all you have to do is inhale the aroma. Essential oils are highly volatile, meaning that when you open the bottle, their molecules disperse into the air. They actually diffuse themselves-lol. When it comes to your horses and dogs, you can simply allow them to smell the essential oil directly from the bottle.
For dogs, you can unscrew the cap of the essential oil bottle and place it on the counter. This approach is particularly useful if your dog is not accustomed to essential oils or if you prefer to introduce an aroma temporarily. In the long run, it’s advisable to use a different method to prevent your essential oil from oxidizing or evaporating. With dogs incredible sense of smell, they can receive the benefits oftentimes without even taking the lid off.
2.Tissue or Cotton Ball Method: This is a simple and cost-effective way to diffuse essential oils. Apply a few drops of your chosen oil onto a tissue or cotton ball and place it in strategic areas around the house. Ensure your pet has the option to move away from the aroma if they find it overwhelming. This can also work well for trailering horses. Use a calming essential oil like lavender, cedarwood, or vetiver, and stash a couple of cotton balls in the trailer.
3. Air Filter: Apply 5-10 drops to your air filter when you change it out. Use your favorite or try eucalyptus, lemon, or lemongrass!
4. Spray Bottle Method: Dilute your essential oils in water and use a spray bottle to mist the air. This works well for odor control. I like to make one with lemon essential oil and keep it in my tack room. Say no to sweaty horse and leather smell -lol!
5. Aromatherapy Jewelry: Consider wearing aromatherapy jewelry, such as a diffuser necklace or bracelet, infused with essential oils. The heat from your body will gently release the aroma throughout the day, providing a subtle and personal diffusion experience. This is also one of the best ways to use essential oils with your horses and dogs, especially if you are just starting out. You become a walking diffuser and you are also half the equation. When you are calm, happy and balanced, your horses and dogs are more likely to be too!
6. Ceramic or Clay Diffusers: Look for porous ceramic or clay objects, such as a decorative dish or diffuser stone. Add a few drops of essential oil onto these objects, and the porous material will slowly release the aroma into the air.
7. Dryer Balls: Adding several drops of essential oils to dryer balls will impart a lingering aroma on your clothes and dog bedding. I like to use the citrus oils like orange and lime, but you can use any essential oil you like. Try using a calming essential oil for nervous dogs when you wash their bedding.
8. Make A Coffee Filter Sachet: These are easy and simple to make. You only need coffee filters, baking soda, essential oils, and a twist tie or rubber band. Add essential oils to your baking soda, put a tablespoon in the coffee filter and twist tie shut. Then stash in strategic places around your home or barn. You can hang these (out of reach of your horse) in the stall for a calming boost or odor control. For A step by step guide, click HERE.
9.Air Freshener Jar: Simply grab a cup of baking soda, add it to a glass jar with a metal lid. Poke holes in the metal lid with an ice pick. Add about 25-30 drops of essential oil or a blend into the baking soda and stir well. Add the lid with holes. Refresh the aroma as needed. I probably add more essential oils to mine every couple weeks. This is a great air freshener for tack rooms! For a step by step guide, click HERE
10. Clothespin Method: Grab some wooden clothespins and an essential oil. Add a few drops of the essential oil onto the clothespin. Then simply clip the clothespin where you need an essential oil boost. This works great for the cat box room. I also like to add a drop of a calming oil like cedarwood or vetiver and then clip on my car vent when I have to take my dog to the veterinarian. I’ve also used this method in the horse trailer and tack room!
Diffusing essential oils is a simple and versatile way to create a delightful atmosphere that benefits both you and your pets. There are numerous methods to choose from, allowing you to find one that suits your preferences. These methods provide a variety of ways to experience the aromatic properties of essential oils in safe and easy ways.
When using essential oils for your pets, it's important to prioritize their safety above all else. This means selecting pet-safe essential oils that are pure and unadulterated. To ensure the well-being of your furry companions, it is crucial to opt for high-quality, pure, and premium oils. By choosing reputable brands and carefully reading product labels, you can use essential oils that are safe and effective for your pets.
Wondering where I get my 100% pure and premium essential oils? Click HERE to explore Young Living™ Essential Oils. With Young Living, you can experience the benefits of high-quality essential oils and infused products backed by their Seed to Seal® promise, ensuring purity, potency, and sustainability. As a pet parent, this assurance of quality is crucial when selecting products for your furry friends. Click HERE to learn more! (Please note that the provided link is an affiliate link, and I may earn a small commission from your order at no additional cost to you. Your support is greatly appreciated as it helps support my small business!)
Diffusing essential oils can be a wonderful addition to your pet care routine, providing a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for your furry companions. With the right knowledge, you can enjoy the benefits of essential oils while ensuring the well-being of your beloved pets.
We all want a fresh and clean smelling house-am I right?! Then, life happens-lol. Being a multiple dog household, my house...well, used to smell like dogs! Then I got into essential oils and realized how powerful they are at dispelling odors. With a variety of aromas to suit anyone, they are a powerful addition to your home, and you may see other benefits besides just a fresh and clean smelling house! You can also create an atmosphere to fit your mood....or change it! So today, let's chat about essential oils and how you use them as air fresheners!
Why do we even want to use essential oils as an air freshener instead of a chemical store bought one?
Well, for starters, we don't want to endanger our health or that of our family...2 or 4 legged!
With furry companions in the house, this becomes paramount. Our dogs spend way more time than we do close to the floor and are more sensitive to chemicals in general. We dont want to harm our fur kids do we? And yes, essential oils can be used safely with dogs and even cats...to read more about that, click HERE. I've been diffusing and using essential oils in my house for over 7 years now and a 5 pound chihuahua is a member of my family!
We are bombarded by chemicals on a daily basis, many of which we can't control our exposure to, so it makes it even more important to be the gatekeepers of things we can control, like our home. Did you know that a new study mentioned in an article published by the EWG says that "releases from chemical products, including ones we use every day in our homes, are as much a cause of air pollution as automobile emissions" ....and the European Union has banned over a 1000 chemicals while the United States has banned a mere 12. Unfortunately, many people think that because a product is sold in stores, it must be safe, which is far from true!
One of the leading ingredients in chemical air fresheners is 'fragrance', and according to this article published by the EWG "Another ingredient to watch for is the mystery ingredient “fragrance.” Mixtures of fragrance can be made up of any combination of chemicals on a list of thousands. Some, like phthalates, are linked to health hazards. Avoid air fresheners when you can."
And In this article published by the EWG, Samara Geller writes '"many fragrance components are allergens. Some are on California's Proposition 65 list, which is meant to inform citizens about chemicals known to cause reproductive harm, birth defects and cancer."
So, what can you do about it? Make different choices for your family and vote with your dollars! Start simple by making easy swaps! You can start today by ditching your chemical air fresheners and swapping and investing in some essential oils to use instead! Let's speak with our dollars and support companies that dont use dangerous chemicals. Replacing chemical store bought air fresheners by using essential oils can be easy and after an initial investment of a diffuser and some essential oils, it can be cheaper as well!
First, you are going to need some essential oils. One of the most important things to realize is that not all essential oils are created equal! They are regulated by the FDA as part of the cosmetic industry. This means that companies don't have to disclose all ingredients under trade secret laws in the perfume industry. Did you know it's been over 80 years since the federal law designed to ensure personal care products are safe, has been updated? It's important that you find a company that you trust and read your labels. I like Young Living Essential Oils™ because of their Seed To Seal™ guarantee. Young Living™ is the ONLY company to offer this and they control the entire process, from the seeds of the plant used for the essential oil, to sealing the finished product in the bottle that arrives on our doorstep. You can read more about that HERE. Make sure you are using a high quality, premium essential oil. You don't want to add more indoor air pollution-right?!
So how do we use essential oils as air fresheners?!
One of the easiest ways is to invest in a diffuser. A diffuser is simply something that helps to disperse the essential oil into the air. Many essential oil diffusers are on the market today, and I recommend you start out with an ultrasonic diffuser. This type of diffuser doesn't use heat which can degrade the essential oil, it uses a ceramic or metal plate that vibrates, and it does require electricity. This vibration breaks down the essential oil, blends it with the water, and disperses it into the air. This dilutes the essential oil, so that it can be an option for a household with pets. It's easy to find one to fit your goal, whether thats running all day long or intermittently. You can shop for for one you find pleasing to the eye, and even for one with fancy colored lights! You can check out my favorite from Young Living™ HERE.
Simply add water to your diffuser base per the instructions that come with your diffuser. Then add the essential oil you want to use, again referring to the instructions that came with your diffuser. In general, 4-10 drops is sufficient, depending on the amount of water your diffuser holds. Start low and see how you like the aroma, then up the drops if needed.
If you don't have a diffuser, you can make a 'spritzer'. Then simply mist rooms that need some help. You don't really even need a recipe to make a spritzer. Simply add about 20 drops of essential oil per 2 ounces of water, to a spray bottle. Shake well each time you spray as essential oils and water don't mix. For a step by step guide to making a spritzer, click HERE.
Air Freshener Spray Basic Recipe:
-2 oz distilled water (you can use tap water, but distilled is better because the impurities have been removed-your recipe will last longer too)
-20 drops essential oil
You can also make a linen spray to refresh fabrics. Using vodka instead of water allows the mixture to evaporate quickly leaving the pleasant aroma behind.
Basic Linen Spray:
2 oz vodka (use this instead of water so it evaporates quickly)
20 drops essential oil
Deodorizing Discs:
These are fun and easy to make. You probably already have an ice cube tray and baking soda! If you want to get fancy or give them as gifts, you can purchase sandwich cookie molds for a fancier design. They work great for the bottom of your trash can (instead of buying trash bags scented with fragrance), or for stashing in closets, cabinets, and drawers.
You will need:
1 cup baking soda
1/4 cup water
30 drops essential oil
Non stick sandwich cookie pan or ice cube tray
Mix the baking soda and water to form a paste. Stir in your essential oils. Spoon into your cookie pan or ice cube tray, pressing firm. Let dry overnight, and then pop out. Easy peasy! Store the extras in an airtight container until ready to use.
Other ways to use essential oils as an air freshener:
-Drop a few drops onto several cotton balls and strategically stash around the house, works great for trash cans and drawers!
-Drop a few drops onto wooden clothespins and strategically pin around the house, pinning them where air will pass like on a fan or the vent for your ac or heater works great!
-Drop about 5 drops onto the cardboard roll of your toilet paper in the bathroom.
-Drop several drops onto your Kleenex boxes.
-Add a few drops to the filter of either your furnace or air conditioner ducts.
-Carpet deodorizer-Add around 20 drops to 1 cup of baking soda. Sprinkle on your carpet and let sit for a about 5-10 minutes. Then vacuum up.
-Wood, clay, and leather items work well as mini essential oil diffusers, so if you have knick hacks in your house made of these materials, consider dropping some essential oil onto them in inconspicuous places. Keep in mind some essential oils can stain, so add in areas that aren't seen or to items you don't have attachments to. Unfinished wood and clay ornaments work well and then you can hang them around your house.
-Purchase cork stickers, add a few drops of essential oil onto the cork stickers and then stick where needed. (I love to stick a few of these in my horse trailer and then drop Lavender onto them before each trailer ride)
-Make a Coffee Filter Sachet
You will need:
Coffee Filters
Baking Soda
Essential Oils
Add about 20 drops of essential oil to a cup of baking soda in a glass, ceramic, or stainless steel bowl, (essential oils degrade plastic) stir, and mix well. Then add a couple of tablespoons of the baking soda/essential oil mix to a new coffee filter. Pull the coffee filter together at the top and use a twist tie or rubber band to tie shut, then stash in closets, cabinets, and drawers.
-Make a Jar Air Freshener
You will need:
A clean glass jar with a lid that you can poke holes in. I like to recycle my jelly jars. Mason jars, baby food jars, peanut butter jars, pickled ginger jars...you get the idea, any jar will do! Worst case scenario, you can buy jars on Amazon.
Baking soda-enough to fill the jar.
Now simply add baking soda to whatever jar you have, add essential oils (maybe 20 drops to half cup baking soda, but feel free to use less or more, depending on your preference.)
Put the lid on and shake well, then take the lid off and poke several holes in it with an ice-pick...ta-da...now you have an air freshener that you can stash in strategic places in your house.
If you want to get really fancy, you could even decorate your jar! Remember to refresh your oils from time to time or when you feel the aroma is less.
You can see that there are many options for using essential oils as air fresheners. If you are using chemical air fresheners, keep it easy and simple by swapping out one product at a time with a method from above.
For more essential oil recipes, tips, and tricks...join 'The Weekly Oiler' HERE keepin' the "oily lifestyle' simple and easy for you, your horses, and dogs...
