Cheap yet effective air freshener for college dorm?
Question:Looking for an inexpensive air freshener for my college dorm room. Bear in mind that my school doesn't allow plug-ins or scented candles. Thanks!
Answers:
Here's an inexpensive and fragrance free solution - I found the perfect product for this and know many other people that use it. It is a natural fragrance free carbon product called FRIDGE IT odor absorbers. It is a little purple cube with an incredible activated carbon filter inside that is really, really, great and eliminates the odors and for a long time. It works so much better than baking soda all those sprays, and fragrances that just cover up smells and doesn't get rid of them. Also, alot of sprays have warning statements about being eye irritant. and gels and oils that say keep away from fabric, pets,etc. and just don't eliminate odors. Just put a couple around your dorm. Each only costs a couple of dollars. I use this product everywhere including car(smoke and pet smells), storage, closets, my fridge and also under sinks, near trash and have friends that use it on cat litter box and also diaper pails - it's that good. I really recommend it. You can buy it in kitchen gadget sections in stores like walmart and linens and things. I also think camping world sells it and Internet at customerservice@innofresh.com.
Definitely worth trying
the best one out there is this one by febreeze that runs off of batteries but its like $30 but its by far the best. There are ones that you just open and set out that are cheap but don't smell that great. and the personal best dryer sheets!
Burn some incense, candles or keep fresh flowers in vase frequently. Febreeze and Arm and Hammer baking soda can suppress just about any foul order in a pinch.
i would say "natural magic" gel .. it absorbs odors. it comes in a 14 ounce plastic tub. you just take off the cover and let it sit .. when it gets old and crusty just use a plastic knife and mush it up and keep doing that 'til its gone. it works gr8
A bowl or similar container of Vinegar, be sure to refill every few days!
Bacteria, mold, and fungus produce odors.
Keep stinky clothes in a hamper, but don't let wet items mildew in the hamper. Every day pick up food and drink items. Buy a garbage can with a tight lid. After scrubbing any 'stuck on' or mildewed material in the kitchen and bath area, use OdoBan to continue to disinfect and deodorize.
OdoBan kills 99% of bacteria and smells good while doing it. Spray and wipe the surface to dampen the whole surface. Let it dry or wipe after giving it a full minute to kills germs.
You can spray it in the air, backing away as you go - do not inhale nor spray on exposed food or dishes/glassware - leave the area for several minutes.
Do NOT use as the last spray on a cutting or cooking surface. Rinse these surfaces thoroughly.
DO NOT inhale.
Do not spray around pet birds or fish aquarium. (My brother had a betta fish in bowl decorated with plants while in college.)
It's in the cleaning products area in Wal-Mart. Use OdoBan to spray a rag to dust anything not wood. Spray on the couch, carpet, rugs, curtains, shower curtain, shoes, in the hamper, in the garbage can and on mattress (not bedding).
Mop the floor with it. Wash shower curtain and shower curtain liner in it.
If something has smoke or other heavy odor, make the first wash using OdoBan, or in place of it Fabuloso or Frebreeze. I love Frebreeze, but it is on the expensive side.
If you have strong odors in the couch or carpet, pre-wash any soiled spots with a carpet foam spray. Spray about 8 inches away (so not to breath) on the area until very damp and use a large, soft scrub brush to brush into the upholstery and spread. The material should stay damp at least 10 - 15 minutes.
If you can't find OdoBan, the other products I would try are Fabuloso and Frebreeze. I make my own Fabuloso spray out of the large, money saving bottle.
Wash bedspread and sheets in Frebreeze, too !
If you can't find the OdoBan, make a solution of 1 to 10 clorox spray - put your old clothes old so nothing important gets bleached and wipe important areas in the kitchen, the sink, toilet, etc. Let stay on the surface at least 2 minutes. Clorox will also kill 99% of bacteria, fungus, etc. Then use the perfumed disinfectant.
With any bacterial cleaner, it is best to use household gloves and wash your hands up past your wrists thoroughly once finished.
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Instead of fresh flowers, use large baskets or heavy vases full of eucalyptus (did I spell that right?) in several places in the room, or switch out with the bags of dried potpourri.
I also like those cinammon smelling weedy brooms that are sometimes seasonal. There are rings that fit over light bulbs and are refillable with liquid fragance - the stone soaks it up.
Since you can't use plug-ins or scented candles, how about one of the small crock pots used for a floral or spicy potpourri? If you are unsure of yourself, buy a timer to control shutting it off. Safety first.
If you take just a few minutes each day and make it a habit, it makes a big difference in your attitude when you come in tired and have lots more to do. Who doesn't like coming 'home' to a neat, clean smelling room ?
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Did you know that the large majority of "air fresheners" is a toxic mix of chemicals? And that besides creating an artificial scent, they have chemicals that numb and deaden the sense of smell? The majority of candles also are not good to use regularly freshen a room, because of what they give off (not sure, but soy candles might be an exception). Regardless, the best thing to do is to keep things clean, and don't let anything that stinks stay stinky. We've been conditioned by advertisers to think that lemon or pine or what have you scent means things are clean. Clean means no smell.
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