Dear Reena: I’m tired of replacing the numerous plug-in air fresheners around my home, and it is also becoming expensive. Do you have a recipe for homemade air fresheners?
Ruth
Here is a very simple air freshener that you can make yourself. In a spray bottle, mix half cup rubbing alcohol, one cup water and ten drops lemon essential oil. Spray room as needed. You can even add a few drops of this recipe to your vacuum bag. Also, placing sprigs of eucalyptus around your home will leave you with a nice aroma. Or, put a bowl of vanilla in rooms that need freshening. Another option is to purchase a catalytic lamp, although a little pricey, it should last for many years.
These fragrance lamps are said to actually purify the air, eliminate unpleasant odours and leave behind wonderful fragrances that will fill your home or office. One more solution, I love the smell of beeswax candles — what a wonderful scent when lit. This is another great way to make a room smell nice without adding a bunch of unhealthy toxins into the air.
Dear Reena: Is using vegetable oil on new butcher block a good idea? Or do I need to pick up some mineral oil or something like that?
Max
For everyday cleaning, wipe butcher block with dish soap and water. Rinse with water. To sanitize butcher block, combine one part white vinegar into a spray bottle with four parts water. Spray and leave for 10 minutes. Wipe. When the time comes to oil butcher block, food grade mineral oil is recommended. This prevents wood from smelling rancid over time.
Butcher blocks are beautiful and durable and can last for many years if cared for properly.
Why didn’t I think of that?
• Whenever I go to the beach or head on vacation, I roll my bills into an empty lip balm tube. I keep the container safe and in my pocket, unless I’m swimming.Melanie
• Many people know that mosquitoes hate the smell of lavender. So instead of drenching my kids with bug spray, I have come up with an alternative. I bought lavender liquid fabric softener online. I fill a lidded plastic container with the fabric softener and place a few small sponges inside the container.
Whenever I do the wash, I toss in a sponge. My clothes end up smelling like lavender which helps repel mosquitoes. After the sponge is dry, I place it back into the fabric softener until the next time I need it.
Laura
• I made a soaker hose by drilling holes along the length of my old leaking garden hose. The hose lays along the ground and waters my entire garden at once.Brent
• Ants were attracted to the hummingbird feeders in my yard so I smeared the pole with vapor rub. Now, the hummingbirds can drink in peace — no more ants.
Sarah
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
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