DIY Life

Chemical air fresheners have come under fire in the last few years for containing chemicals called phthalates, which can affect hormones in the body, as well as other potentially dangerous components. Some have even been found to reduce lung capacity, which is one of the reasons we don't use them at our house.

But just because you've decided not to use chemical fragrances doesn't mean that you don't like things to smell pretty. I'll show you how to make a simple, natural air freshener that is chemical-free, as well as inexpensive and easy to make after the break.


You'll need:

• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1/2 cup cinnamon
• plastic zip-type bag
• waxed paper
• various cookie cutters
• small rolling pin
• unsharpened pencil
• string or ribbon

Mix the applesauce and cinnamon together inside the zip-type bag. Seal the bag and mix the ingredients together well, until they form a dough. (Note: This part is GREAT fun for kids.) Dump the dough out onto a sheet of waxed paper. Cover with a second sheet, then roll out to 1/4 inch thick; too thin and it will crack, too thick and it will take too long to dry.

Carefully use the cookie cutters to cut out shapes in your dough. When finished, use the pencil to poke a small hole in the top to tie in a ribbon or string for hanging. Leave your air fresheners to dry overnight or longer if necessary, then hang them in your car, kitchen, or even stick them in a dresser drawer.

For more great smelling ideas, check out Debra McDuffee's The Scentual Life.