No matter how we try to prevent it, our homes are full of smells. Some of them are good and some of them are not so pleasant. Using aerosol sprays only masks the smells and can put chemicals into the air, giving off something worse. Try these five ideas to create air fresheners that help your home and the environment at the same time.

1. Use potpourri. It is everywhere and some people only bring it out during the holidays. The problem is, the scent will get used up and the potpourri will look nice but do nothing to help the air. You can replace it at this point or add to it and use some natural scents to freshen it. Dried herbs and spices can be of help. Use some fresh cinnamon or nutmeg to add a new smell to the potpourri. Using a few sprigs of fresh mint or sprinkling dried mint on the potpourri not only adds fragrance but mint is a natural ant repellent.

2. Essential oils can be used to scent the home. These natural oils are derived from plants and non-toxic. Combine it with at least four parts of water in a spray bottle to spritz potpourri, silk flowers, and other natural arrangements in our home like holly leaf garland and pinecones. Avoid furniture because the oil can leave a film. If you notice that happening, add more water to your spray bottle. Add a couple drops to a pot of simmering water on your stove.

3. Fruits make a great smelling wreath for the home. Cut an orange, apple, and lemon into thin circles. Allow the fruit to dry on a cookie sheet. Overlay the fruit to create a wreath design. It can be attached to a wooden framework or some wire. To preserve the fruit, cover with a bit of shellac or floor wax. They last for several weeks and can be hung on any door to freshen the room. Some people even use whole fruits and pierce the top to let the smell come through.

4. Beeswax candles are a natural air freshener. The candles give off a honey flavored scent that burns clean with no mess. Beeswax candles can be purchased in a variety of shapes and sizes. Avoid any color but the natural one if you want to remain eco friendly with the air freshener.

5. Combine several different scents to create a dried bowl arrangement. These arrangements can be put in wooden shallow bowls or clear glass bowls so they are visible to everyone. For decoration, use some natural wooden filler that are sold at most craft stores. Add in some fresh dried herbs like mint, rosemary, or thyme. For a more seasonal smell, try some cinnamon sticks, fresh nutmeg, and some ground clove. Sit some beeswax pillar candles flat in the bowl as the centerpiece.

Are you looking for ways to freshen the air in your house? Use the above ideas to get started. When all else fails, bake a pie.

Vinegar, it turns out is a very versatile household item. There are of course different types of vinegar, many used in cooking, but here the focus will be on other tried and true uses I’ve found for vinegar. A gallon of white vinegar is now a staple in my cleaning supply cabinet.

1. Clean your microwave with vinegar. I’m not going to tell you how often to do this, just how I’ve done it in the past. Wipe all the crumbs out of your microwave first, then heat 3/4 cup white vinegar to boiing. Trun off microwave at that point, but keep door closed. Let vinegar stand for 3-5 minutes, then wipe clean. Repeat for stubborn stuck on spots.

2. Clean windows with vinegar and water for a streak-free shine. To be really frugal, I have heard you can then wipe this with newspaper, but I prefer papertowels. This same solution can be used to clean bathroom mirrors as well.

3. Spot clean your tile floors. Mix equal parts white vinegar and hot water in a spray bottle, then spray dried food, or other larger dirty spots on your tiles. Leave it set there for a couple minutes before you wipe it clean. This works as an excellent pre-treatment before mopping to take care of all the trouble spots ahead of time.

4. Remove hard water stains from the inside of vases, jars, glasses. Fill the container with a warm water and vinegar combination and let soak overnight. In the morning you may have to wipe it some, but then handwash it clean.

5. Clean and polish stainless steel or chrome fixtures using a cloth dampened with vinegar. I keep my spray bottle of vinegar and water close by to spry as needed, but I find if I stay on top of my cleaning a quick spray and wipe is all I need to get the bathroom and kitchen fixtures clean.

So, add a gallon of white vinegar to your shopping list, and invest in a good spray bottle. Then go to work on your household glass, mirrors, countertops, fixtures, tile floors and shower doors. Not only will you be saving time and money by using one product, but vinegar also eliminates the need for many chemical cleaners, thus it is good for our kids and the environment in general.