ellen 
Winter, the windows are closed. It’s freezing and mucky outside. The place we exist, our home, gets no air circulation, especially if you live with radiators. Here are some helpful hints to keep the house smelling fresh in the dead of winter.
- Keep a lively indoor garden. House plants can help circulate the air and take pollutants out, purifying the air indoors.
- Buying fresh flowers, or forcing spring bulbs can add a pleasant scent to your home.
- Dusting. I use a mixture of water, white vinegar, and a little essential oil. Dampen a cloth with a swig of vinegar and a dot of oil. Run the cloth under the faucet, wring, and dust. It’ll leave your house smelling very sweet (if you use orange or geranium oil).
- Using a humidifier that has a well for essential oils. Each night, I put a few drops of eucalyptus in my Vicks humidifier. Eucalyptus is antibacterial, antiseptic and is a great decongestant (if you are feeling a bit under the weather).
- Open windows every once in a while.
- Scented candles as well as fires in the fireplace can make winter nights feel cozy and smell great.
- Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning. Using baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils is all you really need to keep things clean. A Guide to Green Housekeeping by Christina Strutt is my go to book.
