Fall is one of my favorite seasons for all of its unique aromas. Pumpkin, cinnamon, and apple are just a few common scents for fall. As soon as September hits, I’m stocking my shelves and home closets with all natural and soy candles in these delicious fragrances. I just love these scents in my home throughout the season. It feels comforting to me and reminds me that my favorite holidays are right around the corner.

One thing I am always cautious of is making sure my home fragrance is eco-friendly. Scented liquids and traditional air fresheners can be bad for your health and bad for the environment. Those which contain artificial ingredients and chemicals should be avoided at all costs. Many chemicals are carcinogens when used in large amounts, and are made of byproducts from other manufacturing processes. Rather, you should only use products with ingredients found in nature.

By scenting your home with eco-friendly products, some of which you can make yourself, you are improving the quality of the air in your home, which is better for your overall health and contributes to making our world a greener place.

So how do you create an eco-friendly scented home? These are 4 simple ideas that can work for you whether you are inclined to create your own product or prefer to purchase.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are one simple way to create your own natural fragrance. A few drops of essential oils in the fragrance of your choice mixed with water will go a long way in creating a healthy fragrant home.

There are a number of ways to disperse the fragrance. You can purchase a diffuser or use some everyday household methods at a lower cost. This article from Keeper of the Home shares many ways to experiment with essential oils. 

Soy Candles

If you’re feeling adventurous or maybe even looking for a new hobby, making your own soy candles might be right up your alley. Soy candles are much healthier than traditional candles. Traditional candles made with paraffin can contain up to 11 different carcinogens or toxins. Soy candles are a healthier choice, and if you make them yourself, you know exactly what's going in them, making them a safer alternative.

A Beautiful Mess has a great detailed tutorial for making your own soy candles.

Boiling Spices

If you’ve ever made a warm holiday wassail or punch, you know the wonderful aroma that permeates through your house when it’s boiling on the stove. Similarly, you can make home scents by boiling spices such as cinnamon sticks and cloves, or a spice mix of your preference. And don’t be afraid to experiment! Add orange peels and heat for 20 minutes. Simmer in just enough water that the spices don't burn, but as little as possible so the water absorbs as much fragrance as possible.

Once the water is done simmering, pour it in a fragrance diffuser. Or simply keep it on the stove for the day.

Purchased Candles and Scents

If you opt for convenience there are many great candle and fragrance products to purchase. Just make sure you check the ingredients and purchase only all natural or soy based candles. One of my favorites that we use in our spa gift baskets is Green Daffodil. These are hand crafted in Michigan and come in many fragrances. They are soy based and also come in various sizes.

Scenting your home is a form of aromatherapy and should enhance your home environment in a healthy and feel-good way.