Whether you’re cooking up a storm, have pets or simply want to freshen stale air, it's important to banish the odors that can linger in the home.
And if you don’t want to spray toxic air fresheners in the air, there is one surprising trick that can help you banish smells.
What’s more, you can find these natural items in your kitchen cupboards, and they won’t cost much at all. I’ve recently heard about mixing bay leaves and baking soda to eliminate odors. But do they really work? Here’s everything you need to know.
Why bay leaves and baking soda good at removing smells
Now we’ve all heard about the cleaning properties of baking soda, but this natural solution can also absorb smells. This is because it works to neutralize bad odors that come from acids, by regulating the pH levels of volatile compounds.
In fact, I often leave a small bowl of baking soda at the back of my refrigerator to quickly absorb any lingering food odors.
“Baking soda is a natural deodoriser that can absorb odors and bacteria,” agrees Vittoria Wellen‑Bombelli, expert at Pavers, “so it’s no surprise that many TikTokers have chosen this approach to combat smelly shoes.”
Additionally, bay leaves are typically used to flavor our recipes, but can it also banish bad smells?
Despite the lack of scientific evidence, mixing fragrant bay leaves to the odor-busting baking soda could make a nice combo to freshen your home.
How to use bay leaves and baking soda to freshen up your home
There are several ways you can use bay leaves and baking soda to make a handy home-made air freshener.
First, you could simply place a handful of bay leaves in four to six cups of water in a pot and gently simmer. Wait for the water to cool down before straining the bay leaves. Next, add two tablespoons of baking soda to two cups of bay leaf liquid before pouring it into a spray bottle.
Alternatively, if you don’t have fresh bay leaves, you can use a bay leaf essential oil. First, take a clean spray bottle and fill with two cups of water. Add two tablespoons of baking soda and 25 drops of essential oil, and mix thoroughly before spraying in the air.
Of course, if you’re regularly dealing with lingering odors or simply want cleaner air, it’s always good to invest in one of the best air purifiers to quickly filter airborne pollutants.
Not only will this DIY spray eliminate horrid smells, but will leave your home smelling fragrant all the time. Which is always a bonus!
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