Many people look for natural and affordable ways to keep their homes smelling fresh and inviting.
One simple method that’s becoming popular is placing a glass of water mixed with baking soda and a few drops of lavender oil in a room. This easy combination not only neutralizes odors but also adds calming benefits that improve the overall atmosphere.
The Power of Lavender Oil
Lavender oil, extracted from lavender flowers, is packed with compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate that give it its soothing fragrance and therapeutic properties.
Research shows lavender can calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and even improve sleep. Its antimicrobial effects also help clean the air of bacteria and fungi, making it a favorite in aromatherapy for both mental and physical well-being.
Baking Soda: A Natural Deodorizer
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a household staple known for its ability to neutralize odors. Its chemical structure allows it to react with acidic and basic molecules, effectively eliminating unpleasant smells from cooking, pets, or dampness. Beyond deodorizing, it is widely used in cleaning, skin care, and even cooking thanks to its versatility and affordability.
Why They Work So Well Together
When used together, baking soda clears the air of odors, while lavender oil adds a soothing scent and therapeutic benefits. To try it, mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water in a glass and add three to five drops of lavender oil.
Place it in a bedroom, living room, or office, and let the natural diffusion do the work. The result is a space that feels fresher, calmer, and more inviting.
Health and Wellness Benefits
The combination does more than just improve ambiance. Lavender oil’s relaxing properties can ease stress, help with insomnia, and even lift mood by influencing the brain’s limbic system.
Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities may also promote better respiratory and skin health. Baking soda, meanwhile, is sometimes used as a natural remedy for indigestion, though in this home hack it primarily works by improving air quality.
Cost-Effective and Trendy
Another reason this trick has gained popularity is its affordability. Lavender oil lasts a long time since only a few drops are needed per use, and baking soda is one of the cheapest and most versatile items in any household.
With DIY home hacks becoming more popular as alternatives to chemical-heavy products, this method is simple, safe, and effective.
Precautions and Extra Uses
While generally safe, lavender oil should be used sparingly, as its scent can be strong. Always keep both ingredients out of reach of children and pets. Beyond air freshening, they can be used in countless ways—lavender oil in homemade cleaners or bath products, and baking soda as a scrub, toothpaste, or gentle cleaner.
This small DIY trick blends practicality with relaxation, showing how natural ingredients can transform your living space into a fresher, calmer, and healthier environment.