Artificial air fresheners like plug-ins, aerosol deodorizing sprays, scented candles, and similar deodorizing products can be incredibly harmful to the respiratory, endocrine, and neurological systems of the human body. Not only that, but they only cover-up the bad smells, they don’t actually deodorize the home. Here is a useful list of products that can help get rid of various smells in the home – the natural way. The safer way.
BOC
BOC is short for Biological Odor Control. It is an odor-neutralizing product made by Medina Agricultural Products. BOC works by controlling and balancing microbial activity. It can be used anywhere in the home, where odors are a problem – including the bathroom, kitchen, pet areas, etc. According to the Medina product info page, BOC works by releasing “biological activators that supercharge the naturally occurring biological reduction process.” BOC is safe and natural to use. However, chemically sensitive persons should not apply BOC themselves, because the product does supercharge the intended odor before eliminating it. Chemically sensitive persons should have someone else spray the BOC and allow adequate time for airing out before returning to the treated area.
Concrobium
Concrobium is one of the safest and most effective options for getting rid of musty, moldy, mildewy smells. Concrobium is a natural mold remediating product. It is more effective than bleach and other mold remediating products because it actually kills the mold by drying out the surface and crushing the mold micro-spores underneath. It is made out of special salts that are sprayed onto the moldy surface. The salts then dry out and kill the mold. The solution is odorless and leaves no trace. It also keeps mold from growing back in that same place. Concrobium can be sprayed on bathroom tile, moldy wood, or anywhere in the home where mold and mildew may be causing odorous problems. For large problematic areas, a fogger can be rented from a local home improvement store and the Concrobium can be fogged throughout the area.
Ozone Generators
Ozone generators are excellent devices that can help neutralize cigarette smoke odors, mildew odors, and everyday bad smells in the home. Chemically sensitive individuals should not be in the area when ozone machines are being used, and should wait a few days before going into the treated area, because the by-products of the ozone can cause respiratory issues.
Fresh Air
Fresh air is a highly underrated and often overlooked deodorizer. Instead of adding more VOCs to the home to cover-up odor problems, try fresh air as an alternative. Opening up the windows on a warm day can allow fresh air to come in – and bad air to go out. A fan can be placed in a window facing outward in one room, and another window can be simply left open to create a wind tunnel through the home. Another way to get fresh air into the house is through an air exchange system built into the Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. This can be done by using a Heating or Energy Recovery Ventilator (HRV or ERV). HRVs and ERVs discharge indoor air to the outside, while at the same time allowing an equal amount of fresh air to come in from the outside.
Zeolites
Zeolites are a volcanic mineral rocks that are completely natural and good for absorbing unwanted odors in the home.
Baking Soda
Everyone knows the old deodorizing stand-by: baking soda. Use this in the refrigerator, trash cans, on carpet, and in the drains to help naturally deodorize the home.
