Green Spring Cleaning: Freshen Up

With winter behind us, it's time to embrace the season of rejuvenation by reducing clutter and attacking grime. This week we're providing tips to green your spring cleaning and give your home a fresh beginning.

Tip #3: Use Natural Air Fresheners

A clean house is often associated with a "fresh" smell, so it's ironic that synthetic air fresheners could be contaminating homes with phthalates or formaldehyde. To really freshen up a room, try opening the windows first. Next, invest in houseplants. NASA has been studying the pollution-reducing abilities of plants for years. Some of the plants tested by NASA and shown to remove benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from the air include the peace lily, spider plant, golden pothos, mother-in-law's tongue, bamboo palm, ficus, pot mum, and gerbera daisy.

Share your tips: What are your natural remedies for fighting odor in the home?