Find the source of the odor and deal with it instead of just covering it up. Open a window or use an exhaust fan to ventilate. If you want to scent the air, use herbal or floral bouquets and potpourri, essential oil (scent of your choice) on a cotton ball, or simmer cinnamon and cloves. Set out vinegar in an open dish. Use baking soda on rugs (vacuum afterwards).

Related info in the P2 View Newsletter:

• Ask Eartha about plug-in air fresheners

Mix 2 teaspoons olive oil, 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar, and 20 drops of pure essential lemon oil in a 16 ounce spray bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with water and shake well. Spray onto furniture and wipe dry immediately with a soft cloth.

Combine 2 parts olive oil to 1 part white vinegar in a squirt bottle. Shake well, apply sparingly, and rub in to clean and condition your leather couches, purses, car seats, jackets and boots. Buff dry with a soft cloth. Do not use this on suede!

Pour 3 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 teaspoon borax, and 2 cups of water into a spray bottle. Shake to dissolve. Then add 1 teaspoon liquid soap (or dishwashing liquid) to the bottle and shake it again. Spray on surface and then wipe clean. For tough dirt, leave cleaner on for a few minutes and then wipe off.

Shampoo

Mix a mild liquid soap with 1 pint of boiling water; let cool. Whip paste into stiff foam using an electric mixer. Apply to the carpet with a damp sponge. Rub gently. Work in 4x4 foot sections. Wipe off suds with a clean cloth. To rinse, add 1 cup white vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water. Rinse each section and wipe carpet dry as you go. Change rinse solution frequently. Clean on a dry, sunny day with window open to speed drying. Don’t soak carpet or it may mildew. Test first on an inconspicuous area to prevent discoloration.

Deodorizer

Sprinkle with baking soda. Wait about 15 minutes and then vacuum.

Related info in the P2 View Newsletter:

• Ask Eartha about carpet cleaning tips 
• Roll Out The Green Carpet (environmentally preferable carpet options)

Comb animals frequently with a flea comb. Add brewer’s yeast and garlic to pet’s food to repel fleas. To help eliminate litter box odor, liberally add baking soda to the bottom of the litter box. More info on greening pet care.

Related info in the P2 View Newsletter:

• Ask Eartha about pet spot-on flea and tick products  
• Give a Bark For a Clean State Park (information on pet waste) 
• Ask Eartha about ice melting products and pets

• Care2 has many ideas for cleaning without toxic products, including additional recipes for furniture polish.
• If you don't want to make your own non-toxic cleaning products, purchase ones that are healthier for you and the environment. Look for ones that are certified by Green Seal or Design for the Environment (DfE).