Aromas are one of the most integral parts of our sensory experience for creating comfort in our space. The sense of smell, more so than any other sense, can dramatically shift the mood of a space, and how we feel about it.

Scent, Memories, and Feelings

When we call up memories of influential places or people in our life, we often associate those memories with smells.

Think back to the aroma of cookies baking in a loved one’s kitchen, a favorite perfume or aftershave. Experience how this smell association transports us back to when we first established that core memory.

This is called odor-evoked autobiographical memory, and studies have shown these memories are more vivid than memories cued by other senses.

We can use essential oils in our home airspace to help build an ambiance and create memories through scent-association by season, time of day, and even down to specific rooms.

Think about what feeling you want your visitors to experience when they step into your home—crisp and clean with citruses, or warm and cozy with spices?

Selecting the Perfect Aroma for Your Space

We often decorate rooms in our homes based on the mood we wish to evoke. The essential oils you use in your home can amplify that effect.

• Bedroom

  The bedroom is like our sanctuary, where we go to unwind, relax, and leave the stresses of the day at the door.

  Calming floral aromas like lavender, geranium, and rose, as well as grounding scents like frankincense and sandalwood help seal out the world and create a feeling of privacy and peace.

  Try this recipe for a relaxing nighttime diffusion.

• Kitchen

  Kitchens like to feel bright and sparkly. They are often built with large or many windows to provide the space with natural light and a feeling of openness.

  Citrus essential oils like sweet orange, mandarin, lemon, and grapefruit contribute to that bright, cheery experience, and can also help fight odors to keep kitchens clean.

  Add a sparkle to your kitchen with this grapefruit surface cleaning spray.

• Family Room

  Family rooms tend to be the epicenter of home life, so we want these rooms to have an aroma that can build the happiest of memories.

  Calming floral or resinous aromas like lavender, frankincense, bergamot, and sandalwood help create a relaxed atmosphere for conversations or movie nights, while oils like sweet orange, tangerine, rosemary, peppermint, and eucalyptus are energizing and invigorating for fun game nights.

  Set the mood with this sandalwood and lemon diffusion.

• Bathrooms

  Keeping a clean bathroom often feels like one of the most important aspects of home care, especially when you’re expecting guests.

  Herbaceous and evergreen aromas like rosemary, pine, eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree go a long way to cover unwanted odors and keep your bathrooms feeling spotless.

  Learn how to make your own reed diffusers that are perfect for a clean-feeling bathroom.

Set the Mood with Aromas by the Season

Diffusing different essential oils each season is a great way to bring some of the outdoor vibe into your home space.

• Spring

  Citrus essential oils, especially lemon and sweet orange, are a go-to cheery spring aroma.

  Diffusing them in your home can help clear away the dark, dreary winter gloom, and making your own DIY cleaning products is a great way to be both health- and environmentally conscious when tackling your spring cleaning.

  This lemon and palmarosa diffusion is perfect for welcoming the spring.

• Summer

  Exotic floral aromas and light, bright citruses are the way to go for mimicking the sunny, beautiful outdoors during the summer.

  Middle notes like jasmine, neroli, and rose blended with uplifting tangerine, lime, bergamot, and mandarin can make your home feel like a summer garden in full bloom.

  Make your own summer floral room mist.

• Fall

  Fall is the season of citrus and spice; sweet orange blended with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, and ginger creates a cheering and cozy atmosphere in any room.

  A few drops of cinnamon added to fall decorations like pinecones and wreaths adds to the ambiance of autumn décor.

  Nothing says fall like mulled cider.

• Winter

  Winter can be mentally and emotionally challenging with the colder, darker days and the stresses of the holiday season.

  Herbaceous and evergreen essential oils are soothing and peaceful, reminiscent of walking through a beautiful forest, and can bring that winter peace inside without all the cold.

  Peppermint, pine, cedarwood, and juniper are perfect winter aromas.

  Spread the holiday cheer throughout your home with this wintertime diffusion.

Further Reading

Looking for inspiration for how to enhance your space with aroma? Find recipes, tips, and tricks at auracacia.com or at @auracacia on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook!

After World War II, life in the average US household became easier as waves of new inventions saved time and labor. By the mid 1950s laundry was no longer a multistep task for many people, thanks to wash-and-wear fabrics made from new synthetics including polyester.

The Problem with Microplastics in Synthetic Fabrics

Not having to iron clothes comes at a cost, though, in the form of the microplastics that run out of the washing machine and right into the water supply when synthetic fabrics are laundered. “We’re drinking our clothes,” said biochemical researcher Kevin Dervishi, a PhD candidate at Harvard Medical School.

Microplastic particles in water samples may be the result of plastic bags, water bottles, and other debris breaking down, said Dervishi, “but they can also be shed from clothes thrown in the washer.”

Microplastics shed in the laundry are too small to be trapped by water treatment plants, and they “work their way up the marine food chain from small fish to us,” said Olivia Rosane on the website EcoWatch.

Fish and shellfish samples in California and Indonesia now contain plastic microfibers, according to the Plastic Pollution Coalition. A 2018 research project showed that more than 80 percent of tap water samples contained microplastics, close to 100 percent of which were microfibers. Sea salts and even commercially produced beer is affected.

Steps to Take to Reduce Microplastics

A regional coordinator of the Marine Debris Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Caitlin Wessel said, “It would be really great if the washing machine companies would get on board and come up with a filter to trap these microfibers.”

But there are things you can do that will help.

• Wash Lightly

  Wash synthetic clothes less frequently, in colder water, and on shorter cycles, without filling the washer too full (a tightly packed washing machine means more friction and more shedding of microfibers).

• Dry Gently

  Hang clothes to dry, if possible, or use a dryer only on a low-temperature setting.

• Trap Microplastics

  EcoWatch recommends new products, such as the Cora Ball and Guppyfriend, that collect microfibers in the washing machine and allow you to dispose of them properly.

• Choose Natural Fabrics

  Forget fads: Give up buying cheap, synthetic clothes in favor of those made from natural fibers including cotton, linen, and wool. But even cotton can be treated with toxic chemicals, so look for organic fabrics.

Now — more than ever — we’re thinking deeply about the bacteria we could be bringing into our homes.

At the same time, as we stock our cleaning cabinets for the next major scrub-down, we might also be wondering if the products we use to clean our kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, dishes, and laundry are actually safe for us and our surrounding environment.

Luckily, there are a number of healthy, environmentally-friendly, and plant-based ingredients that can help you achieve a balance between sustainability and home safety.

Highlighted below are common planet-friendly ingredients that can help you clean your home safely as well as five toxic substances to eliminate from your all-natural regimen.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Ingredients

• Citric Acid

  Citric acid, commonly found in citrus fruits, is a compound regularly used to flavor food and beverages. Research shows that the compound can prevent kidney stones and strengthen hair health. But it can be beneficial outside of the body too.

  Because citric acid is nontoxic, a number of today’s natural disinfectants use the ingredient. Because of the compound’s acidity, it’s can remove various bacteria, rust, stains, and soap scum from surfaces and fabrics in the home. Aside from light messes, it can also be used to scrub out more serious issues, like mold and mildew.

• Cellulase

  Cellulase is a probiotic known primarily for easing digestion, however it's also a handy ingredient in natural detergent alternatives.

  Research from 2018 shows that the enzymes in cellulase can speed up the detergency processes, soften clothes, and remove soil or stains.

  Cellulase isn’t just a great nontoxic alternative, it’s also environmentally friendly and safer for clothing than bleach-based cleaners.

• Methyl Ester

  Methyl ester is initially found as an odorant of Jasminum grandiflorum flowers. There are a number of different methyl esters in natural cleaning products. The ingredient, which is a strong solvent, is good for scrubbing up grease and sticky spills. It's such a strong cleaning ingredient it's been listed on the EPA’s National Contingency Plan for oil spill cleanups.

  While methyl esters are derived from flowers, many cleaning products combine them with other solvents like coconut, soy-bean, and citrus oils for extra strength.

• Glycerin

  Glycerin is a great example of a nontoxic, multipurpose substance derived from natural plant and animal sources. If you’re a fan of natural products, you might have already purchased hand soaps, moisturizers, deodorants, or digestive supplements with glycerin in them.

  Like methyl ester, glycerin is also a strong solvent good for cleaning freezer spills and removing tar, mustard, or other deep stains. Because glycerin doesn’t irritate the skin, it can also be used to make dish or hand soaps.

• Oleic Acid

  Oleic acids — a healthy fat also known as omega 9 — is found in foods or ingredients like olives, olive oil, avocado oil, macadamia nuts, and almond butter. While research has shown that this omega fat can help with brain function, it’s also an emollient — or skin-softening agent — which makes it a solid ingredient in natural soaps or detergents.

• Lavender Oil

  Lavender oil is just one of the many beneficial essential oils you can use for housecleaning. While lavender can relax people with its calming scent, it’s also an insect and moth deterrent, which makes it a useful ingredient in cloth or outdoor cleaning supplies.

Toxic Cleaning Ingredients to Avoid

• Chlorine Bleach

  There’s nothing that ruins a well-cleaned home like the migraine-inducing small of bleach. Not only does bleach smell terrible, it’s toxic.

  Bleach is especially dangerous when mixed with ammonia, discussed more in detail below. This mixture creates toxic gases called chloramines, which can cause coughing, nausea, shortness of breath, watery eyes, chest pain, and nose or throat irritation, and even pneumonia.

  Depending on where you shop or live, it might be challenging to find cleaning products without trace amounts of bleach in them. Luckily, there are a number of healthy, natural, and powerful cleaning alternatives that might already be in your own kitchen. While you can start by looking for products with ingredients on the plant-based list above, you can also try implementing vinegar and baking soda into your cleaning regimen.

• Ammonia

  Among your local grocery store’s bleach-based cleaning products, you’ll also likely find a number of items that include ammonia — a pungent gas that’s often mixed with water to create cleaning solutions.

  Like bleach, this ingredient is toxic. According to the New York Health Department, heavy exposure to it can cause burning of the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract. This exposure can also result in blindness, lung damage, or even death. Meanwhile, inhalation of smaller amounts of ammonia can cause coughing, nose irritation, and throat pain.

• Parabens

  Since the 1920s, parabens have been used in many products including food, body care items, and cleaning liquids. Despite their popularity, parabens can dangerously impact the human body. Specifically, research has linked them to hormone disruption, infertility, and various cancers.

• Triclosan (or TCS)

  In 2016, the FDA banned triclosan’s use in hand soap because research could not demonstrate it was safe for skin. However, it has not yet been banned from some cleaning products or toothpaste.

  What researchers do know is that too much exposure to this chemical, also known as TCS, can harm reproduction and the body’s ability to create mitochondria, or healthy cell membranes.

• 2-Butoxyethanol

  2-butoxyethanol is described by the CDC as a colorless liquid with a mild odor. When exposed to it, the chemical can harm the eyes, skin, kidneys, and blood.

  2-butoxyethanol is a heavy-duty solvent found in paint strippers, thinners, and household cleaners. The CDC notes that employees in many industries, including construction, printing, manufacturing, and cleaning may see higher instances of exposure.

Navigating Natural Cleaning Products

When choosing products for your next cleaning spree, be sure to research brand websites, physical labels, and product reviews to determine if an item and its ingredients are appropriate and safe for your home. Keep in mind that a number of great environmentally-friendly companies offer transparent product labels and ingredient guides directly on their websites.

For more tips on how to research and understand complicated product labels, check out this helpful article.

Here are some recommendations in order to provide the highest level of safety for you, and longevity for your pots and pans.

How to Remove Grease, Stains, and Burn Marks

Many cleaning products are packed with chemicals, and then you wash your pots and pans with these substances. Here are the best ways to clean your pots and pans.

• Water

  Soak your pots and pans in hot water. Let them soak and then give them some elbow grease.

• Salt and Lime Juice

  Squirt some lime juice and throw some salt into your dirty pots and pans. Let this rest for a few minutes and then scrub. The salt and citrus juices will lift dirt and burnt areas.

• Baking Soda

  This is great if you have excessive amounts of grease left in your pots and pans. The baking soda will suck the grease up and allow for easier disposal (it will clump up).

• Vinegar

  Vinegar is great for cutting through grease and stains. Make your own all-purpose spray using some citrus peels, vinegar and water. It is quite simple to make and is a great natural alternative.

Getting Rid of Pots and Pans

Sometimes they've just got to go. It's important to know when, and make informed choices.

When Should You Replace Non-Stick Pots and Pans?

• Replace Them with Better Cookware

  If you are able to, replace your non-stick pots and pans right away. Replacing them with a safer, longer lasting option is your best bet.

• Non-Stick Coating Begins to Flake

  Make sure you replace pots and pans before they begin to ‘flake’. The coating will begin to flake off after extensive use and can end up in your food.

• Pots and Pans Have a Chemical Smell

  Do not overheat non-stick cookware in the oven. Temperatures get too hot, and there is an increase in chemical fumes.

How Should I Dispose of Old Pots and Pans?

In order to get rid of these, you may have to call up your city and see how to properly dispose of them (e.g. scrap metal depot).

Cooking basic meals is a lot quicker and easier when the ingredients you need are readily at hand. While canned goods last a long time when stored properly, some items such as dried herbs lose quality and freshness as soon as they’re bottled. Always check expiration dates before buying shelf-stable items.

Shop for Pantry Staples

Stock items in your pantry that appeal to you and your family. If no one likes quinoa, don’t buy it. If you can’t see yourself ever using olives, forgo them. Don’t feel you need to have all of the following items on hand all the time. Buy what you’ll use most often.

To get you started, here are some of the more common pantry items.

• Basic Baking Staples

  • all-purpose flour
  • baking powder
  • baking soda
  • cream of tartar
  • vanilla extract
  • unsweetened cocoa powder
  • semisweet chocolate chips
  • agave syrup
  • maple syrup
  • honey
  • cornstarch
  • cornmeal

• Basic Breakfast / Snack Staples

  • breakfast cereals
  • rolled oats
  • applesauce
  • seeds
  • nuts
  • nut butters
  • dried fruit
  • crackers
  • tortillas
  • popcorn kernels
  • rice cakes
  • all-fruit jams
  • shelf-stable nondairy milk, tea, coffee

• Staple Condiments, Grains, and Dry Goods

  • oils
    • extra-virgin
    • a neutral variety, e.g. grapeseed
  • canned beans
  • roasted red bell peppers
  • sun-dried tomatoes
  • crushed and diced tomatoes
  • tomato sauce, tomato paste
  • salsa
  • olives
  • capers
  • broths (vegetable, chicken)
  • vinegars
    • apple cider
    • red wine
    • white wine
    • balsamic
    • sherry
    • rice
  • canned tuna
  • hot sauce
  • unsweetened canned coconut milk
  • mayonnaise
  • mustard
  • ketchup
  • low-sodium soy sauce
  • pickles
  • quinoa
  • brown rice
  • polenta
  • couscous 
  • breadcrumbs
  • dried lentils
  • pasta

• Basic Produce Staples

  • onions
  • potatoes
  • garlic
  • shelf-stable tofu

• Staple Seasonings

  • salt
  • pepper
  • red pepper flakes
  • chili powder
  • ground cayenne pepper
  • curry powder
  • paprika
  • dried thyme
  • dried rosemary
  • dried oregano
  • ground cumin
  • granulated garlic
  • ground cinnamon
  • ground ginger
  • ground cloves
  • bay leaves
  • black peppercorns

How to Organize Your Pantry

There’s no single best organization system for everyone, so consider what would work and be most logical for you. Will it be easier to find baking items if they’re grouped together? Or does alphabetically stocking the shelves make more sense for finding something in a hurry?

Keep Pantry Items Visible

Try to have all items visible. If you don’t see it, you probably won’t use it. If you want to transfer items to clear glass or plastic containers, consider those that are rectangular in shape. They stack more easily and take up less space.

Label & Date Your Pantry Items

Use permanent marker on painter’s tape to make labels. Mark the item’s name and expiration date, and place the label where it can easily be spotted. This is helpful when trying to find something located below eye level.

Finally, enjoy your well-stocked and organized pantry! Use it as inspiration to plan healthy meals.