“Just ₹10 can protect you from a deadly respiratory disease.”
That’s what Akshay Kumar tells us before we warm up our seats in a movie hall. But what if it’s true?
Baking soda and some liquid are the solution to all your aversion to chemical air fresheners.
However, the chemical air fresheners offer a long-lasting fragrance. So which one would you buy?
We will hold your hand in this blog and help you out of this dilemma. So, read till the end and then decide on the brand of your next air freshener.
Natural Car Fresheners
Natural car fresheners are made from organic and eco-friendly ingredients. They use essential oils, herbs, spices, or natural absorbents like charcoal and baking soda to neutralise odours and provide a pleasant scent.
Pros:
| Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic | Natural ingredients will save you from migraines, asthma, dermatitis, neurological problems, and hormonal imbalances. |
| Long-Lasting Scents | Although they don’t contain synthetic alcohol, the ethyl alcohol helps the fragrances last for at least 5-6 hours. |
| Odour Absorption | Natural air fresheners use baking soda in the mixture. Baking soda helps cancel out foul odour. |
| Customisable | Since natural air fresheners don’t have a recipe that you need to follow, you can add and subtract ingredients as you please. |
Cons:
- Higher Cost: Some natural fresheners, especially essential oil-based ones, can be more expensive than chemical alternatives.
- Limited Intensity: Natural fragrances may not be as strong or immediate as synthetic scents.
- Frequent Replacement Needed: Many natural options, such as potpourri or citrus peels, require regular replenishment.
- Chemical Car Fresheners
Chemical car fresheners typically contain synthetic fragrances and air-neutralising agents. They come in various forms, including aerosols, hanging fresheners, vent clips, and gels.
Pros:
| Strong and Immediate Effect | Chemical air fresheners quickly fill the car with fragrance, masking any odours.
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| Affordable and Widely Available | These fresheners are often more budget-friendly and easy to find. |
| Variety of Scents | A wide range of fragrances are available, from fruity to musky, catering to different preferences. |
| Longer Shelf Life | Many chemical fresheners last longer than natural alternatives. |
Cons:
- Potential Health Risks: Some synthetic fragrances contain harmful chemicals that may cause allergies or respiratory issues.
- Masking vs. Eliminating Odours: Unlike natural options, many chemical fresheners mask odours rather than neutralising them.
- Environmental Impact: Aerosols and synthetic ingredients may contribute to air pollution and waste.
Which One Should You Choose?
We would understand that you are still confused about which one to buy. Therefore, we would like to give you a look at these tables:
| Store Brought Air Freshener | DIY Air Freshener |
| Formaldehyde | Essential Oils |
| Parabens | Distilled Water |
| Phthalates | Alcohol-Free Thayer’s Witch Hazel |
| Alcohol | Ethyl Alcohol |
| Water | Baking Soda |
| Component | Effects |
| Formaldehyde | Carcinogen (Long lasting effects leading to cancer.) |
| Parabens | Prevalent cause of breast cancer and hormone disruption |
| Phthalates | Linked to birth defects |
| Alcohol | Irritates sensitive skin |
| Amyl Cinnamal | Causes skin irritation, respiratory problems, and endocrine disruption |
| Cis-3-Hexenyl Salicylate | Causes dermatitis, redness, itching, and harm to aquatic life |
| Methyl Lolone | Causes respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis |
| Hexyl Cinnamal | Prevalent cause of dermatitis |
Your choice between natural and chemical car fresheners depends on your priorities:
- If you prefer a healthier, eco-friendly, natural option, useessential oil diffusers, charcoal bags, or DIY fresheners.
- If you need a strong, quick, and budget-friendlysolution, chemical fresheners may be more suitable.
- For a balanced approach, consider combining both natural fresheners for daily freshness and chemical options for quick odour removal when needed.
Final Thoughts
Both natural and chemical car fresheners have their benefits and drawbacks. Choosing the right one depends on your preferences, budget, and health and environmental concerns. Whether you opt for a natural or synthetic alternative, keeping your car fresh enhances your driving experience and ensures a pleasant atmosphere for passengers.
