The Nose Knows: Herbal Carpet Deodorizer

If you have furry, four-legged companions, and you also have any type of carpeting or rugs in your home, you already know these two things don't necessarily mix. In fact, sooner or later, you may have some lingering odors that even the most nose-blind would find hard to ignore. There are plenty of carpet products in the stores, but many contain chemicals and fragrances that might not be so good for you, your pet, and anyone else in your household. Thankfully, you can make a quick and easy carpet deodorizer at home, with just a few ingredients:

Herbal Carpet Deodorizer

Ingredients:
1 lb. baking soda
1/2 cup loosely packed crumbled, dried herbs such as lavender, sage, or rosemary (use whatever you like best or a combination)

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Spoon into an airtight jar or container and store in a cool, dry place. To use, sprinkle a thin layer evenly over carpet and let stand for 10-30 minutes, then vacuum as usual—your vacuum will consequently be deodorized as well :-)

Have any great home-cleaning hacks that are easy and safe for the whole family? Be sure to share in the comments!

Notes: You can certainly use just the baking soda for its odor-absorbing properties, but the herbs add an additional odor-fighting layer that will also help repel any critters with more than four legs. Be sure to mix the ingredients together on a relatively dry day (or in the comfort of your air conditioning) to avoid clumping. For serious deodorizing, sprinkle and leave overnight before vacuuming—just be sure to keep everyone out of the room while it sits!

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Worth Your Salt: Rosemary-Grapefruit Body Scrub

I love how more people are interested in making bath and beauty products from scratch. It's better for you, it saves resources, and it doesn't even take much time. I have several friends who make lovely concoctions, soothing to both body and soul, and I enjoy using them tremendously. I'm not as skilled as they are, but thankfully there are lots of simple things to try!

The dry winter air can be unforgiving on your skin, and sometimes it needs a little boost. Both exfoliating and moisturizing, a body scrub is easy to make from ingredients you probably have already:

Rosemary-Grapefruit Body Scrub

Ingredients:
2 cups kosher salt
1 1/2 cups grapeseed oil
1/4 cup dried rosemary
zest of one pink grapefruit

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. Store in airtight containers (you will have enough for yourself and a friend). Keep by the tub or in the shower. After washing, scoop some out with your fingertips and massage gently into your skin, then rinse off completely with hot water. Use once or twice a week to provide a barrier between your skin and the elements. Do be very careful—this stuff is slippery! Whatever oil is left on the surface of your skin after using will be absorbed, leaving your skin supple and smooth without the need for additional moisturizers.

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