Natural air fresheners

[bethoid]

Not sure if this is the right avenue for posting...but how do bird owners freshen the air? And not from their birds but stinky dogs? I have two older special needs dogs, and sometimes they are just down right awful. Since getting our latest addition (GCC), I have not wanted to use any sprays, candles, etc. So are their good alternatives? How about natural oils? We have a fairly open living space and we all share it.

 

[Bridgette]

When Kiwi goes to bed for the night, I will simmer lemon peel, or orange peel with some cinnamon sticks in there. In the summer, I will cut up a cucumber and leave it out for a half hour or so. It's a nice earthy smell.

I used to keep lavender plants in my bedroom, but I killed them. They smell amazing!

Kathie sells anise star by the pound Whole Star Anise BULK PER POUND - NUTS FRUITS VEGGIES SEED by MY SAFE BIRD STORE and you can simmer that. I find the scent of star anise to be strong enough to not need simmering, but I think she mentioned she will simmer it.

Just make sure you use stainless steel pots and don't forget about it on the stove!

 

[ncGreyBirdLady]

You can simmer a pot of water on the stove and add cinnamon sticks cloves,ginger,orange or lemon peels etc etc
You could also place small dishes of baking soda or vinegar in strategic places to help!Be careful with natural oils-some of them are Not good to use

Guidelines For The Safe Use Of Essential Oil Diffusers With Birds

 

[merlinsmom13]

I have an herb "sweet annie" that you can make into wreaths or dried arrangements. It holds its scent forever. I'm not sure its bird safe, Ive been trying to determine this. Merlin ignores it, so no problem there. I also have a floor steamer, I didn't realize it when I bought it, but it freshens the air when you steam the floors.

 

[Chantilly Lace]

I do the cinnamon sticks and orange or lemon peels on the stove, it works really really well.

 

[GG.]

I use the lemon/orange/lime slices/peels simmered on the stove too


I have also noticed a dramatic decrease in household odors after adding 2 full size Austin Air cleaners to the mix

 

[bethoid]

I tried simmering orange peel but didn't seem to notice a huge difference so I added just a couple drops of orange oil and that was good. Yes, I am all to stainless steel now!!!

 

[bethoid]

I use baking soda for vacuuming and applying to dog beds...but maybe I will try just leaving some out by the dog beds. Really the issue is when the dog get gassy!!! ha!

 

[birdlady]

You can also bu plug in electric simmer pots...like a mini crock pot and simmer the cinnamon, orange peel, etc...in there...safer than the stove I think

 

[TypingParrot]

I mixed white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. We lived in a trailer and it was an open floor plan, so chemicals were kind of a no-no anyway. I can't smell, so I don't know how strong the vinegar is when you spray it, but we we're getting complaints on our 2 dogs!

 

[GG.]

I use baking soda for vacuuming and applying to dog beds...but maybe I will try just leaving some out by the dog beds. Really the issue is when the dog get gassy!!! ha!

goggie gas is the worst clothespins work best for that

baking soda is good and if you can air them out in the sun for a couple hours every so often between washes that helps too

You can also bu plug in electric simmer pots...like a mini crock pot and simmer the cinnamon, orange peel, etc...in there...safer than the stove I think

I agree Leslie - it is so easy (for me anyway - I'm the one that has to carry a timer to remember the stove and the water hose in the ponds ) to forget and let them cook dry and they last longer like that too

 

[birdlady]

I am one to easily forget if left on the stove. I get sidetracked with so many different things that the simmer pot is best for me! lol

 

[waterfaller1]

Can the dogs be washed?

 

[bethoid]

Yes, the dogs get washed. But it's their gas that is the issue...they are special needs, one is on a ton of medicine and the other has cancer and probiotics help, but sometimes not.

 

[waterfaller1]

Oh..sorry.. My dog can cut some eye watering silent but deadlies too.