Why use toxic artificial fragrances? Essential oils can eat up odors from cooking, mold, mildew, airborne microorganisms and other everyday pollutants that enter the home. Some have powerful disinfecting properties as well; the pressed oils of oregano, basil, clove and thyme in particular are highly antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.

There are hundreds of different essential oils to choose from. Buy preblended oils, or just experiment with different combinations. Ask at your local health food store for therapeutic-grade oils, and remember, a few drops go a long way.

Excerpted from Green This! Volume One: Greening Your Cleaning (Simon & Schuster, 2007) by Deidre Imus

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